You can get to know Uskoci through the trails that pass through the area and the historical interpretation of its name. The routes described here offer different perspectives: one Uskoci–Žabljak route is listed as a moderate one-way route, while another description mentions meadows, forests and partially abandoned villages. The wider destination of Žabljak adds further nature and cultural themes to this local perspective.

Local History and Setting

The name Uskoci is associated with people who came from Sandžak while fleeing Ottoman rule. This historical interpretation adds a cultural perspective to choosing a route. If you want to pay attention not only to the landscape but also to local history during your stay, you can start with Uskoci’s name.

One local road listing covers Poljana–Gornji Uskoci: the local road is listed as 4.0 kilometres long. This length refers to the road itself and should be distinguished from the hiking route information.

Hiking Routes with Different Highlights

A route record uploaded in 2022 describes the Uskoci–Žabljak route as moderate and one-way. Crno jezero is listed as a waypoint on the route. This route therefore has both a difficulty rating and a named waypoint to help with orientation. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Another route follows Žabljak–Ninkovići–Podgora–Uskoci–Palež–Žabljak. It passes through meadows and forests, and by partially abandoned villages. Because the sequence of places begins and ends in Žabljak, it can be distinguished as a circular route from the Uskoci–Žabljak trail described as a one-way route. One description gives the difficulty and waypoint, while the other describes a route through different landscapes and places—a concrete comparison if you plan your hike based on the features described.

A birdwatching spot is also listed as a waypoint on the Uskoci hiking trail. If you are interested in birdwatching, you can take this point into account when choosing your hike. Here, too, check current trail conditions before setting out.

Nature in the Wider Destination of Žabljak

Durmitor National Park includes parts of the municipality of Žabljak and encompasses the Durmitor massif and the Tara, Draga and Sušica canyons. The park has 18 glacial lakes; Crno jezero is the largest and best known. The lake lies 3 kilometres southwest of Žabljak at an elevation of 1,418 metres. It is the largest lake in the national park and Montenegro’s second-largest mountain lake. It is protected by UNESCO. A distinctive hydrological feature is its rare bifurcation: water flows underground into both the Tara and the Piva.

Crno jezero is also a starting point for several marked hiking and walking trails; a constructed footpath leads from there to Lake Zminje. Other lakes have their own landscape features: Lake Vražje is a glacial lake with crystal-clear water and lies within the municipality of Žabljak. Lake Zminje is in the settlement of Pitomine. It is connected to Veliko Crno jezero, which lies 100 metres lower, by the 2.6-kilometre-long Mlinsko stream. These details about the waters bring the region’s natural features into focus through its lakes, watercourses and elevation differences.

Culture and Seasonal Events in Žabljak

The cultural heritage of the wider destination of Žabljak can also be described in concrete terms. Near Lake Riblje in the village of Novakovići are medieval tombstones, known as Stećci, which are protected by UNESCO. Žabljak’s registered religious heritage includes single-nave stone churches with bell towers on their façades, dating from the first half or the end of the 19th century. The Wild Beauty Art Festival is a multidisciplinary arts event held every summer in Žabljak.

Discover more destinations: Žabljak, Zminica, Njegovuđa, Motički Gaj, Polje.

Go to the wider travel overview: Žabljak.