Beautiful Places #6: Zabljak
Zabljak holds a very special place in our hearts, having been our first mountain destination together, ten years ago back in 2011. Most of our time on that trip was spent in Kotor, much further south on the coast of Montenegro, but for a spell in the middle we hired a car and drove up to the Durmitor Mountains in the north of the country to indulge in a bit of challenging trekking. And wow did we hit the jackpot, with superb hiking, other activities and a delightfully rural setting.
Some of our terrific hikes in Zabljak saw us start off in 30+ degree temperatures in the village and then ascend all the way up to ice caves at the top. The scenery, with dramatic mountains, green pastures and glassy lakes, was continually truly stunning. The nearby spectacular Tara Gorge also afforded us the opportunity for such activities as white water rafting and tombstone diving (you need considerable courage for that one!).
At that time, they were just starting to build chalet hotels and looking to develop Zabljak into a ski resort: we have no idea whether they made that happen, but in 2011 it was a deliciously sleepy village with just four eateries and a wonderfully rural feel. One of those places where the bakery is the spiritual centre, evenings under moonlight are romantic and relaxing, and the cattle herd makes its way down the High Street every afternoon. Peaceful evenings after a hard day’s trekking were perfect karma.
Zabljak was yet another place where we felt we were leaving too soon. On our drive back to Kotor we detoured to the spectacular cliffside monastery at Ostrog – picture in the gallery below.
But Zabljak itself is another memory we will treasure for ever.
22 Comments
wetanddustyroads
You’re absolutely right about this beautiful place … Zabljak (even the name calls you to visit!). The views are truly amazing – I can see why you have such wonderful memories of your visit!
Phil & Michaela
It is a beautiful place, such a fabulous place for hiking. We so hope they haven’t spoilt it by developing the village too much. Its downbeat rustic feel was all part of its charm.
Lookoom
Zabljak, I had never heard of this place, thank you for pointing it out. This whole area of the Balkans that is opening up to the rest of Europe is a beautiful territory of surprises to explore.
Phil & Michaela
Yes indeed – we’ve made 4 visits to the Balkan states now, and everything has been great on each visit. And surprisingly varied too.
ourcrossings
Montenegro is such a beautiful country to explore and photograph. Not to mention those staggering mountain views! I’m glad you had a great time 😊 Aiva
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Aiva, it was a fabulous place to go hiking, so unspoiled😊
Andrew Petcher
We went to Montenegro about the same time. Beyond Kotor the impression that I got was that the locals weren’t ready for tourists.
Phil & Michaela
I think that one of the reasons we loved that trip up into the Durmitor mountains was exactly that: this was a small town just going about its business with barely a nod to tourism, yet surrounded by the most stunning scenery.
Toonsarah
What stunning landscapes! No wonder you have such good memories of this place 🙂
Phil & Michaela
Hi Sarah, Such an amazing place to go hiking. Rafting was also good there even in the summer when the river was low, we imagine it would be fantastic in the spring after the snow melt.😊
Jyothi
Beautiful views!! Well captured!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you!
leightontravels
Gorgeous photos. This has really got us thinking about a visit to Montenegro later in the year. We are based in Belgrade so it’s just down the road, so to speak. Great work!
Phil & Michaela
All four of our trips to the Balkan states so far have been brilliant…but Zabljak was very special.
rkrontheroad
A lovely place among the mountains. I love that the bakery was the spiritual center of the community.
Phil & Michaela
Yes, so much so that it was still open and busy after the bars had closed!
Christie
The mountains look amazing! I like visiting small towns, they are often hidden gems. We haven’t been to Balkans yet, hopefully we can all travel again soon😊
Phil & Michaela
Yes we love them too, you get more of a feel for that country than in the large Cities 😊
MrsWayfarer
The photos are stunning! I’m inspired to go here some day…
Phil & Michaela
It is beautiful and so unspoiled, hope you get there one day
CompassAndCamera
Zabljak looks spectacular! Thanks for putting this on the map for us. I’ve heard great things about Kotor as well, from James and Terri and Gallivance.
Phil & Michaela
We think that Montenegro has a lot to offer us travellers 😊