Žabljak may be a small town, but it’s surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the Balkans—and there’s more than enough to fill a short trip with big memories. Whether you’re coming for a weekend escape or have a bit more time, this detailed itinerary shows you exactly how to make the most of 2 or 3 days in Žabljak.

Our plan is curated for active travelers who want to experience a little of everything: dramatic views, local flavors, peaceful moments, and the unfiltered charm of mountain life. This itinerary also pairs perfectly with a stay at our hotel, located at the doorstep of both adventure and comfort.

Whether you’re visiting in summer, winter, or the colorful shoulder seasons, Žabljak has a rhythm that invites both action and rest. One moment you’re standing at the edge of the deepest canyon in Europe, and the next you’re enjoying homemade mountain food by a warm fire. This contrast is what makes it special—wild yet welcoming, remote yet accessible. Our itinerary captures that balance, blending nature, culture, and downtime so your stay is rich and well-paced.

Day 1: Welcome to the Mountains

Morning
Arrive in Žabljak by mid-morning and check into your hotel—ideally ours, where you’re greeted with warm hospitality and views of Durmitor’s peaks right from your window. After check-in, enjoy a hearty Montenegrin breakfast featuring local cheeses, eggs, fresh bread, and mountain tea. It’s a good idea to take your time settling in. Žabljak’s mountain air is crisp and fresh, and the slower pace invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and shake off the noise of everyday life. Use this time to chat with the hotel staff about trail conditions, weather updates, and local tips—they’re always happy to help you tailor your stay.

Late Morning
Start your adventure with a visit to Black Lake (Crno Jezero), just a short drive or 30-minute walk from the center of town. This glacial lake is a symbol of Durmitor National Park and one of the most photographed spots in Montenegro. Walk the circular 3.5 km trail around the lake—it’s flat, family-friendly, and ideal for warming up your legs while taking in the surreal reflection of pine trees and Mount Međed in the water.

For an extra bit of magic, consider renting a rowboat or walking a bit beyond the main lake to discover the smaller, quieter parts of the surrounding forest. In winter, this path becomes a snow-covered tunnel, while in summer, it’s alive with wildflowers and birdsong. It’s a perfect introduction to Durmitor’s peaceful, pristine energy.

Lunch
Head back into town for lunch at a traditional tavern. Order local staples like kačamak (cornmeal mash with cheese) or grilled trout, freshly caught from mountain streams. Many restaurants also offer views of the surrounding mountains or are built with rustic interiors that make you feel like you’re in an alpine hut. If you’re staying at our hotel, you may also opt for lunch onsite—where locally sourced ingredients are turned into warm, satisfying meals with a modern twist.

Afternoon
After lunch, head toward Curevac Viewpoint. It’s a moderately short hike that leads to a cliff overlooking the Tara River Canyon—the second deepest in the world. The view is breathtaking, especially with the afternoon light casting shadows into the gorge. If you’d rather take it easy, opt for a drive along part of the Durmitor Ring to catch scenic views with minimal walking.

If you’re visiting during the colder months, the snow-covered trails leading to Curevac take on a fairytale quality, and fewer crowds mean you might have the entire viewpoint to yourself. Photographers will want to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping depth of the canyon, while others may simply sit in silence and take in the scale of it all.

Evening
Return to the hotel for a cozy evening in. Relax in the lounge or by the fireplace, then enjoy a homemade dinner featuring lamb under the bell or mountain mushrooms with polenta. Afterward, bundle up and step outside—Žabljak has minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing. If you’re visiting in winter, ask the hotel about preparing a mulled wine or rakija by the fire. In summer, evening temperatures are perfect for stepping out onto the terrace with a blanket and watching the last colors of the sunset fade over the peaks. It’s the kind of evening that reminds you why you came—to slow down, enjoy the view, and feel something real.

Day 2: Nature, Culture & Adventure

Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel—fresh mountain eggs, artisanal cheeses, or a warm bowl of cicvara. Then, prepare for one of Žabljak’s most rewarding half-day adventures: a hike to Zminje Jezero (Snake Lake). This trail begins from near Black Lake and winds through fragrant pine forests to a quiet glacial lake rarely visited by crowds.

