The jewel under Durmitor
Have you ever decided to check if the legends are true? If so, then you are really on the right track to discover all the mysteries and wild beauty that this small tourist town in the north of Montenegro hides.
Žabljak is a small town located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Durmitor. In addition to the extraordinary diversity and pristine beauty of nature, what makes it special is the fact that with its altitude of 1456m it bears the title of the highest inhabited place in the Balkans. Although it abounds in serious natural resources for the development of winter tourism, in recent years it has been significantly more visited during the summer period.
This peaceful town lies on the edge of the Durmitor National Park, which covers an area of 39,000ha, surrounded by 18 glacial lakes, 5 canyons, 748 natural springs, untouched forests with more than 400-year-old trees, and ice caves.
Wherever your gaze wanders, you will see landscapes as perfect as the most magical ones from some excellent travel guidebook, or the most popular films shot at the foot of the Swiss Alps or the Karawanken Mountains.
Due to the mighty mountain peaks, green pastures, turquoise lakes, dense forest and diversity of fauna, according to many, this region is a hidden gem in the crown of Montenegrin natural resources.
According to legend, the name Žabljak comes from the frogs that live in the Otoke locality and that announce the arrival of spring every year with their croaking. Žabljak was built and rebuilt for years and became the center of winter sports in Montenegro. Today, the city's economy is oriented towards tourism, the production of healthy food, through the development of healthy lifestyles in untouched nature.
If you've been thinking about when to visit Žabljak, first consider whether you like long and cold winters, with a crystal white blanket of snow, next to a warm stove in cozy log cabins, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a view of the tops of green conifers.
If you were to hike and conquer some of the most beautiful peaks, go rafting with wild beeches or even camp in nature, then your vacation period should be a short but warm summer, with as many hours as possible spent in the clean, fresh air. And don't forget one more thing, very important - whenever you come, never go to Žabljak without a jacket 😊...
Summer has its charms, but it also knows how to surprise. The bosom of Durmitor, no matter how big and hospitable, can be cold and cruel. Skiing on Debela Namet in mid-July is the best proof of that...but more on that later, when we take you through our little town.
If you decide to visit us during the winter, we will definitely recommend that you ski, snowboard, try lang lauf, ride a snowmobile, make snow and ice figures, skate... but above all, we recommend that you have a good rest somewhere by a warm fireplace while the fire crackles and the north wind howls over Durmitor, with a cup of hot Durmitor tea that smells and the scent takes you into the summer... when you will have the opportunity to pick the same tea in the vast expanses of Durmitor. You can also go by bike and fill up on water along the way at one of the inexhaustible springs, quench your thirst after a hard walk or a homemade lunch.
Of course, all of this can be presented to you in detail and precisely, with a lot of charm and enthusiasm, by the people from the Tourist Organization, who work year-round to promote their city and improve the quality of service, all so that you will return to us year after year with new wishes and impressions.
Below we will introduce you to the top destinations and attractions that you can visit during your first stay in Žabljak:
*Durmitor National Park (with Black Lake) – which is the biggest and most attractive.
Every visitor to Durmitor, during their first visit to this mountain, first sets out with excitement and delight to visit the far-famed "Eye of Durmitor", the magnificent and beautiful Black Lake, the most beautiful lake on Durmitor and beyond.
This extraordinary jewel of nature is the most famous trademark of the Durmitor National Park. This Durmitor pearl of indescribable beauty, a large glacial lake of turquoise and emerald green color, is surrounded on all sides by a dense coniferous forest, and on the south and southwest sides is covered by high rocky mountain peaks.
The unique value and attractiveness of Durmitor are made up of two water bodies of Crno Jezero – Malo and Veliko, connected by a narrow lake called Struga, a unique example of bifurcation.
Located under the giant Međed, as a guardian and protector, it is covered with dense conifers, which, together with Međed, are reflected in its blue-green depths. In the spring, when the snow begins to melt, a powerful spring of Čeline erupts from beneath it, noisily crashing into the lake in white waterfalls. This natural phenomenon occurs in the form of strong springs from the head of Malo Jezero at the foot of Međed. As geologists have shown, Međed hides underground lakes in its bosom that are filled by heavy rains and heavy snowmelt. When they are filled after a while, water gushes out of them through underground channels, which then appears in the form of waterfalls above Malo Jezero, which roar and create a loud noise that can be heard far and wide. The people call this phenomenon "broken Čeline."
