In Europe, a hiking holiday in Montenegro is still considered an absolute insider tip. Yet the untouched nature of national parks, mountains and lakes makes the whole of Montenegro ideal for hiking!
Montenegro translates as "Black Mountains". The name of the small Balkan country already gives the first clues to the hidden hikers' paradises that can be found within its borders. In Montenegro, hikers will find untouched nature in dreamlike national parks and rugged mountain regions - and without any mass tourism!
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PICTURES: Hiking in Montenegro
Photo gallery: Durmitor National Park
Safe Hiking in Montenegro
Don't worry - there is no sign of the former unrest in Montenegro. The hiking trails in the national parks of Montenegro are all signposted and safe. The roads and tracks for off-roaders are also well developed and completely safe.
Holidaymakers can move around Montenegro completely unhindered without danger of raids or landmines. Only in the Prokletije National Park, which lies directly on the border, should you be careful not to get too close to Kosovo.
Best time for a hiking holiday in Montenegro
In contrast to the karst landscapes in Croatia or Bosnia-Herzegovina, the mountains of Montenegro are forested all the way up - hence the name "Black Mountains". Thanks to their protection from the blazing Mediterranean sun, Montenegro is also a worthwhile destination for hiking holidays in summer.
Apart from that, spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and stable weather. Should a tour become too strenuous, clear mountain lakes or the sea provide quick cooling.
The most beautiful hiking destinations in Montenegro
Montenegro, which covers an area of around 14,000 square kilometres, offers perfect conditions for varied hikes over its entire surface. The magnificent landscape of mountains and forests, rivers and lakes make the hearts of nature lovers and outdoor holidaymakers beat faster.
Montenegro's national parks - pure hiking pleasure
The best-known destination for a hiking holiday in Montenegro is the Durmitor National Park in the north of the country. The natural beauty of the Prokletije and Biogradska Gora National Parks is almost deserted. The Lovćen National Park offers stunning panoramic views and a historical monument that can be described as the national pride of the Montenegrins.
Durmitor National Park
The 400-square-kilometre Durmitor National Park lies about 120km north of Montenegro's capital Podgorica and is named after the mountain massif of the same name. With its almost 50 2000-metre peaks and breathtaking scenery, it is bearable even in summer at an average of 15°C. The small town of Zabljak is a good starting point for hikes through Durmitor.
Sights in Durmitor National Park include the 2,522m Bobotov Kuk, the highest mountain in Montenegro, one of Europe's last original pine forests, the picturesque Crno Jezero (Black Lake), just a 10-minute walk from Zabljak, and the 1300m deep Tara Gorge canyon, one of the largest in the world. The rapids of the Tara are also an extremely popular rafting destination.
Tour tip: The best place to start the ascent of Bobotov Kuk is Durmitor Seldo at 1908 metres above sea level. The hike there and back takes about 5.5 hours and offers varied landscapes with an unforgettable mountain panorama.
Prokletije National Park
The Prokletije National Park in north-eastern Montenegro is probably one of the most untouched areas in Europe. Also called the "Alps of the South", the Prokletije massif consists of craggy rock needles and crystal-clear mountain lakes and soars to an altitude of 2,700 metres.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Biogradska Gora National Park is home to one of the last true primeval forests in Europe. Around the Biogradsko Jezero, the largest glacial lake in the national park, there are ancient trees that are completely left to themselves. The starting point for hikes with accommodation is the small village of Kolašin, where you usually have the untouched nature completely to yourself.
Lovćen National Park
Montenegro's Lovćen National Park in the southwest of Montenegro is also worth a visit. Centrally located between Kotor, Cetinje and Budva, it offers magnificent views of Montenegro's valleys. The most beautiful view is from the spectacularly located Njegoš Mausoleum, the last resting place of the famous poet prince Petar II.
The Bay of Kotor - the southernmost fjord in Europe
Many Montenegro holidaymakers describe the Bay of Kotor as the most beautiful spot on the entire Adriatic coast. Due to its scenic beauty, it is visited by many Mediterranean cruise ships and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are hiking in the Bay of Kotor, you absolutely must also visit the picturesque settlements on the shore! Kotor itself, but also Perast or Tivat are definitely worth a stopover!
Tour tip: The best overview of the Bay of Kotor is offered by the hiking route on the Vrmac Ridge from Lepetane over the 743m high Sveti Illija to Kotor. The hike takes about 5 hours and covers an altitude difference of 800 metres.
On the shore of Lake Skadar - landscapes like in a picture book
Lake Skadar is about the size of Lake Constance and is often called the heart and soul of Montenegro. Along its idyllic green shores are rows of former rulers' residences, monasteries and fortresses. At the visitor centre on the Vranjina peninsula, information on the flora and fauna, hiking maps and a fishing licence are available. From the bridge to Virpazar, the view falls into the dreamlike river valley of the Rijeka Crnojevića, also a wonderful hiking destination.
Tour tip: The so-called monastery route, a panoramic road almost 60 km long, leads around Lake Skadar. Several detours lead to wonderful viewpoints over the lake, as well as small islands and fortified monasteries.
