Montenegro's National Parks
Some countries just have it all. A unique unspoiled coastline, hospitable and welcoming locals and an overwhelming natural riches… Montenegro is one of those places that are almost too good to exist, greedily grabbing everything you could possibly wish for as a tourist and chucking it into those mere 12,812 square kilometres that forms the country’s modest surface area. Yes, Montenegro is that tiny. However, the rest of the Balkan folks jokingly comment that even though Montenegro is one of the smallest countries of the region, it’s so mountainous that if you’d spread out all its peaks it might be the Balkan’s biggest! And indeed, with 10% of the national territory forming a part of 1 of the country’s 5 national parks, Montenegro is remarkably hikeable, offering endless challenges for the adventurous souls among us.
Budget Bucket List visited all of ‘em… so it’s time for a breakdown!
Montenegro’s National Parks - Budget Bucket List’s Favorites
Budget Bucket List visited all of ‘em… so it’s time for a breakdown!
Montenegro’s National Parks - Budget Bucket List’s Favorites
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1. Prokletije National Park
It took me exactly 0.0001 nano-seconds to call out my favorite. The nation’s youngest national park (since 2019) offers the most varied trails, leading its lucky visitors passed the exact rough yet pristine landscapes that pop up in your head when hearing the word “Montenegro”. It doesn’t get more iconic than this. Seriously, looking back at the photos of the two main treks I did here, the Zla Kolata as well as the Three Peaks Hike, I have troubles believing this is a real place that I visited… maybe I sleepwalk-photoshopped myself into it, as that seems a more reasonable explanation than just acknowledging environments like this exist. We only have to look at the park’s name, translated as the “Accursed Mountains” referring to its edgy and wild character, to get a global idea of what we got ourselves into. Prokletije National Park forms a part of the southernmost subrange of the Dinaric Alps and its appearance is characterized by rough karst peaks, steep slopes, dramatic gorges, active glaciers and glacial lakes. Oh, and did I tell you the highest peak of Montenegro is located within this national park as well? For a long time it was believed that Bobotov Kuk (in Durmitor – 2522m) took the crown, but nah-ah… it’s the Zla Kolata (2534m) that shoved it of its throne.
Up until date, over 1700 plant species have been discovered here, of which 50 endemic, representing 50% of Montenegro’s total plant life. Due to its pure, uncontaminated nature, the area attracts a rich collection of animal species, such as brown bears, lynxes, wildcats, and golden eagles… many species extinct elsewhere in Europe! What makes it even better is that Prokletije is completely off the grid and rather complicated to reach by public transport, which keeps the crowds at bay. But not you of course, you’re going! If you have time to visit only one national park in Montenegro, make sure it is this one.
More detailed information on Prokletije National Park can be found in this article!
It took me exactly 0.0001 nano-seconds to call out my favorite. The nation’s youngest national park (since 2019) offers the most varied trails, leading its lucky visitors passed the exact rough yet pristine landscapes that pop up in your head when hearing the word “Montenegro”. It doesn’t get more iconic than this. Seriously, looking back at the photos of the two main treks I did here, the Zla Kolata as well as the Three Peaks Hike, I have troubles believing this is a real place that I visited… maybe I sleepwalk-photoshopped myself into it, as that seems a more reasonable explanation than just acknowledging environments like this exist. We only have to look at the park’s name, translated as the “Accursed Mountains” referring to its edgy and wild character, to get a global idea of what we got ourselves into. Prokletije National Park forms a part of the southernmost subrange of the Dinaric Alps and its appearance is characterized by rough karst peaks, steep slopes, dramatic gorges, active glaciers and glacial lakes. Oh, and did I tell you the highest peak of Montenegro is located within this national park as well? For a long time it was believed that Bobotov Kuk (in Durmitor – 2522m) took the crown, but nah-ah… it’s the Zla Kolata (2534m) that shoved it of its throne.
Up until date, over 1700 plant species have been discovered here, of which 50 endemic, representing 50% of Montenegro’s total plant life. Due to its pure, uncontaminated nature, the area attracts a rich collection of animal species, such as brown bears, lynxes, wildcats, and golden eagles… many species extinct elsewhere in Europe! What makes it even better is that Prokletije is completely off the grid and rather complicated to reach by public transport, which keeps the crowds at bay. But not you of course, you’re going! If you have time to visit only one national park in Montenegro, make sure it is this one.