*Tara River Canyon (with the Great Bridge on Đurđevića Tara and the Ćurevac viewpoint) – distance 22km from the city center. According to the portal “Bright side”, this bridge was declared among the 20 most beautiful in the world, while the British magazine “Times” included it in the Bridge 10 attractions that you must visit. Also in 2019, Microsoft decided that the Windows Spotlight theme would be the image of this bridge that adorns computers around the world! With five arches, the “tears of Europe” canyon was “jumped over”. One of the two most famous in the world. And in order to “jump” from shore to shore, a 365-meter-long bridge had to be built. With its strong five-arched structure, of which the main arch has a span of 116 meters, it rises above a canyon over 150 meters deep.
Ćurevac (1,625 m above sea level), in case you are not a mountaineer, but want to enjoy the amazing views, then the Ćurevac viewpoint is the right choice. An asphalt road takes you from the center of Žabljak, in the direction of Tepca, after a 7km drive you will reach the parking lot. Already from the parking lot you will enjoy the amazing view of the Tara River Canyon. The hiking trail to Ćurevac (1,625 m above sea level) is about 1.1 km long (easy route) and you need to plan an hour for it. The rocky path, which is quite narrow in some places, runs along the edge of the Tara Canyon. During rainy weather, the path can be slippery and then you need to be especially careful. Ćurevac welcomes you with a 360-degree panoramic view and a beautiful view of Tara and the village of Tepca.
* BOBOTOV KUK – 2523m – (MASTER OF DURMITOR) – is the highest peak of the Durmitor mountain range. It is also the highest peak in Montenegro. It was named after the Bobota tribe that herded cattle in its vicinity. This peak was previously called Ćirova Pećina, named after the hunter Ćiro who, according to legend, once mistakenly killed his son while hunting in the fog, thinking he was a chamois. At that time, the peak was called Ćirova Pećina, after the small half-cave below Bobotov Kuk in which the hunter Ćiro had his hunting lodge. However, today that cave is no more, it was broken by lightning and eroded by storms. Since it was illogical for a mountain peak to bear the name "Cave", it was later called BOBOTOV KUK. The first mountaineering ascent of Bobotov Kuk was carried out in 1883 by the Austrian cartographer Dr. Oscar Baumann. Seen from Žabljak, Bobotov Kuk dominates above all other peaks, giving a special touch to the beauty and colossal nature of the Durmitor massif. From the top of Bobotovo Kuk, there is an indescribable high-mountain panorama of the entire massif, because all the other peaks are below.
The ascent to Bobot's hip is the most beautiful encounter with the extremely diverse and specific relief of the mountain, created as a result of the strong action of glaciation, which is characterized by extraordinary shapes and traces, the richness of the landscape, relief and diversity of the mountain's beauty.
ICE CAVE – On the top of Obla Glava, one of the many peaks of Durmitor, there is the Ice Cave at 2160 m above sea level. From the entrance, a steep 40 m long plain, mostly covered with eternal snow, reaches the ice-bound cave floor. The descent is done by burying your feet or with the help of a rope. Numerous ice pillars of various sizes and shapes have emerged at the bottom of the cave - an incredible play of nature, from tiny to several meters high.
The peak that resembles a human head, called Obla Glava by the people, hides in its shadow another of the imaginative wonders of Montenegro's nature.
Durmitor is beautiful in every season, and the ice cave, where winter never ends, and icy stalactites and stalagmites throughout the year, cause admiration for all those who enter this icy kingdom. The hall, 40 meters long and 20 meters wide, will cool visitors with its icy breath even in the middle of July, and the clean, icy water dripping from the vaults, forming ice figures the height of a man, is a good opportunity for refreshment and a reason to replenish the water supplies of hikers. This natural phenomenon is an indispensable stop for anyone who wants to explore and learn the secrets of one of the most beautiful mountains in Montenegro, a place where you will, for a moment, feel out of time and space, surrounded by the beauty of Durmitor and the Ice Cave.
SAVIN KUK – 2313m – (Peak with the name of the Saint) – one of the most famous peaks of Durmitor. It was named after Svez Sava, a saint and enlightener, and the peak was once called Kulina. A group of Slovenian alpinists made the first winter ascent of this peak in 1940. Savin Kuk is also known for the Ski Center of the same name, which is visited by skiers, snowboarders and other winter sports enthusiasts. The ski center is located below the peak, and the upper cable car runs along the eastern slope called Čista strana.
