Black Lake lies 3 km southwest of Žabljak at an elevation of 1,418 m. It is the largest and best-known of the 18 glacial lakes in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro’s second-largest mountain lake, and is under UNESCO protection. The lake landscape therefore provides a clear focus for a stay in Žabljak.
Mountain lakes and distinctive bodies of water
Black Lake also has a rare hydrological feature: its water flows underground into the Tara and Piva rivers. Vražje Lake reveals another aspect of the landscape: it is a glacial lake with crystal-clear water, located within the municipality of Žabljak. The two lakes therefore represent different specific features—Black Lake’s connection to two rivers and Vražje Lake’s classification as a glacial lake.
Zminje Lake lies in the Pitomine neighborhood, also within the municipality of Žabljak. It is connected to Veliko Crno jezero, 100 m below it, by the 2.6 km-long Mlinsko Stream. These details make the connection between the bodies of water tangible without equating the two lakes.
Trails, winter activities and getting around
A maintained footpath leads from Black Lake to Zminje Lake. Several marked hiking and walking trails also start at Black Lake. Access to Jablan Lake is described differently: a road leads to the Momčilov grad restaurant; from there, a gently uphill footpath passes through a pine forest. The path is suitable for people seeking relaxation and families with children.
Winter activities offer a variety of options, too. The Savin kuk ski area is 6 km from the center of Žabljak and offers alpine, Nordic and ski touring, as well as snowshoeing in Durmitor National Park. A marked cross-country ski trail near the sports center in Žabljak follows a loop through a landscaped forest belt back to the town, ending at the health center. The Durmitor Ring panoramic road is signposted in both directions.
Art and cultural heritage
The Wild Beauty Art Festival is a multidisciplinary arts event held every summer in Žabljak. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates for the relevant year. This makes it possible to schedule this recurring summer event as part of your plans.
Žabljak’s registered religious heritage includes single-nave stone churches with bell towers on their facades. They date from the first half or the end of the 19th century. Near Riblje Lake in the village of Novakovići are medieval tombstones known as Stećci, which are protected by UNESCO. The churches and Stećci offer distinct points of interest for travelers who would like to consider the area’s history and cultural heritage as well as its lakes.
When looking for a hotel in Žabljak, you can use your planned activities as a guide to choosing: the places and activities mentioned have different points of focus and starting locations. Before deciding, compare the specific location given for an accommodation with your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Žabljak, Njegovuđa, Polje, Motički Gaj, Uskoci, Zminica, Pljevlja, Herceg-Novi.
For the broader travel overview: Montenegro.