More detailed information on Prokletije National Park can be found in this article!
- Recommended base: Gusinje (or if you’re only going to do 1 out of the 2 main hikes: either Vusanje for the Zla Kolata Hike or Škala for the Three Peaks Hike)
- Recommended hikes: Zla Kolata Hike (highest peak of Montenegro – 2534m); Three Peaks Hike (Valusnica, Talijanka, Popadija). Click to see the GPS-trails on Wikiloc.
- Other sites to see in the area: Grasshopper’s Eye (Vusanje), Plav, Vusanje, Škala.
- Notes: You can get by public transport to Gusinje, but from there you need to either hitchhike or rent a car (in advance) to reach the trails. There is no cell phone coverage in Škala, so download any GPS trail info in advance. There’s a modest entrance fee, but in off-season this is not enforced nor checked (the tourist offices aren’t even open).
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First three photos by Miles Watson Photography
2. Durmitor National Park
Durmitor is the #1 favorite of most people lucky enough to spend some time in Montenegro… and indeed a magnificent one to add to the itinerary. Durmitor National Park is with its 350km2 the largest one of the country. It includes no less than 48 peaks of the Dinaric Alps (all above 2000m), as well as glaciers, rivers, alpine meadows, forests, 18 glacial lakes, 304 caves and a collection of famous canyons… one of them being the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest (1333m). No wonder that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site! There are many ways to enjoy Durmitor, be it by hiking, skiing, climbing, mountainbiking or rafting… Yet, the most inclusive and efficient way to get a full grasp of the park is surprisingly by car: The glorious Durmitor Ring might very well be the best roadtrip of the entire country (and after driving around for about a month in Mini-Montenegro I know what I’m talking about). That said, putting on your hiking shoes allows you to slowly and more thoroughly reveal all the natural secrets of this National Park… with 25 marked mountain trails to choose from, at least a 5-day stay should be considered if you want to do it right. The most popular tracks loop around the glacial lakes that are specifically characteristic for this area, lovingly nicknamed “Mountain Eyes” by the locals. One of the most challenging trails of Montenegro, the Bobotov Kuk ascend, counts as one of the main attractions of Durmitor. With the easy accessibility and overall slap-in-the-face beauty of this national park, there remain very few excuses to not visit this prime destination!
More detailed information on Durmitor National Park can be found in this article.
Recommended base: Žabljak.
Recommended hikes: Bobotov Kuk Trail, Prutaš Peak Trail, Lake Trail, Red Rock Trail (Crvena Greda), Ćurevac Loop Trail, Durmitor Ice Cave Trail (Ledena Pecina). Click to see the GPS-trails on Wikiloc.
Other sites to see in the area: Durmitor Ring, Pluzine, Pljevlja.
Notes: Žabljak is well-serviced and easy to reach by public transport. However, reaching the starting points of most hikes as well as driving the Durmitor Ring (an absolute must-do) requires a rental car. Check the weather-conditions in advance for any hiking endeavours, and bring warm and water and wind-proof clothing, as the area is very exposed. Officially there’s a park entry fee, with a discount for 3 days. However, off-season this is not enforced nor checked (the tourist offices aren’t even open).
2. Durmitor National Park
Durmitor is the #1 favorite of most people lucky enough to spend some time in Montenegro… and indeed a magnificent one to add to the itinerary. Durmitor National Park is with its 350km2 the largest one of the country. It includes no less than 48 peaks of the Dinaric Alps (all above 2000m), as well as glaciers, rivers, alpine meadows, forests, 18 glacial lakes, 304 caves and a collection of famous canyons… one of them being the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest (1333m). No wonder that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site! There are many ways to enjoy Durmitor, be it by hiking, skiing, climbing, mountainbiking or rafting… Yet, the most inclusive and efficient way to get a full grasp of the park is surprisingly by car: The glorious Durmitor Ring might very well be the best roadtrip of the entire country (and after driving around for about a month in Mini-Montenegro I know what I’m talking about). That said, putting on your hiking shoes allows you to slowly and more thoroughly reveal all the natural secrets of this National Park… with 25 marked mountain trails to choose from, at least a 5-day stay should be considered if you want to do it right. The most popular tracks loop around the glacial lakes that are specifically characteristic for this area, lovingly nicknamed “Mountain Eyes” by the locals. One of the most challenging trails of Montenegro, the Bobotov Kuk ascend, counts as one of the main attractions of Durmitor. With the easy accessibility and overall slap-in-the-face beauty of this national park, there remain very few excuses to not visit this prime destination!