According to legend, Saint Sava visited the Durmitor region after many years of monastic life. One day, while climbing Kulin with his disciple, they sat down to rest. When they were thirsty, Saint Sava touched the ground and a spring of water flowed. That spring still exists at the top today and is called Savina voda. Visitors to Savin Kuk can visit it on foot or by cable car, which operates in both summer and winter. At the top of Savin Kuk, you are greeted by a magnificent panorama of almost the entire Durmitor massif and its highest peaks above deep valleys and rocky cirques.
STECK STONE STONE – Stećci represent a one hundred percent authentic historical heritage of the Dinaric region.
The very emergence of the stećak culture in the late Middle Ages is a kind of anachronism. Monolithic stone sculptures existed much earlier, in prehistoric eras, but in strictly pagan societies (Celts in Britain). The fact that stećaks represent Christian monuments and that they appear as part of the state religion makes them a cultural phenomenon without precedent on the European continent.
About twenty selected stećak necropolises, including those in Durmitor, are therefore deservedly included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The very term "stećak" appeared only in the 19th century. Stećak in the Middle Ages, at the time of its creation, was called kam or marker.
The tombstones on Durmitor are located in two close and easily accessible locations: the Greek Cemetery (Fish Lake) and Žugića Bare.
The lake plateau is like an Asian steppe, a contrast to the alpine landscapes that make Durmitor so recognizable.
A turquoise lake emerges from the steppe landscape - that's it Vražje lake. From here, you can see the Durmitor line on the horizon, from Sedlo, Stožina, through the spacious Šljemen to Savina Kuk.
Nearby Fish lake is smaller, but decorated with an ancient mystical necropolis.
*Snake Lake – is one of the most picturesque lakes in Durmitor. Hidden in a dense coniferous forest of the rainforest type and immersed in pristine silence, the lake gives it a special charm. The ambiance of the lake and its sunken trunks on the lake bottom, covered with a network of marsh plants, are reminiscent of some rare untouched parts of the nature of planet Earth. The altitude of the lake is 1520m. Due to its relatively easy access from the direction of Žabljak, Zminje Lake is one of the most visited picnic spots in Durmitor.
*LARGE SKRCKO LAKE – located at 1686m above sea level in the beautiful Škrka Valley, the most beautiful corner and heart of Durmitor. The lake is surrounded by the highest peaks of Durmitor.
The water of the Škrčke Lakes, which overflows over the rim of the cirque and flows on the surface in a part of Dolovo, quickly disappears in vents that are filled with fallen blocks. After a significant underground flow, it appears in the form of strong springs in the Skakala section. Here in the spring, a strong flow of the Sušica River occurs, which in its middle course fills the basin of the lake of the same name and flows on the surface towards the Tara River. The color of the water of both lakes is greenish, which is why the Great Lake is also called the Green Lake.
*SMALL SKRCKO LAKE - within the beautiful Škrka cirque, under the northern rocks of Prutaš, not far from Veliki, there is the Malo Škrčko lake, located at 1711 meters above sea level. It has the shape of an ellipse.
On a grassy plateau near Mali jezera, there is a mountain lodge Škrka, with a water source, where you can spend the night or camp.
*SUŠIČKO LAKE – next to Crni and Škrčki jezero, Sušičko jezero is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Durmitor. The high cliffs of the Sušice canyon, between which it is located, certainly contribute to its imposing beauty. Lake Sušice is a periodic lake, located in the extended part of the Sušice canyon valley, at 1140m above sea level on the road between the villages of Nedajno and Mala Crna Gora. It is surrounded by a dense forest, surrounded by the steep rocks of Sušički Canyon. Due to karst soil erosion and a thin layer of flysch silt, the lake bottom dries up already at the beginning of June, which is why it got its name.
*JABLAN LAKE - the lake at the highest altitude - 1788m, of all the bigger Durmitor lakes.
The beauty of this lake can be seen especially when climbing Crvena Greda, where the lake is viewed from a height and behind which you can see the rock of Crvena Greda and the massif of the Durmitor peaks, which represents one of the most beautiful landscapes on the mountain.
