Plužine: A guide for a family trip through the realm of lakes, canyons and mountain silence

Why choose Plužine for a family vacation? Plužine offers a unique combination of untouched nature, rich history and numerous opportunities for an active holiday. Families especially choose this area because:

• the magnificent Piva Lake with crystal clear, emerald water;
• the spectacular canyon of the Piva River and its mouth in Šćepan Polje;
• Piva Nature Park and parts of Durmitor National Park;
• numerous mountain trails, katuns and impressive viewpoints;
• clean air and silence that rests the soul;
• rich gastronomic traditions and organic food;
• possibilities for boating, kayaking, zip-line and rafting.

A stay in Plužine offers the opportunity to experience nature with all the senses - through the sound of rivers, the smell of pine forests, the view of mountain peaks and the taste of homemade food prepared according to traditional recipes. Pivsko lake – the emerald heart of Plužine The biggest symbol of this region is Lake Piva, one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Europe. Its emerald green water, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests, creates scenes that look like something from a postcard. The lake stretches for dozens of kilometers and is an ideal place for a family holiday. During the summer, it is possible to swim on the city beach, ride a boat, kayak or simply enjoy its peaceful shores. A special experience is a flight over the lake on one of the longest zip-line systems in the region, which offers an incredible bird's-eye view, as well as a panoramic ride along the coast over impressive bridges. Piva River Canyon and Šćepan Polje Over the centuries, the Piva River has shaped one of the deepest and most impressive canyons in Europe. Its gorges, high rocks and turquoise water create an environment that takes your breath away. Driving through the canyon is an adventure in itself – the road passes through dozens of cascading tunnels carved directly into the rocks. Interesting for families: On the very border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Šćepan Polje, the rivers Piva and Tara join to form the mighty river Drina. This area is globally known as a center for rafters and lovers of river adventures. Piva Monastery - guardian of history and cultural feat One of the most important cultural sights of this region is the Piva Monastery (dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) from the 16th century, one of the most valuable monuments of Orthodox culture in Montenegro. The uniqueness of this monastery is hidden in its incredible story: during the construction of the hydroelectric power plant and the formation of Piva Lake in the 1970s, the monastery was carefully moved stone by stone, together with 1,260 square meters of priceless frescoes, to a 2 kilometer higher location. This undertaking lasted a full 12 years and is considered one of the most complex conservation projects in the world. The interior of the monastery preserves a rich treasury with old manuscripts, icons and goldsmith's works. Trsa and Pivska planina - viewpoints above the clouds High above Lake Piva, at about 1,450 meters above sea level, is the village of Trsa, one of the most beautiful mountain settlements in Montenegro and the starting point for the iconic panoramic route Durmitorski prsten. The road to Trsa leads through spectacular cuts and pastures. During the summer, the meadows are covered with mountain flowers, and herds of sheep and horses graze freely in the open spaces. Walks through Trsa provide an opportunity for families to get to know the authentic life in katuns, try fresh dairy products and enjoy the views of the Sušice canyon and the Durmitor massif. Piva Nature Park – untouched world of mountains and forests One of the greatest natural treasures of this region is the Piva Nature Park, the first declared nature park in Montenegro. It includes expanses of coniferous forests, high mountain peaks, clear springs and rivers. This is one of the few places in Europe where nature still looks untouched. Walking along well-maintained footpaths gives children the opportunity to observe rare plant and animal species, learn about ecology and spend the day in the purest mountain air. Prutaš and Maglić - mountain giants of Piva The Plužine area is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain peaks in the region:

• Prutaš (2,393 m): Recognizable by its vertical stone beams that resemble bundles of wicker (hence the name). Its slopes offer the most beautiful view of Škrčka Jezera.
• Maglić (2,386 m): The highest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose massif is partly located in Montenegro, from whose ridges there is a view of the heart-shaped lake Trnovačko. Families can enjoy gentle hiking tours at the foot of these giants, which provide a unique experience of mountain power. Activities for the whole family Plužine offers numerous facilities that combine vacation, adventure and stay in nature:
• boating, cruising and kayaking on Lake Piva;
• trying the zip-line adventure above the emerald water;
• family rafting on the Tara River starting at Šćepan Polje;
• tour of Piva Monastery and familiarization with the story of its relocation;
• panoramic driving and photography along the Durmitor Ring route;
• hiking and picnic on the Trsa plateau and in the Piva Nature Park;
• cycling on mountain paths and a tour of Katun. Family-friendly accommodation Pluzine offers authentic accommodation options that fit perfectly into the natural environment:
• wooden log cabins and mountain houses along the shore of Piva Lake;
• ethno-villages on the highlands (Trsa, Crkvičko Polje) with local food;
• private family apartments in the city center of Plužina.
• Mornings in wooden houses with the smell of pine and a view of the lake provide complete regeneration and peace. A proposal for a perfect three-day family stay Day 1 - Discovering Piva Lake: Upon arrival, take a walk along the coast and get to know Plužine. Spend the afternoon on a boat cruise on Lake Piva or try the zip-line. End the evening with dinner in a restaurant overlooking the water. Day 2 – Canyon, Piva Monastery and rafting on Šćepan Polje: Visit the Piva Monastery and learn all about its relocation. Continue driving through the canyon to Šćepan Polje and enjoy family rafting or lunch at the confluence of the Piva and Tara rivers. Day 3 – Trsa Plateau and Piva Nature Park: Drive to the village of Trsa and Piva Nature Park. Walk through the mountain meadows, have a family picnic and enjoy the panoramic viewpoints before returning home. Plužine - a place where nature speaks in silence There are places that win you over with their size, and there are also those that win you over with their peace. The springs belong to that second group. Here, the most beautiful moments are hidden in the view of the peaceful surface of Lake Piva, in the pine forest that follows every step and in the silence of the mountains that rests both body and mind. They are remembered for the emerald color of the water, for the winding tunnels through the canyon, for the hosts who welcome every visitor as a dear friend, and for the children's enthusiasm as they discover the natural wonders of Piva. If you are looking for a destination where you can slow down, take a deep breath and create memories that will last a lifetime, Plužine will welcome you exactly as they have been doing for centuries - quietly, sincerely and magnificently.