More detailed information on Durmitor National Park can be found in this article.
Recommended base: Žabljak.
Recommended hikes: Bobotov Kuk Trail, Prutaš Peak Trail, Lake Trail, Red Rock Trail (Crvena Greda), Ćurevac Loop Trail, Durmitor Ice Cave Trail (Ledena Pecina). Click to see the GPS-trails on Wikiloc.
Other sites to see in the area: Durmitor Ring, Pluzine, Pljevlja.
Notes: Žabljak is well-serviced and easy to reach by public transport. However, reaching the starting points of most hikes as well as driving the Durmitor Ring (an absolute must-do) requires a rental car. Check the weather-conditions in advance for any hiking endeavours, and bring warm and water and wind-proof clothing, as the area is very exposed. Officially there’s a park entry fee, with a discount for 3 days. However, off-season this is not enforced nor checked (the tourist offices aren’t even open).
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3. Skadar Lake National Park
I enjoyed this one a lot, because it’s quite different from all the other parks in Montenegro. Different, because it’s centred around a lake instead of a mountain range. And how do you enjoy a lake in the best manner? That’s correct, by going on a charming little boat ride. Sure, you can still hike and engage in more adrenaline-loaded sports such as mountainbiking and mountaineering, but a leisurely sail on the lake’s surface is a must-do on every itinerary. The Skadar Lake, the Balkan’s biggest, lies for two thirds in Montenegro and for one-third in Albania next to the vibrant town of Shköder, where it's also named after. This unique karst lake, which is connected to both the Adriatic Sea and the Ohrid Lake by means of the Bojana and Ohrid River, is an important refuge for local and migratory birds. As such, the Skadar Lake is one of Europe’s largest bird reserves where more than 270 bird species can be admired, among which some of the last pelicans of the continent. Besides that, the local fauna constitutes of 34 native fish species (7 endemic) as well as 17 amphipod species (10 endemic). Another interesting detail is that this incomprehensibly massive lake (varying between 370-530 km2) contains several islands, among which Beška which houses a monastery, and Grmožur with on top of it a former Ottoman fortress and prison. In case you’re interested in diving the Skadarsko Jezero: near the mouth of Rijeka Crnojevića you can find a remarkably well-preserved wreck of the Skanderbeg steamboat, sunk by the Partisans during WWII.
Recommended base: Virpazar or Vranjina.
Recommended hikes: Focus first on a boat tour, leaving from Virpazar. Local hikes can be found here.
Other sites to see in the area: Boats connect the mainland with the islands.
Notes: The famous railroad-journey from Podgorica to Bar crosses the Skadar Lake. You can get off here. That said, it is recommended to rent a vehicle to grasp the different areas of the Skadar Lake (it’s really-really substantial). Route P16 is particularly scenic.
I enjoyed this one a lot, because it’s quite different from all the other parks in Montenegro. Different, because it’s centred around a lake instead of a mountain range. And how do you enjoy a lake in the best manner? That’s correct, by going on a charming little boat ride. Sure, you can still hike and engage in more adrenaline-loaded sports such as mountainbiking and mountaineering, but a leisurely sail on the lake’s surface is a must-do on every itinerary. The Skadar Lake, the Balkan’s biggest, lies for two thirds in Montenegro and for one-third in Albania next to the vibrant town of Shköder, where it's also named after. This unique karst lake, which is connected to both the Adriatic Sea and the Ohrid Lake by means of the Bojana and Ohrid River, is an important refuge for local and migratory birds. As such, the Skadar Lake is one of Europe’s largest bird reserves where more than 270 bird species can be admired, among which some of the last pelicans of the continent. Besides that, the local fauna constitutes of 34 native fish species (7 endemic) as well as 17 amphipod species (10 endemic). Another interesting detail is that this incomprehensibly massive lake (varying between 370-530 km2) contains several islands, among which Beška which houses a monastery, and Grmožur with on top of it a former Ottoman fortress and prison. In case you’re interested in diving the Skadarsko Jezero: near the mouth of Rijeka Crnojevića you can find a remarkably well-preserved wreck of the Skanderbeg steamboat, sunk by the Partisans during WWII.
