Žabljak: a little mountain town in the north of Montenegro

Looking for mountains rather than beaches in Montenegro? Then put Žabljak on your list. This little town sits at the foot of the Durmitor massif, surrounded by green meadows, forest and sharp peaks. Almost every trip into Durmitor National Park starts here, which makes Žabljak a handy base for two or three days.

We came here in early May, and you'll find shots from that trip below, between the sections.

Where is Žabljak?

Žabljak is in the north of Montenegro, right in the middle of the Durmitor mountain area. The town lies 1,456 metres above sea level, which makes it the highest town in the Balkans.

Žabljak is tiny: according to the 2023 census, the whole municipality has 2,941 residents, making it one of the three smallest in the country. Just outside town begins Durmitor National Park, with glacial lakes and peaks over 2,000 metres. It's one of the five national parks of Montenegro.

What makes Žabljak worth a visit?

Žabljak is worth a visit above all for the nature around it: meadows, forest and the jagged peaks of Durmitor start right behind the last houses. Here's how I described it back in 2017:

A small town in the north of Montenegro, set among high mountains and endless emerald fields.Mariia Sosnina

The town's name has a curious history. The place was first called Varezina Voda, after a spring with drinking water, and later Hanovi, because trade caravans used to rest here. It officially became Žabljak in 1870, the same year work began on the Church of the Transfiguration. The name is linked to frogs (žaba means frog in Montenegrin), which make themselves heard every spring near a spot called Otoke.

The meadows around town are dotted with old wooden buildings with tall, steep roofs, and next to them A-frame huts whose roofs come down almost to the ground. They're what ended up in our photos most often.

How do you get to Žabljak?

The easiest way to get to Žabljak is by car. You can also come by bus, but you won't get far around the area without your own wheels.

• By car. The road to Žabljak is mountainous and full of bends, so allow more time than your sat nav suggests. It's easiest to hire a car on the coast or in Podgorica.
• By minibus. Minibuses run from Žabljak bus station to Nikšić and Podgorica. Check the timetable before you travel.
• By plane. Podgorica International Airport is about 170 km from Žabljak.

If you're coming from Mojkovac or Pljevlja, you'll cross the Đurđevića Tara Bridge on the way. It was built between 1937 and 1940 and spans the Tara canyon at a height of about 172 metres, so pull over and look down. You won't regret it!

When is the best time to visit Žabljak?

The best time to visit Žabljak is summer if you want mountain walks and a drive round the Durmitor Ring, or winter if you'd like to ski. The road over the Sedlo Pass is usually open from about late May or June until October, and in winter snow lies here for around 120 days a year. For what the weather is like in the mountains and on the coast month by month, see our guide on the best time to visit Montenegro.

Spring in the mountains is fickle, though. When we came in May, the meadows were already green, but there was still snow on the peaks and cloud creeping along the valleys.

To see Žabljak and Black Lake under snow, have a look at our post on winter in the north of Montenegro.

What is there to see near Žabljak?

Near Žabljak, don't miss Black Lake, the Durmitor Ring over the Sedlo Pass and a trip to the Tara canyon. You can walk to the lake, but you'll need a car for everything else:

Want to see more? Browse our pick of the best places to see in Montenegro and plan a route across the whole country.

How many days should you spend in Žabljak?

Give Žabljak at least two or three days, because on a day trip from the coast most of your time goes on the road. Here's one way to split them:

• Day one. Arrive, wander around town and walk to Black Lake.
• Day two. Drive the Durmitor Ring over the Sedlo Pass. It's a full day of driving and stops, so set off early.
• Day three. Head to the Tara canyon and the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, or take one of the mountain trails.

It's most convenient to stay in Žabljak itself, which has guesthouses and holiday flats. In the winter season and around public holidays, book well ahead.

Would you like lovely photos as a couple or with your family?

Mountains, meadows and old wooden huts are made for photos, and not just landscapes. We do love story, family and solo photo shoots with no staging, but with humour and meaning. You won't have to pose. Just relax and be yourselves.

A shoot lasts about an hour and a half in one location, and we start in the soft light before sunset. For more places to shoot, see our photo shoot locations. To find out more about us, visit our photographer in Montenegro page. Get in touch, and we'll find a place and date that suit you.

Frequently asked questions