Piva Lake (Pivsko Jezero) is an astonishingly beautiful reservoir that showcases some of Montenegro's most dramatic scenery. Though entirely man-made, its beauty is profoundly wild and natural. The lake was formed in 1975 by the construction of the 220-meter-high Mratinje Dam on the Piva River, creating the largest freshwater reservoir in the country. The result is a 45-kilometer-long lake with an unbelievable, intense turquoise color, which winds its way through the steep, forested cliffs of the original Piva Canyon, creating a spectacular fjord-like landscape. The creation of the lake famously required the relocation of the historic 16th-century Piva Monastery, which was moved stone by stone to higher ground. Today, the best way to experience the grandeur of the lake and its canyon is on a boat cruise, which glides you through the serene, brilliantly colored waters and offers a unique perspective of the immense cliffs. The scenic road that hugs the shoreline, passing through dozens of hand-carved, unlit rock tunnels, is an adventure in itself. For kayaking, fishing, or simply admiring one of Europe's most unique and vividly colored landscapes, Piva Lake is an unforgettable destination.
- A boat cruise is the best way to fully experience the beauty of the flooded canyon. Tours can be easily arranged in the town of Plužine.
- The scenic drive along the lake is spectacular, but be prepared for the many narrow, unlit tunnels carved directly into the rock.
