The Montenegrin city of Zabljak is located in the mountains at an altitude of almost 1.5 km. Winter recreation enthusiasts from all over the world come here, as well as those who would like to explore the beauties of the Durmitor massif. A large part of it is part of the eponymous National Park of Montenegro, including the famous Tara River Canyon, which is called the deepest in Europe. In 1997, UNESCO declared the canyon a biosphere reserve, and the park itself is a World Natural Heritage Site. Scientists distinguish 7 ecosystems on the territory of Durmitor (different types of forests, river canyons, glacial lakes).

Of the 18 lakes in the park, the most famous and mysterious is Black Lake. In general, it is a pair of closely located lakes that merge together in the form of a beautiful waterfall. The mountains are reflected in Black Lake, which makes it look like a whirlpool. The relief of Durmitor is a plateau cut by river canyons. The highest point of Montenegro is located here – the peak of Bobotov Kuk, whose height is 2522 m.

For tourists in Žabljak, there is always an opportunity to have a good rest. In winter, people go skiing and snowboarding here, and in summer, they go hiking, cycling, horseback riding, rafting, mountaineering and even canyoning.

At the foot of mountains over 2,200 m high, surrounded by numerous lakes and the Tara River Canyon, lies the Žabljak ski resort. It is the most famous winter sports center in Montenegro, covered with snow for more than 100 days a year.

How to get there

A large number of international flights arrive at the airports of Podgorica or Tivat. Žabljak is located 120 km from Podgorica, 175 km from Tivat.

You can get from Podgorica to the city in the following ways:

by bus
by car transfer

From Tivat

But from Tivat airport to Žabljak will be more difficult to get to, since there are no regular buses, but it is possible:

by car transfer
you can use a special mountain transport that will take you to the resort’s lifts. The trip itself along the winding roads can already be considered one of the attractions.

Buses and taxis run to the ski resorts from Žabljak, you can also rent a car, which will be cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than a bus.

Žabljak: Trail Overview

The Žabljak resort has three small ski centers located in close proximity to each other.

The most popular is Savin Kuk on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, where one of the best local trails with the unoriginal name “Savin Kuk” is located, 3500 m long, which starts from a height of 2313 m and several shorter and easier trails. They are served by 6 lifts: 3 tow lifts, 2 chairlifts and one children’s.

The descent is more suitable for professionals and experienced skiers, the trails alternate steep and gentle sections, but there is also a trail for beginners.

International ski competitions are held here: Durmitor Cup and Angel Cup.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, at the top of Mount Savin Kuk you will have a stunning view of the Durmitor National Park, it is truly a magical sight!

Ski center Yavoravcha offers excellent opportunities for children and beginners skiers – the descent here is gentle, easy, experienced instructors work, there are 2 lifts (one of them is for children). This track is illuminated for night skiing.

There are also several more tracks on the slopes of the mountain Maly Shtuc – the length of the main one is 2630 meters. These runs will be interesting for intermediate skiers.

The local slopes offer excellent opportunities for freeriding on virgin snow, for cross-country skiing. The relief of the slopes is quite diverse, which will appeal to experienced skiers. The slopes have several equipment rental points, several restaurants and cafes.

Žabljak: prices

According to the 2018-2019 season, the cost of a one-day ski pass for skiing on the slopes in Žabljak was 15 euros, for a 7-day pass it was necessary to pay 97 euros. Renting a set of ski equipment will cost 9-12 euros per person, children’s sleds can be rented for the whole day for 6 euros. Instructor for one person 25 € / hour, for two – 35 € / hour. Parking – 2 € / hour.

There is a system of discounts for long-term rentals.

Zabljak: hotels

There are many hotels and apartments to be found both in Zabljak itself and in the surrounding area, on the slopes of the mountains. Among them, the four-star hotel «Polar Star Apart Hotel» with its cozy rooms in separate wooden houses in a rustic style, with its own sauna, has earned many good reviews.

Guests also like the «Ski Hotel Zabljak» hotel, built in the form of a chalet with beautiful mountain views from the windows and its own swimming pool.

The cost of accommodation in hotels in Žabljak is from 800 hryvnias per day per room and above.

In Žabljak, you can rent an apartment literally in every house: it can be a separate room in a house with the owners, a separate apartment, or an apartment in an apartment building. For apartments for two closer to the outskirts of the city you will have to pay from 20 euros per day, an apartment in the center of Žabljak will cost 40 – 60 euros. You can also rent a separate villa for 4 – 6 people, which will cost 90 euros and above.

