Zhablyak

Overview

The town of Zabljak and the entire municipality (including Durmitor, Sinyavina and Tara Canyon) offer breathtaking mountain scenery and many opportunities for winter and summer sports.

The story of Zhablyak

The first name of the Zhablyak was "Varesin water", which is due to the large number of drinking water sources located nearby. Later, the city was renamed "Ganovy" or "Anovy". The current name was formed in 1870, when a school and a church were founded here at the same time. However, almost all of the original buildings were destroyed during the Balkan Wars. Of the known ones, only the building of the old church of the Holy Transfiguration, built in 1862, remains. Soon after, Zabljak received the status of a city, several shops and cafes were opened.

In the 1880s, Zabljak became a center of trade, turning into an administrative center. Before the Second World War, Zabljak was a small town with typical architecture of a mountain settlement. The unique nature of these places will attract tourists from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and from abroad, in particular from Italy. During the Second World War, Zabljak was burned to the ground. After the war, the city was revived and became the center of winter sports in Montenegro, which it is now.

Who will be interested in the Zhablyak

A one-day visit to Zabljak may be enough for moderate outdoor enthusiasts who just want to see Tara Canyon and Black Lake, while trekking, hiking, rafting and skiing enthusiasts will enjoy a longer stay.

What to see

What to do in Zabljak

Active sports in Zabljak

Hiking in Zabljak

There are many options for tracking in Zabljak. Zabljak hiking trails are very popular with tourists. The usual and most popular is the bypass of the Black Lake (Crno jezero), and then the adjacent Small Black Lake (Malo Crno jezero). Set aside 1.5 hours for a leisurely walk.

There are several trails starting at Black Lake that lead to other lakes. Keep in mind that there may be snow everywhere except in the summer season, so you will need suitable clothes and shoes. As an example, a hike to Snake Lake (Zminje jezero), which takes about 1.5 hours one way along simple trails (a few roots and stones, but nothing to worry about). There are also several workarounds, so there is no need to go back the same way.

Conquering the peaks. In Zabljak, you can conquer several peaks, these are quite tedious, but beautiful and useful hikes. For example, a hike to Bobatov Cook Peak, which can take a whole day (at least 5-6 hours one way). The Sedlo Pass is the highest mountain road in Montenegro, a mountain serpentine between the Sedlo ridge and the highest point of the Durmitor – Bobotov Kukom massif.

Climbing routes that will require special equipment and training: hiking in an Ice cave (Ledena pećina). Starting from the western part of the lake, a steep ascent in one direction can take up to 4 hours. There is no snow here in summer. You can also cross the ridge between the Little and Big Dipper (Mala Međed and Veliki Međed) by making a circular hike, starting on one side of the Black Lakes and ending on the other. The most accessible crossing point is Velika previja. The path is well marked on the north side and well marked on the south side (a red circle around the white center). Set aside at least 6 hours for a full hike.

You can also take a two–hour walk to Katun Lokvice, a large plateau surrounded by stunning mountains.

How to get

The main problem that hinders the development of Zabljak as an upscale mountain resort is the lack of road infrastructure. The main connection of Zabljak with the rest of Montenegro is the road to Mojkovac and the European highway E65, which is a link between the Montenegrin coast, Podgorica and the north of the country. Another road goes through Shavnik and Niksic to Risan or Podgorica.

Air service

Podgorica and its international airport are about 170 km away. There are several daily flights from Belgrade, regular flights from Budapest, Zurich, Frankfurt, Ljubljana, Paris, Rome, Milan, Vienna and Istanbul. There is also a possibility of transfer from Tivat International Airport. Another airport you might consider is Dubrovnik, located across the border with Croatia. Do not forget that Russians will need a Schengen visa.

The buses

Bus service to Zabljak is represented by routes from the Bus Station. Bus connections are established with cities such as Niksic, Podgorica, Pljevli, Belgrade, Novi Sad and others. Keep in mind that there is no direct bus service between Mojkovac and Zabljak.

Car

You can get to Zabljak by car either by driving off the road from the coast to Serbia on the Mojkovac highway or along the Podgorica – Shavnik – Zabljak route. The scenic mountain road crossing Durmitor National Park from Plužine is accessible to enthusiastic drivers. In any case, these are winding mountain serpentines that do not allow you to move at high speed and require additional caution. In winter, when the whole area is covered with snow, those who are not familiar with the local roads can let someone more experienced take them to Zabljak.

Railway

The nearest railway station is in Mojkovac, 71 km from Zabljak, on the Belgrade–Bar railway line. Other nearby railway stations are Niksic , Podgorica , Priepole (Serbia).

Where to stay

There are three large hotels in Zabljak: Planinka, Zabljak and Durmitor. In addition, there are many small motels and apartments in the city and its surroundings. Just find the "Rooms" sign, however, keep in mind that not all owners are available right on the spot, so you may have to call them to see the property (phone numbers are usually listed on their property signs).

There is plenty of housing in Zabljak, except for New Year's Eve, when places can be crowded.

Local cuisine and wines

Montenegrin cuisine in Zabljak

There are several excellent local restaurants in Zabljak, some of them are located right on the shore of the Black Lake.

Traditional cold snacks: the famous Montenegrin prshut (njeguški pršut) – smoked ham, njeguški cheese, pleval cheese, mushrooms, fried dough and dried bleak. The main dishes typical of the northern mountainous region are boiled mutton, mutton in milk, polenta with butter, boiled potatoes with kaymak, local fresh cream cheese.

Local wines in Zabljak

Real Montenegrin wine is worth a try if you travel to various regions of Montenegro and are a connoisseur. The most famous Montenegrin wines are the premium varieties Vrarnac pro Corde, Krstac (Krstač), traditional Cabernet and Chardonnay and the famous home-made red wine Crmnicko.

Grape rakia Montenegrin vine, Prvienac, Kruna are also very popular with tourists in Zabljak.