Paragliding at Durmitor: An Aerial Exploration

Durmitor National Park, a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offers an exceptional paragliding experience at its high-altitude take-off station, the upper start. Located near the Savin Kuk II cable car, this spot is perfect for those seeking an exhilarating flight amidst stunning natural scenery.

Upper Start Location

The take-off station, situated about 30 meters east of the Savin Kuk II cable car turn station, stands at an impressive altitude of 2,244 meters. This prime location offers paragliders breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Accessing the Take-Off Point

  1. Cable Car Ride: Reach the runway via the two-seater Savin Kuk cable car. The first leg of the journey takes approximately 17 minutes. From there, a short walk leads to the second cable car segment, a 5-minute ride to the take-off point.
  2. Proximity to Žabljak: Savin Kuk Ski Resort, the starting point for this adventure, is conveniently located 5.5 km from the centre of Žabljak, accessible via a well-maintained asphalt road.

Wind Conditions

The take-off point faces east, making it ideally suited for east winds, although these are rare. The more common northeast winds also provide favourable conditions for a smooth take-off and enjoyable flight.

Landing Sites

  1. Primary Landing Site: A flat area at the base of Savin Kuk, near the parking lot, measuring 80m x 30m at an altitude of 1,515m. GPS coordinates are 43.123027, 19.105246. The surrounding area is open and obstacle-free, ensuring a safe landing outside the designated zone.
  2. Emergency Landing Site: In emergencies, a flat section of the Savin Kuk ski slope, 40m x 80m at an altitude of 1,600m, can be used. GPS: 43.122553, 19.102646.

Operational Note

The cable car operates during the summer months (June to September) and in the winter (mid-December to the end of March). However, it's important to note that the upper cable car may be closed in winter due to snow, necessitating the lower start area for take-offs.

Conclusion

Paragliding from the upper start in Durmitor offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the beauty of Montenegro from the air. With easy access, favourable wind conditions, and safe landing options, this spot is a must-visit for paragliding enthusiasts.

Elevation: 2244 m

Altitude difference: 710 m

Average flight length: 3 km

Average flight duration: 10 min

GPS: 43.1195, 19.083

Wind: N, NO, SE

On the map