Bukumirsko Lake is a picturesque glacial lake nestled in the Kučka Krajina region in eastern Montenegro. Covering an area of 19,320 square meters, the lake stretches 210 meters in length, 130 meters in width, and reaches a maximum depth of 16.8 meters. The shoreline spans 585 meters, and the lake is situated at the northern base of Mount Žijovo at an altitude of 1,448 meters. It’s located near the sources of the Veruša River, fed by precipitation, melting snow, and intermittent springs from the Ivanović katun. The water level in the lake varies slightly, with fluctuations of around ±1 meter, and is alkaline in nature.
Flora and Fauna
Around 15% of Bukumirsko Lake’s surface is covered with lush marsh vegetation that continues to expand. The lake is home to the Montenegrin newt, locally known as “žmigavac,” a species endemic to the region and first described by Milutin Radovanović in 1951. The introduction of fish into the lake has unfortunately led to a significant decline in the population of this rare newt.
Natural Beauty and Attractions
Bukumirsko Lake, together with the Kučka Krajina mountain range, forms one of the most picturesque landscapes in the area. Nearby are the katuns of Popović and Jezera. The lake has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, especially in the summer when the water is warm enough for swimming and the surrounding meadows provide excellent spots for camping. The northern side of the lake is rocky, while the southern side is more accessible and covered with vegetation. The water is clear, with visibility up to 4 meters deep.
Local residents also use the lake as a watering place for livestock during the summer months.
Legends and History
According to local legend, the lake is named after the Bukumirs, a nomadic people who once lived around the lake. There is a tale of a dragon living in the lake that would sometimes appear on a white horse. Above the lake, there is a rock where the Bukumirs used to build fires. When the rock was heated to a red-hot state, they would throw it into the waves, causing the lake to boil and a knight to emerge, cursing the Bukumirs: “May you leave no more trace than a colored horse.” This led to a massacre, and the Bukumirs were nearly wiped out. Even today, stones near the lake remind locals of the legend.
Another legend recorded by Pavle Rovinski speaks of a creature called “karakondžula” that supposedly drowns anyone who dares to swim in the lake. The name is also associated with the Bogumils, a religious sect.
Getting to Bukumirsko Lake
The lake is accessible by a roughly 50-kilometer-long asphalt road from Podgorica via Medun, Ubala, Kržanje, and Stravča.
Bukumirsko Lake offers a serene escape into nature, surrounded by myths and legends that enrich its allure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to camp, swim, or simply explore, this hidden gem in Montenegro is a destination worth visiting.
