Everyday life in Zabljak
Get to know Zabljak through coffee and encounters with neighbors, everyday shopping, family responsibilities, recreation, evening socializing, and work.
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Zabljak
Below Medjed, between forest and plateau
Guide to Zabljak
Zabljak is a base for exploring Durmitor, from walks beside Black Lake to trips into the mountains. Practical guides and day-by-day itineraries help you prepare for your arrival, plan your mountain stay and explore the surrounding area.
Zabljak
City guide
Planning your stay in Žabljak
Plan your arrival and stay, from airports, transportation and parking to choosing accommodation. Explore sights, activities and local food, with practical information on staying safe and traveling with children.
Black Lake
Two lakes beneath Medjed
Black Lake consists of a large and a small basin joined by a narrow channel. Low summer water levels can separate them, changing the shoreline. Forest borders the walking path, with Medjed rising above the trees.
01
About the city
How a former stop for travelers and traders became Žabljak, and what its mountain climate means for life here.
Read this topic02Airports
Getting to Žabljak from Podgorica or Tivat Airport and where to connect with public transport.
Read this topic03Parking
Where to park in central Žabljak and before a walk to Black Lake.
Read this topic04Where to stay
Recommended stays in and around Žabljak, what hotels and mountain bungalows offer.
Read this topic05Practical information
Getting between Žabljak and outlying accommodation, with mobile services for your stay.
Read this topic06Safety
Preparing for Durmitor's changeable weather and knowing who to contact for help.
Read this topic07Things to do
From walking and rowing on Black Lake to climbs and guided outings, with a winter choice between skiing and snowshoeing.
Read this topic08Sights
Durmitor's landscapes and medieval stecci tombstones, what to see and how to reach them from Žabljak.
Read this topic09Lesser-known places
Lesser-known places around Žabljak, such as Zminje Lake reached by a forest path.
Read this topic10With children
Walks by Black Lake and boat rides on the lake, bowling and snow outings, plus guided horse riding and rafting for families.
Read this topic11Food
How Durmitor skorup differs from kajmak, and which dishes belong to mountain cooking.
Read this topic12Where to eat
Where to have a Durmitor-style lunch or a different meal in Žabljak, with suggestions on what to order.
Read this topicCar rentalA car for day trips and onward travel
View car rental offersCompare vehicles, prices and pickup locations for your travel dates. You can rent a car for a single day trip or for your entire stay.
Explore the city
Get to know the city through walks, culture and everyday life. City stories introduce local customs, places to socialize and ways to spend time beyond sightseeing.
Full-day trips
Full-day trips by car
Explore the area around the city by car, with time for sights, a walk and lunch along the way. Full-day trips end with a return to the city, without changing accommodation.
Biogradska Gora by car from Zabljak through the Tara Canyon
The full circuit of Biogradsko Lake and Bjelasica’s old-growth forest, with Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, Dobrilovina and lunch beside the Tara. A day trip by car from Zabljak.
Read the guideBlack Lake, Savin Kuk and the lakes of the Jezerska Plateau from Zabljak
A drive to Vrazje and Riblje lakes, two stecci burial grounds and Savin Kuk, followed by a longer walk around Black Lake.
Read the guideDrive from Zabljak to Poscenje, Komarnica and the Nevidio Canyon entrance
Two village lakes, a valley walk and the approach to a narrow canyon. A day trip from Zabljak with lunch in Poscenje and a return on paved roads.
Read the guidePiva Lake, Pluzine and Piva Monastery from Zabljak
Views over Piva Lake, a lakeside walk in Pluzine and a visit to the relocated Piva Monastery. A seasonal day trip via Sedlo and Trsa, with lunch and a return drive via Savnik.
Read the guideDjurdjevica Tara Bridge, Dobrilovina and Zminicko Lake from Zabljak
An out-and-back walk beside Zminicko Lake, Dobrilovina Monastery and a view of the bridge over the Tara on the return journey. A full day from Zabljak with lunch at Ravnjak and ready-to-use driving directions.
Read the guideDurmitor Ring drive from Zabljak
Curevac above the Tara, Susica Canyon, Trsa, Prutas and Sedlo, followed by a walk around Black Lake. A full day with lunch, admission fees and prepared directions.
Read the guideBy duration
Stay plans
City sightseeing and trips to the surrounding area are arranged to suit the length of your stay, from one day to a longer vacation. The city remains your base for all overnight stays, and each day trip ends with a return to your accommodation.
Zabljak in 1 day suggested itinerary with Old Town Zabljak, Black Lake and Savin Kuk
Black Lake and the Savin Kuk area, ending back in town.
