What to Visit in Montenegro (Part One)

How many countries do you know that are home to five national parks, have a fifth of their territory under UNESCO’s protection, proudly display a rich cultural heritage, boast countless historical monuments, thrill with lofty mountain peaks, enchant with captivating sea views, and offer adrenaline-pumping adventures?

Well, if you’ve visited or have been living in Montenegro, you are surely familiar with what a gem our country is. But, if you just moved in here, plan a visit, or are having a friend/family member(s) and want to show them the country, let me guide you through some of the most beautiful places around here.

Since I prefer spending time in nature and doing some adventure sports, I will start this series from north to south of the country. And trust me, there is something for everyone, especially since Montenegro has its magic both in summer and winter time.

So, let’s begin with the national parks. Each of them is unique for its special geolocation, nature, history, and activities to offer.

Durmitor National Park: UNESCO’s Pride

Durmitor NP with Tara River is under UNESCO’s protection for a reason – for its untouched nature, an astonishing array of flora and fauna, and towering peaks such as Savin Kuk and Bobotov Kuk. Having in mind that my roots are from this region, Durmitor takes a special place in my heart. What amazes me about this national park is its 18 glacial lakes, with Black Lake as the most famous among them. Black Lake, known as Mountain Eyes, is actually a formation of two lakes – the big and the small, looking like big black eyes from a bird’s perspective. In the winter it’s frozen, and if you walk around it at night, surrounded by high pine trees, you can hear ice cracking (which can be stunning and scary at the same time). Take your time, walk through the forest or ride horses, and pamper yourself with a big meal at the nearby national cuisine restaurant.

No matter when you visit Durmitor, during the summer, spring, or autumn, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the activities and sights it has to offer.

Start by taking a drive along the breathtaking Durmitor Ring, where you’ll encounter stunning spots like Putaš, Sedlo, and Sušičko Lake. We can call this mountaineering on wheels, with 84 km of drive with a total height difference of 2,000 m. No matter if you drive clock or counter-clockwise, the experience will be breathtaking.  Each location has its special charm, so be sure to take your time and soak in the beauty. In spring or summer, you can do it on a bike, while during the winter, it’s best to take a jeep safari tour, if the narrow roads are passable.

For a more relaxed experience, take leisurely walks through the park’s enchanting forests and meadows. The peaceful ambiance and natural serenity will provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re up for some adventure, there are hiking tours available for all skill levels. Choose a trail that suits your abilities and get ready to explore the park’s hidden gems. And a piece of advice – if you are going hiking, be sure to have a guide. You probably don’t want to hit the news stories as a tourist that went to the mountain in flip-flops and had to be rescued.

Make sure to include a visit to the iconic Tara Bridge, one of the highest bridges in Europe. The breathtaking view and the story of the bridge will leave you in awe of the park’s natural splendor. For an extra dose of excitement, why not take a thrilling 1 km long zip-line ride? It’s a fantastic way to experience the park’s beauty from a different perspective.

Biogradska Gora National Park: A European Rainforest

Biogradska Gora, another mountainous National Park, although the smallest one, boasts an enchanting charm that is in no way overshadowed by its size. It is actually a rainforest and one of three remaining virgin forests in Europe. Every step of this place is so picturesque, so if you like taking photos surrounded by bright green colors, this is your place for making a perfect memory. Besides nature, you can see many cultural and natural attractions. The central part of the park is Lake Biograd on which you can take a boat tour. The best time to visit this park is from May to October.

You can also use this time to visit the nearby Bjelasica Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views from the cable car or from its peaks you’ll conquer by hiking.

Skadar Lake National Park: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Having personally explored the wonder that is Skadar Lake, I can’t recommend enough the mesmerizing experiences it offers. The largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, it weaves an enchanting tapestry of natural beauty, history, and cultural richness that you’ll want to discover first-hand. Skadar Lake extends through parts of Podgorica, Bar, and Cetinje, and it connects Montenegro with Albania.

Skadar Lake is a birder’s paradise. Home to an astounding 280 species, it’s an absolute must-visit. Keep an eye out for rare gems such as the Dalmatian Pelican and the Pygmy Cormorants, and let the harmonious symphony of the Glossy Ibis and Squacco Heron captivate you.

