The Komarnica canyon is the larger river canyon of which Nevidio is the narrowest section. Above it rise the cliffs of Boljske Grede, a ridge about 3.5 km long. Together with the Dragišnica forest they form the Dragišnica and Komarnica Nature Park, about 3,000 hectares in the municipality of Šavnik.
The river
The Komarnica is born at Dobri Do, under the southern walls of Durmitor. The upper stream, the Mala Komarnica, sinks underground between Boljske Grede and Lojanik and comes back up as a permanent river. It then runs past the village of Komarnica and through Nevidio by Pošćenje.
Below the canyon it is joined by the Pridvorica, the river formed at Šavnik from the Bukovica, the Bijela and the Šavnik. The combined river continues as the Komarnica, turns north-west through a long, deep canyon and ends in Lake Piva. In 2011 the Komarnica canyon was one of 32 sites Montenegro nominated to the European Emerald Network of protected areas.
Boljske Grede
Boljske Grede is the long wall of cliffs above the Komarnica, stretching for about 3.5 km. The rock rises hundreds of metres in places, with dwarf pine above 1,800 m and beech, fir and spruce below. From the ridge you look straight down into the Komarnica canyon.
A marked mountain trail leads up to Boljske Grede. It is demanding and in places technically difficult: suitable only for fit, well-prepared walkers in settled weather, with proper boots and enough water. The highest point inside the park is Ogorjeli krš, 1,998 m.
The Dragišnica and Komarnica Nature Park
The park protects about 2,994 hectares in three sections: the Dragišnica forest on the southern slopes of Durmitor, Nevidio canyon, and Boljske Grede. It covers land in the villages of Grabovica, Komarnica, Duži and Pošćenje, and borders Durmitor National Park. It is managed from an office in Šavnik.
The park promotes canyoning, hiking and cycling. Its hiking routes connect villages, plateaus, canyon edges and summits close to 2,000 m. The hiking season runs from spring to late autumn; in winter you need mountain equipment and experience.
Grabovica and Skakavica
The Grabovica river is formed where the Morava and Studena streams meet in the village of Grabovica, at about 1,250 m. Its lowest stretch cuts through limestone into a short canyon of about 1 km, almost entirely in the sun, and ends at Skakavica waterfall, around 70 to 80 m high, where it drops into the Komarnica right by Nevidio.
The Grabovica canyon is descended with a guide and equipment. Do not attempt it without both.
Good to know
- Getting there: Komarnica village is about 15 minutes by road from Pošćenje.
- Where to stay: there are ethno-village cabins and campsites around Komarnica. Compare the bases.
- Weather: this is high mountain country. Storms build quickly on summer afternoons.
Questions people ask
Is the Komarnica canyon the same as Nevidio?
Nevidio is the narrowest and deepest part of the Komarnica's course, by Pošćenje. The name Komarnica canyon is usually used for the river's longer canyon, including the stretches above and below Nevidio and the gorge down towards Piva.
Can I hike to Boljske Grede?
Yes, there is a marked mountain trail, but the park describes it as demanding and technically difficult, suitable only for fit, well-prepared walkers. Go in settled weather, start early and take plenty of water.
What is the Grabovica canyon?
A short side canyon of about 1 km on the Grabovica river, which joins the Komarnica beside Nevidio. Unlike Nevidio it is almost entirely in sunlight. It is descended with a guide and equipment, like Nevidio.