B & B Izvor 3 stars

Bed and Breakfast Izvor is located in Žabljak, 7 km from Black Lake and 15 km from Tara Canyon Viewpoint. It features a restaurant, a garden and free WiFi.

All rooms come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and bath.

The bed and breakfast offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.

Bed and Breakfast Izvor offers a terrace.

Savin Kuk Mountain is 3.1 km from the accommodation, while Bosača is 8 km away.

Apartments Dedeic 3 stars

Apartment Dedeic with features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Žabljak, 4 km from Černý Jezero.

The apartment features a patio, a seating area, a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. You can enjoy garden views from the apartment. Towels and bed linen are available for an extra charge.

Guests at Apartments Dedeic can relax on the terrace.

Skiing and cycling can be enjoyed nearby, while the garden is also available on site.

Tara Viewpoint is 11 km from Apartments Dedeic, while Bosača is 3.7 km away.

Durmitor Chalet 4 stars

Chalet Durmitor is located just 300 metres from Black Lake in Žabljak. It offers a shared lounge, a garden and a shared kitchen. Guests benefit from balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The chalet is fitted with 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a bath.

A barbecue and a terrace are available for guests at the chalet to use. Skiing can be enjoyed nearby.

Tara River Viewpoint is 12 km from the chalet, while Durdevica-Tara Bridge is 25 km away.

Hotel Zlatni bor 3-star hotel

Hotel Zlatni bor is located in Žabljak, 4.2 km from Black Lake and 11 km from Tara Canyon Viewpoint. It features a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and free private parking. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers family rooms.

The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area. At Hotel Zlatni all rooms are fitted with a desk and a private bathroom.

Guests at Hotel Zlatni can enjoy a continental breakfast.

The area is popular for skiing and cycling, and bike hire is available at Hotel Zlatni bor.

Bosača is 3.8 km from the hotel, while Savin Kuk Mountain is 8 km away.

Etno selo Sljeme

Set in Durmitor National Park, Ethno Village Sljeme offers mountain-style cottages with cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Free barbecue facilities and a restaurant serving traditional local cuisine are available.

All cottages open out to a furnished terrace overlooking Durmitor. They all feature a living area with cable TV, a minibar and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Free parking is available on site.

There is a bar on site, and a grocery store is 5 km away. Ethno Village Sljeme offers a children’s playground, while adults can go hiking, walking or cycling. Car and bicycle rental can be arranged on site, and a ski school is available in winter.

The distance to the Savin Kuk ski resort is 1.5 km. The complex is located 4.5 km from the town of Žabljak and 7 km from popular attractions such as the Black and Blue Lakes. Rafting on the Tara River is 30 km away.

Entertainment

Not only fans of active sports can have a good time here, but also tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of nature at any time of the year. The distance from busy cities, rural comfort, incredible mountain landscapes and lakes with crystal clear water will not leave indifferent even the most demanding tourist.

In addition to downhill skiing, you can go for a walk along the most popular tourist routes:

the deepest canyon in Europe.

The gorge, which flows along the Tara River, stretches for 150 kilometers. The depth of the breakthrough reaches up to 1300 meters. In the 1970s, this place was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List;

Djurdjevic Bridge over the Tara River

This unusual object is located at the intersection of roads from Mojkovac, Žabljak and Pljevlja. Its construction began in 1937 and was completed in mid-November 1940. The designer was Mijata Troyanović, at the time of its foundation it was the largest reinforced concrete arch bridge in Europe;

Black Lake

The deepest lake in Durmitor. It consists of two reservoirs connected by the narrow isthmus of Struga, which dries up in the summer. Then two lakes are formed: Velika and Mala. They differ in water level by about 4 meters. This is the most popular attraction of Durmitor among lovers of hiking and mountain trekking.

The park has many walking trails, special observation decks, and regular climbing for non-professionals is held on Bobotov Kuk.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, in winter in Žabljak you can ride snowmobiles around the area, go snowshoeing, go for a walk in jeeps, on bicycles or on horseback along the slopes of the neighboring mountains, and you can warm up in one of the sports centers or relax in the spa complex. Among those who like to have fun and dance, the nightclub “d’Oro”, which is located near the lower station of the main lifts, is popular.

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