Hop on a boat tour that takes you across the enchanting waters of Skadar Lake. It’s an opportunity to explore the time-honored villages, ancient churches, and their rich stories, an experience that will undoubtedly transport you back in time. Follow it up with a delectable meal of freshly-caught fish and a glass of homemade wine from the surroundings,  traditional delights that can’t be missed.

Take the time to cruise down the Rijeka Crnojevića River, and marvel at the 1850s stone bridge – a testament to the region’s architectural heritage. Soak in the local charm as you stroll through the villages along its banks, each steeped in vibrant history.

The serene village of Karuč is another must-visit. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, this tranquil place offers an opportunity to engage with local fishing practices. The taste of a meal prepared from your own catch is a joy I highly recommend.

Don’t forget to hike up the surrounding hills for an unrivaled view of Skadar Lake’s picturesque landscape. The vista, especially at sunset, is a sight you’ll want to capture and cherish.

Last, but not least, make sure you visit the local wineries, as the Skadar Lake basin is one of the most important wine regions in Montenegro. You’ll find a number of small, family-owned wineries, and tasting traditional Montenegrin wine is a cultural immersion you don’t want to miss out on.

Lovćen National Park: Home of Njegoš Mausoleum

Only a short drive from Kotor or the historic capital of Cetinje, Lovćen National Park is revered for being the final resting place of Montenegro’s most famous ruler and poet, Njegoš. After ascending the 400 steps to the mausoleum, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view and that special feeling of a historically important place.

At the bottom is a lovely picnic place – Ivanova Korita, surrounded by forest, with a kids’ playground, tennis courts, and adventure park. You must try “priganice” with honey – a traditional Montenegrin breakfast. Since all of this NP can be one day trip (if you want to explore them in detail and enjoy pristine nature, you can stay longer), take the other half of the day to visit Cetinje – a historical town, renowned as the country’s cultural and educational center. Rich in architectural wonders and museums, it also served as the capital of Montenegro during the period of the Kingdom.

In a couple of days, you’ll be able to use the new cable car from Kotor (actually, a place near Kotor) to Lovćen, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bay. The one-way ticket will cost €13 per person, and the return one will be €23. For kids 2-12 years old you’ll pay a one-way ticket €7, and the return ticket will be €12, while for kids up to two years old tickets won’t be charged. Persons with disabilities will also pay €7 for a one-way ride and €12 for a return ticket. Check the schedule and book your tickets here.

Prokletije National Park: The Youngest NP of Montenegro

Located in the southernmost region of the Dinaric Alps and bordering Albania, Prokletije National Park, established in 2009, offers rugged beauty, glacial lakes, and over 1,700 plant species. Whether you’re a fan of hiking or mountain climbing, or simply love nature, the park’s beauty will leave you speechless.

Be sure to visit the majestic Ali Pasha Springs – a beautiful natural wonder known for its stunning blue-green waters and its tranquil, picturesque surroundings. Also, make sure to visit the Grebaja and Ropojana valleys, nested between rugged mountain peaks in a postcard setting that reminds you of the Swiss Alps. Just like in Durmitor NP, you can choose a variety of walking and hiking tours, depending on your experience and overall condition. The Three Peaks tour is very interesting and it’s not too hard for example. And just another reminder, don’t go on a hiking tour without a guide.

These are Montenegro’s national parks that await you in all their beauty. The entry tickets for all NPs are €4 per person, but now you can buy an annual ticket for €13.50 per person. You can check all additional information on their website: https://nparkovi.me/en/.

For the final note, this is just a part of what you have to see in Montenegro, but not everything can be placed in the text. You really need to visit all of these places to get an unforgettable experience. So, the best decision is to start exploring! 😉

Stay tuned for the next/following article, in which we will go further south and present Montenegro’s coastal gems and stunning azure waters you must not miss during your visit or stay.

The author is a local external contributor to Like a Bird Migration Consulting, born in Kotor and making waves in Tivat’s marketing scene, continually exploring every inch of Montenegro and knowing how to live economically without missing out on a thing.