Recently, the “Starlight” group set out on an exciting journey through the mysterious and little-known region of Verusa — a mountainous area of Montenegro where the raw beauty of nature meets traces of ancient legends and unusual cultural symbols.
Sights of Verusa
Skok Waterfall
One of the first stops on the route was Skok Waterfall, hidden among dense forests and mountain ranges. Its name translates as “jump,” and indeed: a powerful stream of water plunges down, creating the impression of a mighty leap into the abyss. Around the waterfall are picturesque trails where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature, the singing of birds, and the freshness of mountain air.
“HOLLYWOOD” Sign Verusa
Another unexpected attraction is the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign, set on a hillside in Verusa. This is a kind of local joke and a symbol that even small mountain villages can have their own “star” and a touch of worldwide fame. Tourists love to take photos in front of the letters, and in the evening the sign is illuminated, looking even more unusual against the backdrop of the mountain night.
Bukumir Lake
Description and Location
The main jewel of the trip was Bukumir Lake — a high-altitude glacial lake located at about 1,440 meters above sea level in the Kučka Krajina mountain range, not far from Podgorica. The lake is surrounded by majestic peaks and alpine meadows, and in summer it becomes a popular place for tourists, climbers, and solitude-seekers. The water is crystal clear, changing shades from emerald to sky blue depending on the time of day and weather.
Flora and Fauna of Bukumir Lake
Flora
- Aquatic vegetation: The lake is rich in aquatic plants — its waters are abundant with vegetation including grasses, water lilies, and bulrushes.
- Barberry: About 15% of the lake’s surface is covered by dense barberry growth, and this vegetation continues to spread.
- Komovi Mountains as context: Bukumir Lake is encircled by the Komovi massif — a region of high biodiversity that was recently declared a natural park.
- Broad ecosystems of the Dinaric Mountains: The area belongs to the Euro-macroregion of the Dinaric Mountains mixed forests, where coniferous forests (spruce, fir, black pine, mugo pine) dominate above 1,500 m, while deciduous species thrive on the lower slopes.
Fauna
- Endemic newt: The most famous inhabitant of the lake is the alpine newt — Triturus alpestris montenegrinus, endemic to Montenegro, resembling a small crocodile.
- Bird diversity: While no exact species list for the lake is available, the region and its surroundings are rich in birdlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
- Amphibians and piscivores: Alongside the newt, other amphibians and fish-eating species are often found in such high-mountain lakes.
History and Legends
The lake’s name originates from the Albanian tribe Bukumiri, who once roamed central and southeastern Montenegro. Over time they settled, and their descendants remain in local toponyms, including “Bukumirsko jezero.”
There is also a romantic legend about a shepherd and a girl from rival clans who secretly met on the lake’s shores. Their love became a symbol of reconciliation, and thus Bukumir Lake is considered a place where wishes connected with love and harmony come true.
Atmosphere Today
Today, Bukumir Lake is not only a natural landmark but also a spiritual place. Hiking, camping, and picnics are organized here; artists and photographers find inspiration; and travelers experience a rare chance for solitude, where the only sounds are the whisper of the wind and the murmur of mountain streams.
