Tours / Zelengora Lakes
Zelengora — "Green Mountain" — is a high plateau inside Sutjeska National Park dotted with a chain of glacial lakes sitting between 1,400 and 1,700 metres. Less visited than Trnovačko but equally beautiful, these lakes feel genuinely remote — you'll share the trail with very few other people and spend hours in open highland terrain with views in every direction.
This route connects several of the main lakes — Orlovačko, Štirinsko, Donje Bare and Gornje Bare — across a long day or a relaxed two-day trip with overnight in a mountain hut. It's one of the most peaceful walks we offer.
Early start from the Zelengora trailhead. Hike the full lake circuit connecting Orlovačko, Štirinsko, and the Bare lakes. Approx 18 km, 700 m gain. Picnic lunch by the largest lake. Return to trailhead by 17:00.
Drive to the Zelengora plateau. Gentle hike to the first set of lakes — Donje and Gornje Bare. Afternoon swimming, photography, rest. Overnight at the Zelengora mountain hut with dinner.
Early morning hike to Orlovačko and Štirinsko lakes. Return via the ridge for different views. Lunch at the hut, descent to trailhead by afternoon.
The Zelengora hut is a small family-run mountain shelter on the plateau, surrounded by the lakes. It has a handful of basic double and quad rooms, shared bathroom, and a dining room where the owner cooks simple but generous meals — typically grilled trout, soup, and local cheese. There is limited mobile signal but a warm atmosphere. Some guests tell us the dinner here, after a long day on the plateau with the lakes outside, is one of their favourite meals of any trip.
| Option | Season | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day circuit | June – October | €90 |
| 2-day option | June – August | €135 |
| 2-day shoulder | September – October | €120 |
Trnovačko is more dramatic — one lake in a sheer cirque, iconic image. Zelengora is quieter — five lakes spread across an open plateau, more wandering and less summit-focused. Zelengora is the better choice for families, slower-paced travellers, and those who want solitude over drama.
Yes — Gornje and Donje Bare are the best swimming lakes, reaching 18–20°C in August. Orlovačko is colder and deeper. The plateau altitude means even August evenings are cool — bring a warm layer.
Yes — this is a popular 3-night trip from Sarajevo. Day 1: Zelengora overnight. Day 2: Drive to Sutjeska, hike to Trnovačko. Day 3: Return to Sarajevo. We can arrange this as a custom combined itinerary.
The final 15 km requires a reasonably high clearance — a compact SUV or similar. A standard low-slung sedan may struggle in wet conditions. We can arrange a shared 4x4 transfer from Foča for groups who need it.