Most visitors give Zabljak two nights on their way between the coast and Serbia or Bosnia. Two nights is enough — if you don’t waste them. We’ve been based here since 2011; this is the itinerary we give friends when they ask about things to do in Zabljak.
First, orient yourself
Zabljak is the highest town in the Balkans at around 1,450 m, and it’s small: one central intersection, everything within walking distance of it. Our office sits on Narodnih Heroja bb, 200 metres from that intersection — a useful landmark and a good first stop to sort out your day-two plans.
Day 1: town, forest and Black Lake
Morning: arrive and settle
Check in, grab coffee in the centre, and stock up if you’re self-catering — supermarkets and bakeries cluster around the intersection. If you haven’t booked activities yet, drop by our office and lock in tomorrow’s rafting while morning slots are still open.
Afternoon: Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
The park’s showpiece is a 3 km walk or short drive from town. Pay the national park entry at the gate, then walk the full lake circuit — an easy, flat 3.5 km loop between dark pines with the Međed peak looming over the water. Allow two relaxed hours. Swimming is possible in summer if you’re brave; the water is glacial. Rowboat rental on the shore is a good option with kids.
Evening: eat like a local
Order the mountain classics: kačamak (a heavyweight polenta-potato-cheese dish that will end your evening plans), lamb cooked under the iron bell (ispod sača), and local cheese and prosciutto. Portions here assume you’ve been herding sheep all day. Zabljak’s restaurants are concentrated around the centre — walk and pick what looks busy.
Day 2: the river
Morning: raft the Tara
This is what you came for. The Tara canyon — 78 km long, 1,300 m deep, second deepest in the world — is a half-day trip on our 14 km run (€60), which covers the most rapid-rich stretch and suits everyone from kids to grandparents. Serious paddlers with a full day should take the 36 km run (€120) through the deepest section instead. All gear, licensed guides and transfers included; we speak English, German, Russian and Italian.
Afternoon: Djurdjevica Tara Bridge
On the way back — or as your own detour, about 20 km from Zabljak — stop at the Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, the 1940 concrete arch spanning the canyon 170 m above the river. We have our second base right at the bridge. This is also where the zipline runs across the canyon if the morning’s rafting didn’t finish your adrenaline budget.
Evening: last mountain dinner
Back in town, one more slow dinner. If you have energy, the short walk to the viewpoint above town at sunset is worth it.
Where to sleep
Zabljak runs the full range: guesthouses and apartments in town (most practical), wooden chalets and bungalows toward the national park entrance (most atmospheric), and a few hotels. In July–August, book weeks ahead — the town is small and fills completely.
If you have a third day
Take the jeep safari around the Durmitor Ring to see the canyon from the rim, or — for the fit and brave — canyoning in Nevidio. Everything we run is on the experience page, or call +382 69 202 254 and we’ll build the day around you.