Recommended base: Virpazar or Vranjina.
Recommended hikes: Focus first on a boat tour, leaving from Virpazar. Local hikes can be found here.
Other sites to see in the area: Boats connect the mainland with the islands.
Notes: The famous railroad-journey from Podgorica to Bar crosses the Skadar Lake. You can get off here. That said, it is recommended to rent a vehicle to grasp the different areas of the Skadar Lake (it’s really-really substantial). Route P16 is particularly scenic.
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4. Lovćen National Park
Lovćen might very well be the most-visited national park of Montenegro, due to its close proximity to the country’s #1 tourist magnet Kotor. And indeed, part of Kotor’s charm is most definitely derived from its close embrace into the rocky arms of the Lovćen mountain range, granting this location the best of both worlds… the natural world on the one hand, and the world created by humans and the cultural and historical heritage they left behind on the other. It was Mount Lovćen that gave the country its name: Monte Negro, Crna Gora… Black Mountain. Indeed, staring up at the steep cliffs of Lovćen rising abruptly out of the Adriatic Sea, it’s hard to not feel intimated. The mountain chain is subject to 2 different climates it itself created by separating the sea and mainland with its barren, rocky slopes. The top can be conveniently climbed by means of an extensive trail network creeping up from all sides, and comfortable asphalt roads make it a laidback roadtrip. Interesting detail: On the Jezerski peak you’ll find the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, with its viewing platform truly luring in the crowds.
More detailed information on Lovćen National Park can be found in this article.
Recommended base: Kotor Bay. If you have a car, Cetinje also works.
Recommended hikes: Find an overview of the best hikes here.
Other sites to see in the area: Kotor Bay incl. Kotor, Perast, Risan, Muo, Cetinje.
Notes: The Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš has an entry price of €5 (anno 2022 – but subject to change). The park entry by car costs €1 p.p., although it depends if someone’s at the checkpoint or not. This fee can be avoided when hiking. The Horizont Bar offers an impressive viewing platform with exactly the right angle on both Kotor Bay and Lovćen National Park.
Lovćen might very well be the most-visited national park of Montenegro, due to its close proximity to the country’s #1 tourist magnet Kotor. And indeed, part of Kotor’s charm is most definitely derived from its close embrace into the rocky arms of the Lovćen mountain range, granting this location the best of both worlds… the natural world on the one hand, and the world created by humans and the cultural and historical heritage they left behind on the other. It was Mount Lovćen that gave the country its name: Monte Negro, Crna Gora… Black Mountain. Indeed, staring up at the steep cliffs of Lovćen rising abruptly out of the Adriatic Sea, it’s hard to not feel intimated. The mountain chain is subject to 2 different climates it itself created by separating the sea and mainland with its barren, rocky slopes. The top can be conveniently climbed by means of an extensive trail network creeping up from all sides, and comfortable asphalt roads make it a laidback roadtrip. Interesting detail: On the Jezerski peak you’ll find the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, with its viewing platform truly luring in the crowds.
More detailed information on Lovćen National Park can be found in this article.
Recommended base: Kotor Bay. If you have a car, Cetinje also works.
Recommended hikes: Find an overview of the best hikes here.
Other sites to see in the area: Kotor Bay incl. Kotor, Perast, Risan, Muo, Cetinje.
Notes: The Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš has an entry price of €5 (anno 2022 – but subject to change). The park entry by car costs €1 p.p., although it depends if someone’s at the checkpoint or not. This fee can be avoided when hiking. The Horizont Bar offers an impressive viewing platform with exactly the right angle on both Kotor Bay and Lovćen National Park.
