On a trip to Montenegro, do you want to discover one of the country's most beautiful national parks? Direction the mountain to visit the Lovćen National Park!
The Lovćen is a bit the heart of Montenegro. With an area of 6,220 hectares, Lovćen National Park is located in the southwest of the country. Its central location allows to connect the east and west, Kotor and Podgorica, cities yet so different. The Lovćen is above all a mountain range in the Dinaric Alps. Mount Stirovnik is the highest point, reaching an altitude of 1,749 metres. The proximity of the Adriatic Sea allows hikers to admire beautiful landscapes, especially to see the sea in the distance.
So, how do you visit the Lovćen National Park? Follow the guide to discovering an exceptional nature.
History of Lovćen National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gergo Csorba
Crna Gora
The Lovćen National Park was created in 1952. This allowed the conservation of many historical monuments but also of a very rich fauna and flora. These include traditional houses and chalets of Montenegrin folklore. As for the animals, they are numerous and can worry: bears, wolves, snakes, wild boars... However, unless you look for them, you will have little chance to cross them as they live in unaccessible areas.
What to see and do at Lovćen National Park?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Olga Ilinich
Cetinje
Visit the Lovćen National Park begins or ends with Cetinje. The city being tiny, you can easily visit it in a few hours. Its two most important monuments are Plavi Dvorac, the official residence of the Montenegrin president, and the monastery of Cetinje. The city is also rich in many museums, including the National Museum of Montenegro.
It is really recommended to visit Cetinje, even if the city seems to be off the rest of the park. Indeed, the Lovćen would not occupy this place in the heart of the Montenegrins without the history of Cetinje. It is a city that allows to understand the local mentality, its history and, indeed, the history of Lovćen.
The Mausoleum Njegoš and its panoramic view
Petar Petrovic-Njegoš (1813-1851) is a philosopher and poet from the Montenegrin royal family. He quickly became a leader to unify the tribes of Montenegro. It allowed the end of Ottoman domination when the Lovćen was the gathering of the resistors. His writings also allowed the ideological foundations of Yugoslavia. The mausoleum pays tribute to the most important character in the country.
Know that this is the highest mausoleum in the world, located on Mount Jezerski at 1,657 metres above sea level. The formidable climb of 461 steps is recompensed by an exceptional panic view. In very good weather you can see a large part of Montenegro but also Albania and Croatia. A weather worthy of the gods would even see Italy but it looks more like a legend.
The village of Njeguši
Located north of the park, this village is no other than the origin of the Petrovic-Njegoš Dynasty. You can visit Petar Petrovic-Njegoš' birthplace. Njeguši is also famous for its charcuterie and smoked cheese, local specialities. However, the village is populated by less than 60 inhabitants and the visit is very fast.
But if you are mentioned Njeguši, it is also for the extraordinary view of Kotor’s Mouths. At the exit of the village, at the start of the zipline attraction, stop five minutes to admire the most beautiful view of the fjord. There's even a wooden bench for the pictures. By the way, if you come from Kotor by car, you will take the famous serpentine road as beautiful as crazy!
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leszczem
Ivanova Korita
It is a little the gathering place of the Lovćen and of all activities. In Ivanova Korita, you will find the tourist office, acro-branches, restaurants, a hotel... Ivanova Korita is also a place to rest and picnic on one of the tables available. In winter it is also a ski resort: more reason to visit Lovćen National Park in summer and winter!
If you have lunch in one of the many restaurants, test local specialties. In addition to ham and cheese from Njeguši, the specialty of Lovćen is priganice . It looks like a doughnut but better!
Hiking on foot...
Being in Ivanova Korita, you are on the ideal place to go on a hike. Most of the guides are located near the Lovćen Tourist Office. There are multiple themes, difficulties, lengths... You choose according to your desire and abilities. One of the most interesting is to pass through the village of Dolovi. You will see old stone houses and ruins typical of Montenegrin.
More generally, hiking in Lovćen immerses you in the history of Montenegro. Hiking can be done in a group with a guide or alone. If you are a neophyte, the guide is recommended. To book in advance, often necessary in high season, a simple email is enough: [email protected].
...and by bike!
The most sporty and adventurous will be at the angels. Indeed, Lovćen is a true paradise for mountain bike lovers. A marked path allows you to explore a part of the bike park. But free to get out of the beaten paths, at your own risk! Some difficult and lean portions are reserved for seasoned athletes.
The bikes rent Ivanova Korita and are in good condition. The course is difficult but is worth a lot. Do not deprive yourself if you feel capable of it!
Schedules and rates of Lovćen National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leszczem
Schedule
Lovćen National Park is open all year, at any time . Of course, there is less activity in winter due to the low number of tourists and the weather. Know that the summit can be inaccessible in winter due to the imposing snow covering it. Important precision, mausoleum is open from 9am to 7pm in summer and closes at sunset in winter, 16/17h.
Rates
There are several different rates:
- Entry : 2€, to be paid close to the summit (free for children under 7 years old),
- Mausolée : 5€,
- Accro-branche courses : between 8 and 18€ depending on the activity,
- Bicycle rental: €2 per hour or €7 per day,
- Private professional guide with 8 hour walk : 100€ on average
- Excursion from Kotor, Budva or Tivat : 50€ on average
- Tent location (for one night or more) : 5 to 10€ per day
How to go to Lovćen National Park?
By plane
To access the Lovćen, both Tivat and Podgorica airports are a good option. However, Tivat Airport is only served in high season from Paris-Orly. Podgorica is served by Montenegro Airlines, the national company. From Paris, there is at least two direct flights per week in low season and six in summer. Montenegro Airlines also has a summer connection Lyon – Podgorica. Know that Tivat Airport is very close to Kotor, unlike Podgorica.
Flights with stopovers via Vienna and Belgrade to Podgorica are excellent options. The connection is very fast and, above all, accessible to the year. Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Ulysses to find the right combination.
By bus
The only option offered by the bus is to get to Cetinje.
- From Podgorica (one bus per hour): count 3 € for 50 minutes.
- From Kotor : count between 4 and 5€ for about 1h20.
By car and by taxi
If you feel fit to drive on complicated roads, the car is the best option to visit the park in peace. If you book in advance or negotiate on the spot, prices are quite competitive in Montenegro.
For those who do not want to drive, there is the taxi option. It is then advisable to go first to Cetinje by bus. Indeed, after negotiation, you can go to the top for 20 € and the driver will bring you back to the starting point. From Kotor, count 10/15 € more.
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