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Exploring Shutman Lake in the Sharr Mountains: A Southern Kosovo Adventure
Exploring Shutman Lake in the Sharr Moun… · Kosovo
- Water
- Two water sources along the trail; carry at least 2 liters
- Parking
- Free
In short
This hike in Kosovo’s Sharr Mountains starts at Hotel Arxhena near Brod and leads to Shutman Lake. The route is 11.1 km, with 866 m of ascent and 810 m of descent. Its high point is 2,273 m, and there are two water sources along the trail; carry at least 2 litres.
The route: Wikiloc - Hotel Arxhena Brod shutman peak
- Distance
- 11.1 km
- Ascent
- +866 m
- Descent
- −810 m
- High point
- 2,273 m
- Lowest point
- 1,461 m
A Hotel Arxhena: 41.96454, 20.71197▲ Shutman peak: 41.93820, 20.74055
Walking time, without breaks
- Relaxed7 h 20 min
- Average5 h 55 min
- Fast4 h 45 min
How steep
- Under 8% 3.3 km
- 8 to 15% 2.3 km
- 15 to 25% 3.8 km
- Over 25% 1.7 km
In two parts
- Up to Shutman peak 6.0 km · +817 m
- Back down to Shutman Lake 5.1 km · −801 m
The route: Wikiloc - Hotel Arxhena Brod shutman peak
- Distance
- 11.1 km
- Ascent
- +815 m
- Descent
- −810 m
- High point
- 2,266 m
- Lowest point
- 1,461 m
A Hotel Arxhena: 41.96454, 20.71197▲ High point: 41.93820, 20.74055
Walking time, without breaks
- Relaxed7 h 10 min
- Average5 h 45 min
- Fast4 h 35 min
How steep
- Under 8% 3.3 km
- 8 to 15% 2.3 km
- 15 to 25% 3.8 km
- Over 25% 1.7 km
In two parts
- Up to the high point 6.0 km · +817 m
- Back down to Shutman Lake 5.1 km · −801 m
What to pack
Every hike
- Water: about 2 litres (half a litre an hour)
- Food and snacks for the day
- Rain jacket
- A warm layer (fleece or light down)
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
- Boots or trail shoes with good grip
- Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
- Small first aid kit
- Headlamp, in case it gets late
- Some cash and your ID
For the summit
- Hat and gloves: it is colder and windier at the top
- Walking poles, for the way down
Water and sun
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel, if you fancy a dip
The guide
Nestled in the heart of the Sharr Mountains, Shutman Lake is a stunning glacial lake and one of the largest in the region. Situated at 2,070 meters, this pristine lake near Brod in southern Kosovo offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
How to Get There
To reach Shutman Lake, begin your journey in the village of Brod, part of the town of Dragash in southern Kosovo. Your route starts in Prizren, from where you’ll drive to Dragash, passing through several picturesque villages. Dragash is your last supply stop, so stock up at the local supermarket. From Dragash, follow the signs to Hotel “Arxhena,” the starting point for your hike. You can park your car at the hotel and even enjoy a meal at the restaurant. In winter, Arxhena transforms into a popular ski resort with excellent pistes.
The Brod – Shutman Lake Hike
Begin your hike at Hotel Arxhena, following the well-marked trail. Early in the hike, you’ll encounter a river, which serves as a convenient water source. The trail ascends through meadow terrain, crossing the river via a wooden bridge. Continue uphill along a sheep’s path, and you’ll soon reach a mountain hut—an excellent shelter in case of bad weather. From the hut, the lake is approximately 1.5 kilometers away. Along the final ascent, you’ll find another clean and cold water source.
Upon reaching Shutman Lake, you’ll be greeted by its serene beauty, making it an ideal spot for a picnic and relaxation with friends and family.
Hiking Tips
Bring at least 2 liters of water, despite the availability of two water sources along the trail.
The trail offers an elevation gain of 866 meters, starting from 1,488 meters and reaching the highest point of 2,273 meters.
Points of Interest
Starting Point: Brod, Kosovo
Starting Altitude: 1,488 meters
Highest Altitude: 2,273 meters
Elevation Gain: 866 meters
Enjoy your adventure to Shutman Lake, a hidden gem in the Sharr Mountains!
*The trail ends to Shutman peak. You need to go straight ahead for around 300 meters to the lake.