Aurora Hill Chalet

Žabljak is a small town situated in the northwestern part of Montenegro, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Durmitor mountain range. It is located at an altitude of 1,456 meters above sea level, making it the highest town in the Balkans. Zabljak is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.

One of the main attractions of Zabljak is the Durmitor National Park, which covers an area of over 39,000 hectares and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, deep canyons, and crystal-clear glacial lakes. The park is a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and skiing opportunities.

One of the most famous attractions in the park is the Black Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 1,416 meters and is surrounded by dense pine forests. The lake is one of the most picturesque sights in Montenegro, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors can swim, fish, or rent a paddleboat to explore the lake.

Another popular attraction in Zabljak is the Tara River Canyon, which is the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. The canyon is over 1,300 meters deep and stretches for 82 kilometers, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy rafting or kayaking down the river, or simply take a leisurely hike along its banks.

Zabljak is also known for its ski resort, which offers over 30 kilometers of ski slopes and is one of the best skiing destinations in the region. The resort is located on the slopes of the Durmitor mountain range and offers a wide variety of skiing options for both beginners and advanced skiers. The ski season in Zabljak typically runs from December to April, depending on the snowfall.

Apart from outdoor activities, Zabljak also has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums and monuments showcasing the town's history and traditions. The most famous museum is the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in a traditional Montenegrin house and showcases the daily life and customs of the region's inhabitants.

Zabljak also has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to visitors from around the world. The town's culinary scene is renowned for its traditional Montenegrin dishes, which feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are typically served with homemade bread and cheese.

In conclusion, Zabljak is a stunning destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. Whether you're a hiker, skier, or simply looking to explore the region's rich history and traditions, Zabljak has something to offer for everyone.

The 17 glacier lakes of Durmitor are scattered across the Durmitor Massif, a mountain range in the northwest region of Montenegro. Here are the names and locations of each of the 17 lakes:

1. Barno Jezero - located in the northern part of the park, near the town of Žabljak
2. Vražje Jezero - located on the western slope of the Prutaš mountain
3. Zminje Jezero - located on the southern slope of the Durmitor Massif
4. Jablan Jezero - located on the eastern side of the Durmitor Massif
5. Zabojsko Jezero - located on the western slope of the Durmitor Massif
6. Riblje Jezero - located in the southeastern part of the park
7. Valovito Jezero - located on the northern slope of the Durmitor Massif
8. Modro Jezero - located on the eastern side of the Durmitor Massif
9. Zeleni Vir - located on the northern slope of the Durmitor Massif
10. Suva Jezera - a group of three small lakes located on the northern side of the Durmitor Massif
11. Veliko Jezero - also known as Crno Jezero or Black Lake, located in the heart of the park
12. Malo Jezero - located near Veliko Jezero
13. Vir u Lokvicama - located on the eastern slope of the Durmitor Massif
14. Skrcko Jezero - located on the southern slope of the Durmitor Massif
15. Jabucko Jezero - located on the southern slope of the Durmitor Massif
16. Prokletije Jezera - a group of two small lakes located on the southern side of the Durmitor Massif
17. Srablje Jezero - located on the southern side of the park, near the border with Albania.

These 17 lakes are fed by melting snow and glaciers, giving them a unique turquoise color and crystal-clear water. Visitors can hike to each of the lakes, and many of them have well-marked trails leading to them. The most famous and popular of the 17 lakes is Veliko Jezero, also known as Crno Jezero or Black Lake, which is located in the heart of the park and is the largest of the 17 lakes.

The Durmitor Ring, also known as Durmitorski Ring, is a popular hiking and driving trail located in the stunning Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. The route encircles the entire Durmitor massif and provides visitors with breathtaking views of the park's rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests.

Hiking the Durmitor Ring: For hikers, the Durmitor Ring is a challenging but rewarding trail that takes around five days to complete. The trail is well-marked and leads visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Montenegro. Along the way, hikers will encounter numerous mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests.

Some of the most beautiful natural landmarks that hikers will encounter along the Durmitor Ring include the stunning Black Lake, the tranquil Skrcka Lakes, the awe-inspiring Bobotov Kuk peak, and the breathtaking Tara Canyon. Additionally, visitors will be able to observe various species of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and wildcats.

Driving the Durmitor Ring: For those who prefer to drive, the Durmitor Ring is a scenic route that can be completed in a day or two. The drive takes visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Montenegro, including the Tara River Canyon, which is one of the deepest canyons in Europe.

Along the way, visitors will have the opportunity to stop at various viewpoints and admire the stunning natural beauty of the park. Some of the most popular viewpoints along the Durmitor Ring include the Sedlo Pass, which offers panoramic views of the park's mountains, and the Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, which spans the Tara River Canyon and offers breathtaking views of the river below.

Restaurants: There are several restaurants located along the Durmitor Ring where visitors can enjoy traditional Montenegrin cuisine. One popular restaurant is the Durmitor National Restaurant, located in the town of Zabljak, which serves a variety of local dishes such as lamb stew and cheese pie. Another popular restaurant is the Šteta Bar & Grill, located in the town of Plužine, which serves delicious grilled meats and fresh seafood.

In conclusion, the Durmitor Ring is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Montenegro. Whether you choose to hike the trail or drive the route, you will be treated to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Europe. With its towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests, the Durmitor Ring is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.