Žabljak Crnojevića

An abandoned medieval fortified town at the confluence of the Morača with Lake Skadar.

Visiting the fortress

Žabljak was built to control the terrain, not to impress, and visitors find it quiet, often with the whole fortress to themselves. Access depends on water level: in winter and early spring you may be able to reach the foot of the fortress only by boat. The Rijeka Crnojevića boat tour takes you through reed-lined channels towards the lake, and Žabljak can be seen from the water; you must pay the national park fee for a boat tour. After the Ottomans took Žabljak in 1478 Ivan Crnojević moved his seat to Obod above the river, and the Obod printing house, founded by Đurađ Crnojević (in 1493 or 1494), left a monument in the village. There is no regular bus to Rijeka Crnojevića, so you need a car or a private tour.