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.
tap to closeA descent through the 1,300m-deep Tara Canyon — one of the most popular adventures in Montenegro.
tap to closeSavin kuk ski resort offers runs at altitudes up to 2,010m with snow for around 120 days per year.
tap to closeThe Tara River and Durmitor's mountain lakes are renowned fishing grounds for trout and grayling.
tap to closeThe slopes of Durmitor offer routes for cyclists of all levels with panoramic views of the lakes.
tap to closeDid 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.travelGrad je dostupan 24/7. Ulaz u Nacionalni park Durmitor: tokom ljetnje sezone 08:00–20:00, zimi po dogovoru.
Ulaznica za Nacionalni park Durmitor naplaćuje se na ulazu. Godišnja karta iznosi 30 EUR. Dnevne karte dostupne na licu mjesta.
Besplatan parking ispred ulaza u Nacionalni park Durmitor. Parking u centru Žabljaka dostupan uz naknadu.
Centar Žabljaka je uglavnom pristupačan, ali planinski tereni i staze oko jezera nisu prilagođeni korisnicima kolica. Šetnica oko Crnog jezera dijelimično je prilagođena.
FAQ
