Things to Do in Žabljak, Crna Gora / Црна Гора

Žabljak, nestled in the heart of Montenegro's Durmitor National Park, is a mountain town that serves as the country's premier destination for outdoor adventures and natural beauty. At 1,456 meters above sea level, it holds the distinction of being Montenegro's highest town and offers breathtaking access to some of the Balkans' most spectacular wilderness. The town sits surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Durmitor mountain range, with over 40 summits exceeding 2,000 meters, creating a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. Beyond its role as an adventure base camp, Žabljak provides visitors with authentic Montenegrin mountain culture and hospitality. The town's compact center features traditional stone architecture, cozy restaurants serving hearty local cuisine, and family-run guesthouses that offer warm welcomes to travelers. From Žabljak, visitors can easily explore the famous Black Lake, venture into the Tara River Canyon (Europe's deepest gorge), and discover glacial lakes, ancient forests, and pristine wilderness that make Durmitor National Park a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top Things to Do in Žabljak

Durmitor National Park Hiking

Explore Montenegro's crown jewel national park with trails ranging from gentle walks around Black Lake to challenging summit climbs like Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak at 2,523 meters. The park features 18 glacial lakes, dense pine forests, and dramatic limestone peaks that offer some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. Well-marked trails cater to all fitness levels, with opportunities to spot wildlife including brown bears, wolves, and over 130 bird species.

Booking Tip: Park entrance costs €3 per day. Hire local guides for challenging peaks (€50-80 per day) and always check weather conditions. Best hiking months are June-September, with July-August being peak season.

Tara River Rafting

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting through Europe's deepest canyon on the pristine Tara River. The journey takes you through 82 kilometers of untouched wilderness, past medieval monasteries, and under the famous Đurđevića Tara Bridge, one of the highest concrete arch bridges in the world. The river offers both gentle family-friendly sections and exciting Class III-IV rapids for adventure seekers.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost €40-60 including equipment and lunch. Book April-October, with May-June offering the best water levels. Choose operators certified by Montenegro's Tourism Organization for safety.

Black Lake (Crno Jezero) Visit

Discover Durmitor's most famous glacial lake, just 3 kilometers from Žabljak town center. This stunning alpine lake is actually two connected bodies of water surrounded by dense pine forests and towering mountain peaks. A well-maintained walking path circles the lake in about 45 minutes, offering perfect photo opportunities and peaceful moments in nature.

Booking Tip: No booking required - it's a 45-minute walk from town or €5-10 taxi ride. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best lighting and fewer crowds. Bring swimwear in summer as swimming is allowed.

Zip-lining and Adventure Parks

Soar through Durmitor's pristine wilderness on Europe's longest zip-line system, stretching over 2 kilometers across the Tara River Canyon. The adventure includes multiple zip-line sections, suspension bridges, and viewing platforms that offer unparalleled views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. Professional guides ensure safety while sharing insights about the region's ecology and history.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €35-50 per person and run April-October. Book 1-2 days in advance during peak season. Weight limits apply (usually 40-120kg), and weather conditions may cause cancellations.

Jeep Safari Tours

Explore Durmitor's remote wilderness areas and hidden gems on guided 4x4 adventures that access locations impossible to reach on foot. These tours typically include visits to remote glacial lakes, traditional mountain villages, and viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the entire national park. Experienced local drivers share stories about the region's history, wildlife, and traditional way of life.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost €30-40, full-day €60-80 per person. Book with local operators for authentic experiences. Tours run year-round but routes vary by season - winter tours may include snow activities.

Getting There

Žabljak is accessible by road from major Montenegrin cities, with the journey from Podgorica taking approximately 2.5 hours via well-maintained mountain roads. Regular bus services connect Žabljak to Podgorica, Nikšić, and other regional centers, though schedules can be limited outside peak season. The nearest airport is Podgorica (150km away), from where rental cars, private transfers, or organized tours provide the most convenient access. During winter months, ensure your vehicle has appropriate tires or chains as mountain roads can be challenging in snow conditions.

Getting Around

Žabljak's compact town center is easily walkable, with most accommodations, restaurants, and services within a few blocks of each other. For accessing trailheads, lakes, and adventure activities, local taxis are readily available and reasonably priced (€5-15 for most destinations within the national park). Many hotels and guesthouses offer shuttle services to popular attractions like Black Lake. Renting a car provides maximum flexibility for exploring the broader Durmitor region, though parking can be limited at popular hiking spots during peak season.

Where to Stay

Town Center

Near Black Lake

Trsa Village

Durmitor Ring Road

Mountain Lodges

Eco Camps

Food & Dining

Žabljak's dining scene celebrates traditional Montenegrin mountain cuisine with hearty dishes perfect for fueling outdoor adventures. Local restaurants serve specialties like lamb cooked under the bell (ispod sača), mountain trout, wild game, and homemade cheeses, often accompanied by locally produced wines and rakija. Family-run establishments dominate the scene, offering authentic recipes passed down through generations alongside warm hospitality. Many restaurants feature cozy interiors with stone walls and fireplaces, creating perfect atmospheres for post-adventure meals, while some offer outdoor terraces with mountain views during warmer months.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Žabljak depends on your preferred activities, with summer (June-September) offering the best conditions for hiking, rafting, and outdoor adventures with warm days and cool mountain nights. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and fewer crowds but variable weather, while autumn (September-October) offers stunning fall colors and pleasant temperatures. Winter transforms Žabljak into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing and winter sports, though some accommodations and restaurants may have limited hours. July and August see the highest visitor numbers and warmest weather, making advance bookings essential.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Durmitor National Park multi-day pass if staying longer than 3 days to save money on entrance fees

Pack layers and waterproof clothing year-round as mountain weather can change rapidly even in summer

Try the local specialty 'duvan čvarci' (smoked pork cracklings) and pair it with homemade rakija for an authentic mountain experience

Things to Do in Žabljak