Zminje lake (Snakes lake) is one more glacial lake known as Mountain eyes of Durmitor. The lake is small and surrounded by pine trees. It is always a quite site, ideal for pick-nick. Being enclosed by the forest it is kind of isolated and hidden. Still, if you want to visit it, a marked trail will guide you through forest, just right to the lake. There is a pair of nice benches just next to the water and close to it there is a water spring with cold, refreshing, drinkable water.
Myths and legends are just inevitable when exploring Durmitor area. Like it is a case with Black lake and Devil's lake, Zminje lake also got its name for a reason. According to the legend, Durmitor region in the past was full of snakes. But once, when winter came unexpectedly early, in order to find a warmer place, snakes came all the way to area of Zminje lake. But winter was just too cold and snowy, so the snakes froze and disappeared. When the winter was finally over and snow started to melts, the lake was created and the forest around was reflecting in the water as a similar pattern to snakes' skin.
Even though it looks attractive, Zminje lake is not very safe for swimming as it has a long vegetation growing inside of the lake. Close to Zminje are Black and Barno lake and there is a marked trail connecting them.
Trekking around Durmitor region and visiting the lakes is an experience I would recommend to anybody regardless the age and fitness level. You will get to know not only mesmerizing natural spots, but also customs of the locals and their way of living. Meeting some of the people living here can be as interesting as the nature they live surrounded by.
The author
Katarina Kalicanin
Are you ready to experience this story yourself?
