Summer Sinjajevina Marathon
Cyclists and hikers cross Sinjajevina, Europe's largest pasture plateau, from Žabljak to Vrtoč polje.
This event has ended
It returns every year — dates for the next edition haven't been announced yet.
Sinjajevina is one of Montenegro's least-sung wonders: a vast, treeless upland of grass, hollows and sky stretching away to the south of Durmitor. There are no resorts here and few roads — just pasture to the horizon, which is precisely what makes crossing it under your own power so memorable.
The dawn start is part of the experience: participants roll out of town as the light comes up over the plateau, then spend the day crossing an open highland landscape of pasture, sky and scattered flocks. Along the route, the marathon stops at katuns — the traditional summer shepherd settlements that still operate across Sinjajevina — turning the day into a moving tour of a living pastoral culture.
This is not a timed race so much as a shared adventure. The field mixes mountain bikers and hikers, locals and visitors, and the katun visits give everyone a reason to pause, meet the shepherds and taste highland hospitality along the way.
Participants should come self-sufficient in spirit: this is a community event rather than a supported sportive, and part of its charm is that the plateau sets the terms. Sturdy tyres or boots, sun protection and a jacket for the wind cover most eventualities; the katuns take care of morale.
The event starts at 6 AM from Trg boraca in Žabljak and finishes at Vrtoč polje on the plateau. Participation is free or carries only a low registration fee, in keeping with its grassroots, NGO-run character.
What to expect
Europe's largest pasture plateau
The route crosses Sinjajevina, the biggest mountain pasture plateau in Europe — a vast open landscape of grass and sky.
Katun visits
Stops at traditional summer shepherd settlements turn the marathon into a tour of living pastoral culture.
6 AM dawn start
Participants leave Žabljak's Trg boraca at first light and watch the plateau wake up around them.
Bike or hike
Cyclists and hikers share the same crossing to Vrtoč polje, racers and ramblers alike.
Grassroots and free
NGO-organized, with free or minimal registration — adventure without the price tag.
What happens when
August 1, 2026
- 6 AMDawn start from Trg boraca in Žabljak
- The crossingCycling and hiking routes across the Sinjajevina plateau to Vrtoč polje
- Along the wayVisits to katun shepherd settlements on the pastures
- PracticalOne summer Saturday; free or low-fee participation
Photos
Where it takes place
Where to Eat in Žabljak
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Plan your stay
Žabljak — where to stay and how to get around
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.
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