The hike is peaceful and relatively easy, taking around two hours round-trip. At the lake, take a moment to sit in stillness, breathe in the forest air, and maybe spot a shy deer or fox crossing nearby. It’s a chance to start your day grounded and connected to nature.

Lunch
After returning from the trail, enjoy a traditional lunch at a restaurant in town. We recommend trying the grilled lamb or smoked sausage plate—hearty meals designed for mountain appetites. Or opt for a lighter dish like homemade nettle soup or fresh mountain trout.

Our hotel also offers seasonal lunch specials made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. If the weather is nice, sit outdoors and soak up the views while you eat.

Afternoon
Now it’s time for some fun: choose between a Tara River rafting excursion (in warmer months) or a ski/snowshoe adventure (in winter). Local outfitters provide all the equipment and transfers needed. The Tara Canyon, just a short drive away, offers rapids for every skill level along with some of the cleanest water in Europe.

For those staying closer to town, you could drive part of the Durmitor Ring Road, stopping at viewpoints like Sedlo Pass. The landscapes change quickly and dramatically—ideal for photo stops and short walks.

Evening
Back at the hotel, unwind with a warm shower or sauna session if available. Then head to dinner and enjoy one last slow, nourishing meal in the mountains. Whether it’s a glass of Montenegrin wine or a cup of hot tea by the fireplace, take time to reflect on how much beauty you’ve seen in just two days.

If you’re staying another night, ask the front desk for a stargazing blanket and head outside. Under the clear mountain skies, the stars feel closer, and silence settles like snow.

Day 3: Deeper into Durmitor

Morning
On your third day in Žabljak, it’s time to go deeper into Durmitor’s wild beauty. After breakfast, set out for a hike or drive toward the Škrčka Lakes or Prutaš. Both options offer stunning alpine scenery—Škrčka for its dramatic lake basins surrounded by towering cliffs, and Prutaš for panoramic ridgelines with unique rock formations.

If hiking isn’t in your plans today, you can take a longer stretch of the Durmitor Ring Road, stopping in quiet villages like Trsa or Nedajno, where time seems to slow down. Have coffee with locals, taste homemade cheese, or buy fresh mountain honey.

Lunch
Enjoy lunch in one of the small villages along the route or return to Žabljak for a comforting meal in town. Many local restaurants offer wood-fired dishes like baked beans, veal under the bell, or rich vegetable stews, perfect after a morning of mountain air.

Afternoon
Dedicate your afternoon to cultural and local experiences. Visit Stećci medieval tombstones, unique to the Balkans and scattered in the fields near Žabljak. Or stop by the small churches and shepherd hamlets for a glimpse of traditional Montenegrin mountain life.

Alternatively, if you’re after more relaxation, treat yourself to a spa session, herbal sauna, or massage at your hotel (where available). After two days of hiking and fresh air, a little pampering feels well deserved.

Evening
Wrap up your stay with a sunset drive or walk to your favorite viewpoint from the past two days. Return to the hotel for your final dinner—make it special with a bottle of local wine or a tasting menu of Durmitor specialties.

Spend your last night soaking in the stillness. Write a few notes in your journal. Look up at the stars one more time. Žabljak has a way of staying with you long after you’ve gone.

Final Reflections

Žabljak is the kind of place that lingers in the mind long after your boots are off and your bags are packed. It’s not just the beauty of Durmitor’s peaks or the clarity of its lakes. It’s the way time seems to stretch in the silence of a pine forest. The feeling of morning sun hitting your face as you stand above a canyon older than history. The warmth of a meal prepared with love. The scent of smoke curling from a chimney on a cold night. These are the moments that define a trip here—and they stay with you.

Whether you came for two days or stayed for three, you’ll leave Žabljak lighter, clearer, and more rooted. This is a mountain town that gives back more than you put in, and rewards slow travel, curiosity, and presence. You don’t have to do everything to feel like you’ve experienced something big—you just have to show up, breathe in, and let the landscape do the rest.

And if you stayed at our hotel, we hope your time with us added an extra layer of comfort, warmth, and care to your journey. We’re here not just to host your stay, but to help you feel at home in the mountains.

Žabljak is always waiting. Until next time—carry the calm, the clarity, and the wonder with you wherever you go.