Discover the capital of mountain tourism in Monténégro! Žabljak is the gateway to Durmitor National Park. It's a small town with rustic charm where life moves simply and adventure awaits at every turn. Leave behind the summer crowds and venture deep into the Black Mountains. About 2.5 hours' drive from the coast, nature reveals an enchanting spectacle for landscape lovers and a playground for winter sports enthusiasts.

History

Originally called Varezina Voda after a nearby water spring, then Anovi during its days as a caravan stopover, the settlement received its current name, Žabljak, in 1870 when the foundation stones of the captain's house, church, and school were laid.

The Balkan Wars devastated Žabljak. Only the old Church of the Holy Transfiguration, built in 1862 following victory over the Ottomans, survived among the ancient structures. The town rebuilt slowly, and with the opening of a few shops and cafés, it became a modest commercial crossroads in the 1880s.

Žabljak endured another dark chapter during World War II, consumed by flames while the rest of the Durmitor region was a stronghold of Yugoslav resistance. After Liberation, it was restored in the style of a village with typical mountain architecture. Žabljak became a popular winter leisure destination for Yugoslavs, later attracting Italian visitors.

Discovering Žabljak

Žabljak, the Balkans' highest town, nestles at 1,456 meters altitude in the heart of the Durmitor National Park mountains. The municipality spans 445 km² across the Durmitor plateau, with over 30% of its territory sitting above 1,500 m elevation. In essence, it's Monténégro's geographical rooftop. Thanks to its privileged location, Žabljak is a popular base year-round for outdoor activities: hiking, rallying, cycling, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, and more. Add to this a wild natural setting, and you have an unmissable invitation to adventure.

Embark on Adventure in Durmitor National Park

Around the town, some twenty peaks soar above 2,200 m, including Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m), the country's third-highest mountain. Several hiking routes depart from Žabljak. Allow approximately 5 hours for the Bobotov Kuk ascent.

18 lakes dot the Durmitor region, with the Black Lake standing out as the signature attraction. Its crystal-blue waters have inspired countless writers and poets. In winter, an ice cap forms above the lake, while summer water temperatures reach 20 °C, delighting swimmers. Many visitors come to Žabljak to experience rafting on the Tara River, which carves Europe's deepest gorge. Also try canyoning in Nevidio Canyon.

Žabljak, a Winter Resort for Many Activities

Winter sports enthusiasts, rejoice! Žabljak sits at the crossroads of several modern ski centers, with over three kilometers of slopes combined. To reach the starting points and ski schools higher up, you have access to a series of ski lifts. The area hosts several restaurants and cafés where you can warm up with a hot drink after descending. If you prefer relaxation over adrenaline, try snowmobiling, sledding, or snowshoeing on the Durmitor slopes.

Savor Montenegrin Mountain Cuisine

The restaurants and taverns of Žabljak welcome you warmly in traditional stone and wood houses, introducing you to national specialties. Here, it's customary to greet guests with homemade brandy, a local pastry called priganice, and honey. The menu then offers generous portions: cicvara, cured or roasted meat under the sač, mountain cheeses, homemade yogurts and pies, and fish-based dishes. All recipes are prepared entirely with products from local farms. For dessert, try wild berries and teas from the Durmitor region!

Practical Information

Climate in Žabljak

Žabljak enjoys a continental climate. The best time to explore the Žabljak region spans June through August – with pleasant temperatures and little rain. The average maximum temperature reaches 24 °C in August, dropping to 0 °C or below in January.

Žabljak is an isolated town, difficult to access, in northwest Monténégro, which has long hindered its tourism development. The roads serving it are narrow and poorly maintained. Fortunately, improvement projects are underway. The most-used route to reach Žabljak departs from Mojkovac, which connects to the North-South axis running along the Montenegrin coast via the capital Podgorica.

The nearest airport to Žabljak is Podgorica at 170 km away.

Žabljak is a human-scaled town easily explored on foot. Most hiking trail starting points lie within short walking distance. However, taxis and ski lifts are available to suit your needs.

What to Do in Žabljak?

• Hike to the summit of Mount Bobotov Kuk
• Take an excursion to the Black Lake
• Seek adrenaline rushes with rafting on the Tara River
• Taste local specialties
• Enjoy sweeping views from the ski lifts, and more