Žabljak

Written by Chloe Davies, Felix Schmidt
16/09/2025
Stunning view of Black Lake surrounded by dense conifer forests in Žabljak, Montenegro.
Etoile, Pexels

Žabljak, a mountain town nestled within Durmitor National Park, offers an invigorating escape into Montenegro's pristine wilderness. Visitors are drawn to its dramatic scenery, which includes stunning glacial lakes, towering peaks like Bobotov Kuk, and the profound Tara River Canyon.

The town's social life revolves around its main street, Trg Durmitorskih Ratnika, where cozy pubs and laid-back bars create a relaxed atmosphere for mingling with other travelers and locals after a day of exploring.

Top 6 Things to do in Žabljak

Žabljak offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, from exploring serene glacial lakes and challenging mountain peaks to exhilarating river adventures and scenic drives through dramatic landscapes.

1. Explore Black Lake (Crno Jezero)

A visit to Black Lake, a breathtaking glacial lake, feels like stepping into a postcard. We found ourselves surrounded by dense pine forests with the impressive Medjed peak reflected in its clear waters. A gentle 3.5 km walking trail circles the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you can rent a rowboat or kayak to experience the tranquility from the water. Even though the summer water temperature averages around 18°C, a quick swim can be invigorating. It’s ideal for relaxation, photography, and an easy immersion into Durmitor's natural beauty.

Cost: A €5 entrance fee per person grants access to Durmitor National Park, covering Black Lake. Parking, if driving, is an additional €3 per hour. Rowboat and kayak rentals are typically €7-€10 per hour.

Transport: Black Lake is approximately 3 km from Žabljak town center, making it an easy and flat walk, taking about 30-40 minutes. Taxis are also readily available from the town.

2. Whitewater Rafting on Tara River

Embarking on a whitewater rafting trip through the Tara River Canyon, Europe's deepest canyon, is an unforgettable adrenaline-filled experience. The turquoise waters and rugged cliffs provide a stunning backdrop as you navigate the rapids. We found both half-day and full-day options, offering varying levels of intensity and time on the water. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the canyon.

Cost: Half-day tours typically cost around €70 per person, while full-day trips can range from €140 to €150. These prices usually include round-trip transfer from Žabljak, all necessary equipment (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket), basic insurance, and a professional instructor. Full-day tours often include lunch.

Transport: Rafting tours almost always include round-trip transfers from Žabljak town center to the starting point of the rafting route.

3. Hike Bobotov Kuk

Summiting Bobotov Kuk, at 2,523 meters, offered us panoramic views that stretched across Durmitor National Park's dramatic peaks and glacial lakes. This hike is considered moderately difficult, especially the final ascent which involves some scrambling and sections secured with cables. While challenging, the sense of accomplishment and the unparalleled vistas from the top make it incredibly rewarding. It's a true mountaineering experience for those with good fitness.

Cost: The Durmitor National Park entrance fee is €5 per person, payable at the trailhead (Sedlo Pass) or the Black Lake entrance. A 3-day park pass is available for €13.50. Guided tours can start from €85 per person.

Transport: The most popular and recommended starting point is Sedlo Pass, located about 14 km from Žabljak. A taxi from Žabljak to Sedlo Pass costs approximately €15-€20 for a one-way trip, or around €4 per person if shared in a group for a round-trip transfer.

4. Drive the Durmitor Ring

Driving the Durmitor Ring is a spectacular way to experience the vastness of Durmitor National Park's wild mountain scenery. This 76 km circular route, starting and ending in Žabljak, takes you through tiny villages, past picturesque lakes, deep canyons, and high country summer pastures. We recommend allowing 3-4 hours, or even a full day, to fully appreciate the many viewpoints, like the detour to Ćurevac for stunning Tara Canyon views, and to stop for photos. The road is narrow in places but paved, offering endless photo opportunities without strenuous hiking.

Cost: The primary cost is fuel for your vehicle. There is no specific fee for driving the Durmitor Ring, but the €5 Durmitor National Park entrance fee may apply if stopping at certain points within the park (e.g., if it's your entry point for the day) .

Transport: This activity requires a car. Žabljak serves as the official starting point, and it’s advisable to fill your tank there as there are no gas stations along the route. Rental cars are common, and guided jeep safari tours are also available.

5. Zipline over Tara Canyon at Đurđevića Tara Bridge

For a shot of adrenaline, we soared across the Tara River Canyon on a zipline near the iconic Đurđevića Tara Bridge. There are a couple of options, including one of Europe’s longest ziplines, offering incredible aerial views of the canyon and river below. The experience is brief but impactful, providing a unique perspective of this natural wonder.

Cost: Prices for the zipline experience typically range from €20 to €70 per person, depending on the length and operator. Some rafting packages offer a combined zipline experience for €90-€130.

Transport: The zipline is located at Đurđevića Tara Bridge, approximately 18 km from Žabljak. You can reach it by car, taking about 25 minutes, or by taxi for €12-€15. Public buses from Žabljak to Đurđevića Tara operate about four times a day and cost around €3, taking approximately 30-40 minutes.

6. Visit the Ice Cave (Ledena Pećina)

Venturing to Ledena Pećina, the 'Ice Cave,' provided us with a unique insight into Durmitor's geological wonders. This challenging hike leads to a cave filled with stunning ice formations, particularly impressive from May to September. The trail itself is a rewarding journey through lush landscapes, offering tranquility and beautiful nature as you make your way to this hidden gem.

Cost: The Durmitor National Park entrance fee is €5 per person. A daily sports fishing permit is €20, and camping is allowed with prices ranging from €3 to €20 per day.

Transport: The hike to the Ice Cave typically starts from Žabljak or Black Lake. From Black Lake, it's approximately a 5.3 km hike one way, extending to about 7.9 km if starting directly from Žabljak. This is primarily a hiking activity, so no specific public transport is needed beyond reaching Žabljak.

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