COLORED DOGS – 2248m – (Trademark of Durmitor) – of all the peaks of Durmitor, one in particular attracts attention with its specific and authentic shape and exceptional beauty. These are Šareni Pasovi, the magnificent peak of Durmitor. This extraordinary work of Mother Nature is the result of strong tectonic movements that created fantastic sedimentary layers or belts, which make up the Šareni Pasovi massif. Alternating, folded or covered layers of limestone and sandstone give the visitor an unforgettable impression of the fascinating power of tectonic folding. Šareni Pasovi offers a magnificent view, and Bobotov Kuk, Bezimeni Vrh and Đevojka seem to be within reach.
PRUTAS – 2393m – (Lord of Southern Durmitor) – in the southern part of Durmitor, above the Todorov Valley, rises a peak of unique beauty and impressiveness. This is Prutaš – the lord of southern Durmitor. Anyone who wants to experience Durmitor in the most magnificent way and see its highest peaks should definitely visit Prutaš first. What makes this peak unique are the imposing rocky sedimentary rods that are vertically cut into the massif of this mountain and descend from its peak. It is precisely because of these rods that the people of Durmitor called this peak Prutaš. Many call Prutaš the “King of Durmitor panoramas” and the “Lord of Durmitor viewpoints” since no other peak on Durmitor offers the opportunity to get to know the highest peaks of Durmitor, which with their vertical rocks and large screes plunge into the Durmitor paradise – Škrka, the valley of Škrče lakes.
CRVENA GREDA – 2175m – (Rocky beam above Jablan lake) – it got its name because its rocks, illuminated by the rising sun, take on a reddish color. This peak, located in the northern part of Durmitor, is also a vast expanse of dense juniper vegetation, the largest on Durmitor. The vertical rock of Crvena Greda, facing Žabljak, remains in the memory of every visitor to Durmitor due to its unusual and authentic beauty. At the foot of the peak is a mountain eye – the beautiful Jablan Lake. The contrast that unites the impressive rocks and the green Jablan Lake surrounded by coniferous trees is certainly one of the most beautiful high-mountain scenes on Durmitor. This peak offers enjoyment in a wide panorama of almost all the peaks of Durmitor, on which snowdrifts remain until late summer, creating a wonderful contrast with the rocks and green vegetation.
DURMITOR RING, 85 km long. Driving this route is the best way to discover the majestic Durmitor massif, and in just one day. The route leads through the Durmitor National Park and the Piva Nature Park. The starting point is from the center of Žabljak and the road continues through unreal places, such as: Štuoc, 1,952m high, the highest point of the Durmitor ring, further along the Tara River canyon, and then the village of Mala Crna Gora. After the village of Mala Crna Gora, the road descends into the Sušica River canyon, 15km long and up to 700 meters deep. At the bottom of the valley is the Sušica Lake, which is of a periodic nature and can only be seen during spring and early summer. On the other side of the canyon, the route leads to the Piva Nature Park, established in 2015. This protected area covers an area of 325m2 and is the first nature park in Montenegro. Across the plateau of Piva Mountain, the route goes steeply uphill, then through the heart of Durmitor, where the panorama is constantly changing and constantly offers new vistas and views of the imposing peaks of the massif. The southern side of Durmitor, with its valleys, Todorovi and Dobri, while in the distance the recognizable Durmitor peak Sedlena Greda dominates, and below it, the famous Sedlo (1907m above sea level),
Before ending in the center of Žabljak, the route leads around the southern and eastern slopes of Savin Kuk (2,313 m)
The route is marked with brown boards with the number 2.
Important information:
The panoramic road can be toured in a small camper, 6m long, 2m wide, 2.60m high and weighing up to 5 tons, certainly with experience in driving on narrow mountain roads. The ideal period for the tour is May-October, in other months you should be informed about the weather conditions and road conditions.
There are free promotional materials for all routes with detailed maps and extensive information. You can download them from the website www.panoramski.putevi.montenegro.travel.
Also, you can use the audio guide for all panoramic routes. It is necessary to install the izi.travel application on your smartphone. If the audio guide is downloaded in advance, your guide will work in offline mode.
One thing is certain - after these short recommendations, you want to hear more, see more photos, find out, imagine yourself on the way to Žabljak... and it's hard to resist... but... nothing until you come at least once and visit, experience and live. Until then, and until some new blog, start filling out your travel planner!