The Highest Town in the Balkans — 1,456m, Gateway to Durmitor National Park
Žabljak, situated at 1,456 metres above sea level in northwestern Montenegro, is the highest urban settlement in the Balkans and the main gateway to Durmitor National Park — a UNESCO-protected area. The town is surrounded by 23 mountain peaks exceeding 2,200 metres, 18 glacial lakes, and the canyon of the Tara River, the deepest in Europe. The tourist season runs year-round: in winter, skiing dominates on the slopes of Savin kuk, while summer brings hiking, rafting, and visits to Crno jezero. In 1991, Žabljak was chosen as the capital of the world's first ecological state — Montenegro.
Location
Northwestern Montenegro
Elevation
1,456 m
Population
1,937
UNESCO Heritage
Since 1980
Municipality Area
445 km²
Climate
Continental mountain
Highlights
Crno jezero is the largest and most famous of Durmitor's 18 glacial lakes, situated at 1,416 metres above sea level just 2 km from the centre of Žabljak. The lake consists of two parts — Veliko jezero and Malo jezero — connected by a narrow channel that dries up in summer, creating two separate lakes. The trail around the lake is 3.5 km long and winds through a black pine forest with views of the Međed peak. A restaurant serving local cuisine is located on the shore.
Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, with sheer walls rising up to 1,300 metres. The Tara River stretches 144 km and has been under UNESCO protection since 1977 as part of a biosphere reserve. The emerald-green, crystal-clear waters of the Tara attract divers, anglers, and rafting enthusiasts from across Europe. The Đurđevića Tara bridge, built in 1940 and standing 172 metres above the river, offers one of the most dramatic views of the canyon.
Bobotov kuk is the highest peak in Montenegro and the entire Durmitor massif, rising to 2,523 metres above sea level. The ascent begins at Sedlo at 1,907m and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to the summit, passing through high-altitude rocky terrain. From the top, views extend across much of Montenegro, including Pivsko jezero and Bjelasica. The trail is marked and accessible to hikers in good physical condition without specialist technical equipment from June to September.
Savin kuk is Žabljak's main ski resort, located 5 km from the town centre on the slopes of the peak of the same name. The highest point of the resort sits at 2,010 metres above sea level, with a vertical drop of 800 metres. The resort has two double chairlifts and several ski tows, with a total run length of 5,500 metres. Snow on Durmitor lasts an average of 120 days per year, making Savin kuk one of the most reliable ski resorts in the region.
The Church of the Transfiguration is the only original building in Žabljak to have survived the destruction of World War II, when the entire town was burned to the ground. It was built in 1862 to commemorate the victory of Montenegrin soldiers over the Ottoman Empire and is the oldest preserved structure in the town. The church is located in the centre of Žabljak and is accessible to visitors throughout the year. Its historical significance makes it a must-see stop for anyone wishing to understand the turbulent past of this mountain town.
What to do
Hundreds of kilometres of marked trails lead to the peaks, lakes, and canyons of Durmitor.
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A descent through the 1,300m-deep Tara Canyon — one of the most popular adventures in Montenegro.
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Savin kuk ski resort offers runs at altitudes up to 2,010m with snow for around 120 days per year.
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The Tara River and Durmitor's mountain lakes are renowned fishing grounds for trout and grayling.
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The slopes of Durmitor offer routes for cyclists of all levels with panoramic views of the lakes.
CloseFood & Drink
The Walter grill chain's outpost in Žabljak, the mountain town at the gateway to Durmitor National Park. Grilled meat, ćevapi and pljeskavica in large portions — the kind of meal that suits a day spent hiking or skiing. One of the few reliably open, quick options in a town where restaurant hours can be seasonal.
Lučevača bb, 84220 Žabljak+382 69 100 722walterbbq.me
“Partner” marks a paid placement. We verify the details with the venue’s official source.
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online — you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
5.8 km↑ 331 m2½–3½ h
8.9 km↑ 1,244 m5½–7½ h
9.6 km↑ 933 m4½–6½ h
10.3 km↑ 143 m3½–4½ h
11.6 km↑ 542 m4–6 h
11.7 km↑ 1,090 m5½–8 h
23.5 km↑ 1,394 m8½–12 h
143 km↑ 5,436 m6–9 days
Gallery
Did You Know?
Žabljak was chosen in 1991 as the capital of the world's first ecological state — Montenegro — making it a symbol of environmental commitment long before sustainability became a global trend. Capital of the world's first ecological state
Plan Your Visit
Phone
+382 52 360 228Website
zabljak.travelThe town is accessible 24/7. Durmitor National Park entry: 08:00–20:00 during the summer season, by arrangement in winter.
The Durmitor National Park ticket is paid at the entrance. An annual pass costs 30 EUR. Day tickets are available on site.
Free parking in front of the Durmitor National Park entrance. Paid parking is available in the centre of Žabljak.
The centre of Žabljak is mostly accessible, but the mountain terrain and trails around the lakes are not suitable for wheelchair users. The path around Black Lake is partially adapted.
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