Zminica: Nature and Birdlife

Zminičko Lake lies near Zminica; the landscape, water, and waterbirds give the local nature theme a distinctive character. The wider travel destination of Žabljak adds other lakes, trails, and cultural themes to this local focus.

Natural Surroundings and Birdlife in Zminica

Zminičko Lake lies at the foot of the Sinjajevina Mountains. Dense coniferous forests and expansive meadows shape the surroundings and give them a rural character. The lake is shallow; its main water source is spring snowmelt, and its water level changes seasonally. Wild ducks and other waterbirds live along its shores. The lake is therefore also of interest for nature observation and ornithology.

Other Natural Sites and Trails in the Wider Travel Destination of Žabljak

The wider travel destination of Žabljak includes several other lakes. Vražje Lake is part of Durmitor National Park, lies within the municipality of Žabljak, and is a glacial lake with crystal-clear water. The national park contains 18 glacial lakes; Black Lake is the largest and best known. It lies three kilometres southwest of Žabljak at an elevation of 1,418 metres, is also Montenegro’s second-largest mountain lake, and is under UNESCO protection. One of its distinctive features is a rare bifurcation. The term refers to the division of a watercourse; at Black Lake, the water flows underground into the Tara and Piva rivers.

The similar-sounding names refer to two different bodies of water: Zminičko Lake lies near Zminica, while Zminje Lake is in the Pitomine neighbourhood within the municipality of Žabljak. The 2.6-kilometre-long Mlinsko Stream connects Zminje Lake to Veliko Crno jezero, which lies 100 metres lower.

Trail information in the wider travel destination of Žabljak also varies by location: a maintained footpath leads from Black Lake to Zminje Lake, and several marked hiking and walking trails start at Black Lake. The road to Jablan Lake goes as far as the Momčilov grad restaurant; from there, an easy uphill footpath runs through a pine forest. This trail is suitable for people seeking relaxation and families with children. The Durmitor Ring panoramic road is signposted in both directions.

Culture in Žabljak

The cultural heritage of the wider travel destination of Žabljak includes medieval tombstones known as stećci, located near Riblje Lake in the village of Novakovići. They are under UNESCO protection. The registered religious heritage includes single-nave stone churches with bell towers on their façades. “Single-nave” describes a floor plan with one main nave; the façade bell towers refer to a defining feature of the buildings’ exterior. These churches date from the first half or the end of the 19th century. As a recurring cultural highlight, the Wild Beauty Art Festival takes place every summer in Žabljak. It is a multidisciplinary arts event that brings together several art forms.

Discover more destinations: Motički Gaj, Žabljak, Polje, Uskoci, Njegovuđa

Return to the wider travel overview: Žabljak.