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5. Biogradska Gora National Park
One has to end last. In the case of Biogradska Gora it might not be entirely fair, as the weather was preventing the thorough exploration it very likely deserves... and any destination right after Prokletije National Park could only disappoint, it’s simply hard to compete with. That said, this National Park might be Montenegro’s smallest, but that doesn’t diminish the relevance: Biogradska Gora constitutes one of the only 3 remaining primeval forests in Europe with trees of over half a millennium old! Expect rainforests, glacial lakes and some cheeky mountain ridges peaking out of the woods. The area houses many dynamic eco-systems and a high number of rare and endemic plant species. When it comes to local fauna, the trained eye could distinguish 150 bird species, 350 sorts of insects and 10 types of mammals, including otters, wild boars and wolves. With that, this area is officially laurelled a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which most definitely invites for a visit… in better weather.
More detailed information on Biogradska Gora National Park can be found in this article.
Recommended base: Mojkovac or Kolašin.
Recommended hikes: Find an overview of the best hikes here.
Other sites to see in the area: Bijelo Polje, Kolašin, Berane.
Notes: This park is easy to reach (once again: by car!), and has a developed tourist infrastructure including a visitor centre, marked trails, paid campsites, and a big restaurant. The entry price is €3 (anno 2022).
One has to end last. In the case of Biogradska Gora it might not be entirely fair, as the weather was preventing the thorough exploration it very likely deserves... and any destination right after Prokletije National Park could only disappoint, it’s simply hard to compete with. That said, this National Park might be Montenegro’s smallest, but that doesn’t diminish the relevance: Biogradska Gora constitutes one of the only 3 remaining primeval forests in Europe with trees of over half a millennium old! Expect rainforests, glacial lakes and some cheeky mountain ridges peaking out of the woods. The area houses many dynamic eco-systems and a high number of rare and endemic plant species. When it comes to local fauna, the trained eye could distinguish 150 bird species, 350 sorts of insects and 10 types of mammals, including otters, wild boars and wolves. With that, this area is officially laurelled a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which most definitely invites for a visit… in better weather.
More detailed information on Biogradska Gora National Park can be found in this article.
Recommended base: Mojkovac or Kolašin.
Recommended hikes: Find an overview of the best hikes here.
Other sites to see in the area: Bijelo Polje, Kolašin, Berane.
Notes: This park is easy to reach (once again: by car!), and has a developed tourist infrastructure including a visitor centre, marked trails, paid campsites, and a big restaurant. The entry price is €3 (anno 2022).
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Notes:
- Spring, summer and early autumn are the prime hiking seasons. Be prepared for rough weather conditions and ice/snow during the rest of the year.
- Always bring wind and waterproof clothing, extra layers, a hat and more food and water you think you need (in case you get stranded). Proper hiking boots and hiking poles are recommended. I personally always carry a small hiking kit which includes an emergency blanket, talc powder, a headlamp with extra batteries, a compass, first-aid-kit with tape and blister bandaids, a tick-remover, rope, sunscreen, duct tape and reflecting bands.
- Unlike promoted in many other travel blogs, I most definitely do not recommend Maps.me. Not in Montenegro and not in the entire Balkan. I very often got in trouble doing so. Maps.me depicts trails that don’t exist anymore and/or could be entirely overgrown, demolished by construction work, or privatized and shielded off… if this is the only trail option you have this can cause enormous backtracking, which can pressure the available daylight hours. I recommend downloading the offline trails from the Wikiloc app (or other GPS hiking apps), which allows you to precisely navigate.
- You’re reading a blog to prepare for your hikes: Good on you! You will not find any useful trail information on-site. My experience in Montenegro with park offices and tourist information points is that they are A) Closed altogether, B) Don’t have employees who speak any other foreign language, or C) Have employees that never did a single hike in the area and have absolutely no clue what they’re talking about, and as such recommend things that are either ridiculous or that can put your life at risk.
- Whereas Durmitor National Park is reasonably well-serviced by public transport, the majority of the other 4 Montenegrin National Parks are not. Renting a car allows you to visit all of them without any hassle, reach the trail heads fast and easy, and explore the more remote areas around the parks. Considering the size of the country distances are short, and gas prices are inexpensive, which makes this a budget way of traveling. I had an excellent experience with Drive Montenegro, where I received hassle-free customer service and affordable rates.
Photo by Miles Watson Photography.
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