Things To Do
in Šavnik
Šavnik is a small highland town in Montenegro, nestled in a lush valley shaped by rivers and pine forests. It serves as a quiet gateway to the Durmitor and Sinjajevina natural areas, offering rugged scenery and traditional Montenegrin hospitality. The town centers on simple, welcoming konobas where guests can taste rustic mountain cuisine.
With its elevated setting and proximity to dramatic landscapes, Šavnik provides an authentic off-the-beaten-path Montenegro experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Šavnik and settle into your guesthouse surrounded by rugged mountains. Start the day with fresh pastries and strong mountain coffee at a local bakery. Wander through the narrow streets and observe traditional wooden houses that echo the town’s history.
Join a guided walking tour along the Bukovica River and learn about Šavnik’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. Visit the modest town museum to see archival photographs and artifacts. Stop at a riverside café for a light lunch of burek and yogurt.
Enjoy a riverside dinner at a family-run konoba with specialties like trout and lamb under the stars. Sip homemade rakija while listening to live sevdalinka tunes. End the evening with a peaceful stroll along the softly illuminated riverbank.
Drive to the Tara River canyon at dawn and meet your rafting guide. Put on protective gear and receive a safety briefing. Feel the cool mountain air energize you before launching into the river’s rapids.
Navigate class III and IV rapids while marveling at the canyon’s sheer limestone walls. Pause for a picnic lunch on a sandy riverbank surrounded by dense pine forests. Swim in the crystal-clear water or relax on smooth rocks.
Return to Šavnik and unwind with a restorative soak in the natural thermal springs at Brštanovica. Share rafting stories with fellow travelers around a crackling campfire. End the night under a canopy of glittering stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🧃Bottle of water 0.5L | $0.75-1.5 |
| 🚆Local transport ticket | $1-3 |
| 🏥Basic doctor visit | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic highland experience
- Access to Durmitor and Sinjajevina for outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife and amenities
- Healthcare facilities in town are basic; some services require travel to Nikšić or Podgorica
- "Dobar dan" - Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Gdje je…?" - Where is…?
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Izvinite" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Šavnik
Visit one of these nice places.
Morning light along the river with willows and traditional houses reflected in the water.
Stone houses, winding alleys, and storefronts provide authentic village textures and portraits.
Expansive landscapes with dramatic mountain backdrops ideal for wide-angle shots.
A quiet site with architectural detail and scenic overlook.
Food in Šavnik
Šavnik Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cornmeal porridge typically served with melted kajmak or local cheese; a comforting mountain staple.
Must-Try!
Smoked ham and local cheese pairings; great as an appetizer or light meal with bread.
Freshly caught trout, often grilled or fried with minimal seasoning to highlight the fish.
Flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat; popular for breakfast or a savory snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering dairy, produce, bread, and homemade preserves; best early in the morning.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and eye contact; use proper titles when addressing elders or professionals.
Ask permission for private homes or interiors; be respectful and avoid photographing people without consent.
Safety
Tipping in Šavnik
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Cash (EUR) is widely accepted; many places also take bank cards; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cooler evenings in the mountains; occasional afternoon showers are possible. Pack a light rain layer and good walking shoes.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; harvest season brings rural activity and seasonal produce.
Cold and often snowy; roads can be icy; ensure warm clothing and winter tires if driving.
Mild and variable with blooming wildflowers; streams swell from spring rains, offering lush scenery.
Šavnik at Night
Hiking in Šavnik
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes across alpine pastures with expansive mountain views.
Short to long hikes with dramatic valley views; accessible as day trips.
Scenic forested trails along a picturesque river valley with lookout points.
Airports
How to reach Šavnik by plane.
Main international gateway; about 60-80 minutes by road to Šavnik depending on route.
Coastal airport with seasonal international flights; longer drive to Šavnik but useful for summer travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding residents involved in farming and animal husbandry; a rural, slow-paced community.
Tourists visiting during warmer months for Durmitor and Sinjajevina activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across Montenegro, including in towns like Šavnik.
Common in community centers and schools; local leagues exist in larger towns.
Popular in Durmitor, Sinjajevina, and surrounding regions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Šavnik.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seek dishes featuring dairy, beans, lentils, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables; many konobas can prepare simple meat-free options or adapt existing dishes.