After longer car transfers during our road trip across the Balkans we treated ourselves to a significantly more relaxed day. The destination became the peak Savin Kuk (2313 m a.s.l.) in the Durmitor range – according to the map an ascent that can be greatly simplified thanks to a cable car. Without further hesitation we set off on this adventure.
By cable car instead of a long climb
Savin Kuk is a well-known ski resort in winter, but the infrastructure is also fully used during the summer months. You can significantly shorten the ascent with a cable car that takes you to higher elevations for approximately €10 per person.
We are not the only ones tempted by this comfort. At the upper cable car station we meet several visitors, including a Muslim family who enthusiastically photograph the surrounding views. It’s already clear that this trip will be more about enjoying the scenery than about physical exertion.
From the cable car station to the saddle
From the upper cable car station (approx. 2175 m a.s.l.) it’s about a ten-minute walk to the nearby saddle. The terrain is easy and the path is clearly visible. Along the way there’s a small spring by the path, which Ibo immediately used to refresh himself in this warm weather.
There is already much to admire at the saddle. From the saddle there are beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. In these places the terrain is sometimes exposed, but the path itself runs at a sufficient distance from the steeper sections, so it feels safe even for less experienced hikers or for walking with a dog.
From the saddle we continue for another roughly twenty minutes toward the actual summit of Savin Kuk.
Final meters
The last meters below the summit lead via simple switchbacks on a grassy slope. The path is easy to follow and not technically demanding. The ascent ultimately rewards us with very nice views and ideal weather, which further highlights the day.
From the summit of Savin Kuk there are nice views especially of the eastern part of the Durmitor range, characterized by its sharp shapes and open mountain spaces. In the background Bobotov Kuk (2522 m a.s.l.) clearly dominates — the highest peak of the Durmitor range, which is often mistakenly considered the highest peak of all of Montenegro.
The weather favors us, so we spend some more time at the summit. There was also a short drone flight. In the end hunger forces us to return the same way we came.
An ideal hike even with a dog
If you shorten the ascent to Savin Kuk with the cable car, it is overall a very easy hike without difficult sections. The route is suitable for a dog and represents an ideal combination of a short walk and great views.
We recommend using a long hiking leash and a hiking harness for the dog, especially in sections with increased foot traffic.
Below the cable car there are several local restaurants where after the ascent you can enjoy good food and a well-deserved, pleasantly chilled reward. Savin Kuk is exactly the kind of trip that isn’t strenuous, yet still leaves a very good impression.