Open planZabljak in 3 days: Durmitor lakes, Sedlo and the Tara Canyon
Three days in Zabljak: walks to Black Lake and Zminje Lake, a drive to Sedlo and the Jezerska Povrs plateau, and Curevac above the Tara Canyon, with lunch and rest in town.
Open plan5 days in Zabljak: town and day trips
Five summer days with a full circuit of Black Lake, Jablan Lake, the Durmitor Ring and rafting on the Tara, with lunch and rest back in the same mountain base.
Open planZabljak in 7 Days
Also includes Piva, Ostrog, Lovcen and the Bay of Kotor. The final days involve long return drives.
Open planCar hire
Contract and vehicle handover
What to record when collecting a hire car
The booking price, deposit and damage excess are different obligations. The contract and handover record should show the charges, cover and condition of the car you receive.
01Inspection
Existing damage on the record
Record scratches, dents and damage to glass and wheels before leaving. Photos should also show where each mark is on the car.
Read this check in detail02DocumentsPrice, deposit and named drivers
Check that the final charge matches your booking. The agreement should also state the deposit amount and payment method, authorised drivers, and collection and return locations.
Read this check in detail03InsuranceCover, excess and exclusions
Glass, tyres, underbody and keys may be treated differently by each package. The offer’s name alone does not establish which risks are covered.
Read this check in detail04FuelFuel level and mileage
Record the starting level and fuel-return policy. If mileage is limited, the allowance and excess-distance charge should be stated in the contract.
Read this check in detail05TestControls and warning lights
Familiarise yourself with the gearbox, lights and handbrake before departure. Report faulty controls or dashboard warnings during the handover.
Read this check in detail06ReturnReturn condition and receipt
Record the final fuel, mileage and condition. For an out-of-hours return, agree how to leave the keys and document when the vehicle was handed back.
Read this check in detailOnward travel
Other destinations
From Durmitor to Bjelasica and the bay
Kolasin introduces Bjelasica and Biogradska Gora. Kotor, Perast, Prcanj and Tivat cover a continuation toward the bay, while Podgorica and Cetinje add urban and museum visits.
Place guidePodgoricaRead the guidePlace guideKotorRead the guidePlace guideCetinjeRead the guidePlace guideTivatRead the guidePlace guideHerceg NoviRead the guidePlace guideIgaloRead the guidePlace guideBudvaRead the guidePlace guidePetrovacRead the guidePlace guideBarRead the guidePlace guideUlcinjRead the guide
Zabljak and Montenegro
A car for exploring Durmitor
Black Lake can be reached on foot from town. The full ring and distant villages require other transport. Check rental terms for the mountain roads you intend to use.
Vehicle offersCar hire in ZabljakCar rental offers in Zabljak, with room for passengers, luggage and equipment for your mountain stay.View car rental offersCountry guideMontenegro GuideMontenegro’s coast, other mountain areas and international arrivals for a trip across several destinations.Montenegro guide
Common questions
View car rental offersBefore arrival
Practical answers for a stay in Zabljak
Durmitor National Park was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1980. The protected landscape includes the mountain massif and part of the Tara Canyon.
Heritage on the plateauMedieval tombstones near Riblje Lake
Grcko Groblje at Novakovici preserves medieval stone tombstones, known as stecci. The cemetery is part of the shared UNESCO inscription from 2016, adding a historical stop to a visit to the lakes.
01Can I visit Durmitor without renting a car?
Staying in town allows walks to Black Lake and nearby forest trails. The full Durmitor Ring and distant trailheads require a taxi, organized transport or a car. Do not expect a town bus service around the complete ring.
02Is the Durmitor Ring open in spring?
The entire circuit is not guaranteed to be open. Snow can remain on high sections when the town is already warm. Check road conditions with the national park and local tourist organization before departure. A summer map is not proof of access.
03Is Bobotov Kuk suitable for a first mountain hike?
It is a high mountain ascent with more demanding terrain than the lakeside walks. Without hiking experience, consider a shorter marked trail first. Discuss the summit route, weather and your ability with a qualified guide before committing to it.
04Is there an entrance charge at Black Lake?
Yes. The lake is in Durmitor National Park, where a park entry ticket applies. Parking and additional activities are not necessarily covered by that ticket. Check the current park price list for the applicable charges.
05Can I take a stroller around the whole lake?
The wide approach and the complete shoreline circuit have different surfaces. Roots and uneven ground occur on the circuit. Plan the approach and an accessible stretch of shore rather than assuming a full barrier-free loop.
06Is Zabljak a short day trip from Budva?
The return drive uses a substantial part of the day. A look at Black Lake is a different objective from hiking or completing the ring road. An overnight stay in Zabljak leaves much more time for several Durmitor activities.
