Zabljak
A city at the highest altitude in Balkans!
The first name of Žabljak was 'Varezina Voda' (The Water of Vareza), probably because of the strong source of drinking water, around which the settlement was later formed. After, it was called 'Hanovi' or originally 'Anovi'. The present name Zabljak was officially given in 1870 when the construction of the church, school and captain's home began on the same day. In the period before World War II, Žabljak represented a small town with typically mountain architecture. Already during this period, the unique nature began to attract a large number of tourists from abroad and from the then Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In particular, because of their ties with Montenegro, there were numerous guests from Italy. Žabljak and Durmitor made the greatest contributions and casualties in World War II. During World War II, this small town was burned to the grounds. From then, Žabljak was being built and became the centre of winter tourism in Montenegro. Today, it has become the leading winter resort in the region, utilising the beauty of nature that surrounds it, affirming itself as a top vacation spot. In addition to the magnificent natural surroundings, the richness of the area with its wildlife, offers amazing opportunities for hunting and fishing, bringing many enthusiasts of this type of sport to Žabljak.
Durmitor National Park
One of the main attraction at the Durmitor NP is, without doubt, the Black Lake with its unspoiled beauty. There’s an interesting legend about this Lake. The story tells that Saint Sava came across this lake and ended up in one of the monasteries under Durmitor. The monastery was then located in the middle of the small town, in a deep valley, where today is the Black Lake. The nuns greeted Saint Sava but doubted that he was indeed a saint, so they agreed to cheat on him. Therefore, they slaughtered a rooster overnight and put him in the Saint's bag. The next day, when Saint Sava went out, he was followed by the nuns who were shouting:
- 'Hey, Father if you’re saying you’re a saint, why did you steal the rooster last night?'
- 'What are you saying, God and the angels be with you! Shall I rob the Monastery!?'
- 'Yes, you did!' cried the nuns loudly, tearing the bag from his shoulder.
And behold, there was indeed a slaughtered rooster in the bag. Then the Saint got angry and said,
'Shall the God break the ground where your Monastery is now, and this place shall not be called a town or a village, but a black lake.'
Then he revived the slaughtered rooster and it became a black grouse. When the nuns returned, they were startled by a miracle: the land indeed separated and collapsed, and the Monastery with a small town sank into the abyss, and from the abyss the lake - the Black Lake, turned up, and on the surface of the lake, every August, a black cap of a nun floats on the surface.
Ski Resort Savin Kuk
Things to do in Zabljak:
- Skiing - The slopes on the ski centre Savin Kuk are adapted for skiers and snowboarders of all levels - from beginners to superior
- Rafting - Tara River, will give you unforgettable moments and a unique feeling during rafting or kayaking.
- Biking - Numerous mountain roads, trails, and off-road hiking trails provide enjoyment in road and mountain biking.
- Hiking - Durmitor provides a wide range of hiking trails of all levels of difficulty, but also for walking in nature.
- Fly Fishing - Try out the fly fishing in one of the clearest waters in Europe, waters of Tara River.