North Montenegrin Mountains Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural wonders of North Montenegrin Mountains with this comprehensive travel guide. Get tips on where to go, what to do, and how to stay safe during your adventure.


Introduction to North Montenegrin Mountains

Nestled in the heart of Montenegro, North Montenegrin Mountains offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From towering peaks to shimmering lakes, lush forests to quaint villages, this region has something for everyone.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, culture aficionado, or simply looking for a refreshing break from the city life, North Montenegrin Mountains won’t disappoint. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do and see, where to stay, and much more. So, let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in North Montenegrin Mountains

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Durmitor National Park
  2. Ostrog Monastery
  3. Pljevlja Museum
  4. Moraca Monastery
  5. Canyon Nevidio

Natural Attractions of North Montenegrin Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Durmitor National Park
  2. Tara River Canyon
  3. Biogradska Gora National Park
  4. Lake Plav
  5. Prokletije National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Montenegrin Mountains

North Montenegrin Mountains offer a plethora of hiking and biking routes that cater to all levels of experience. Here are some popular ones:

  1. Durmitor Ring - A circular path that takes you through Durmitor National Park, showcasing its peaks, glacial lakes and age-old forests.
  2. Bobotov Kuk - A challenging ascent of the highest peak in Durmitor National Park, the Bobotov Kuk, giving breathtaking views.
  3. Tara Canyon - Perfect for water rafting; an adrenaline-packed activity that takes you along the rapids of the Tara River.
  4. Prokletije Peaks - Adventurous hikes to the highest mountain ranges in the region that offer a glimpse of virgin forests and stunning glacial lakes.

Best Things to Do in North Montenegrin Mountains: Activities and Tours

  1. Whitewater rafting in Tara Canyon
  2. Kayaking on Lake Plav
  3. Visiting the Ostrog Monastery, a sacred site for Orthodox Christians
  4. Taking a boat tour of Skadar Lake
  5. Skiing in Durmitor National Park during winters

Week-Long Itinerary for North Montenegrin Mountains

Day 1: Arrival at Podgorica airport, drive to Biogradska Gora National Park, Overnight stay in the park.

Day 2: Trekking at Biogradska Gora National Park, Drive to Skadar Lake (Virpazar), Boat tour of Skadar Lake, Overnight stay in Virpazar.

Day3: Visit the Ostrog Monastery, Drive to Durmitor National Park, Overnight stay in Zabljak.

Day 4: Climbing Bobotov Kuk, Overnight stay in Zabljak.

Day 5: Whitewater rafting in Tara Canyon, Overnight stay in Kolasin.

Day 6: Visit the Pljevlja Museum, Hike to Canyon Nevidio, Overnight stay in Bijelo Polje.

Day 7: Departure from Podgorica airport.

Food and Drink Scene of North Montenegrin Mountains

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Karadjordje’s steak
  2. Cevapi
  3. Kačamak
  4. Goulash
  5. Kiflice

Local Beverages

  1. Rakija
  2. Vranac
  3. Nikšićko pivo

Where to Stay in North Montenegrin Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Soa, Zabljak
  2. Plavnica Eco Resort, Plav
  3. Bianca Resort & Spa, Kolasin
  4. Hotel Hemera, Bijelo Polje

What to Buy in North Montenegrin Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade Jewelry
  2. Handcrafted Pottery
  3. Woolen socks & gloves
  4. Red wine
  5. Honey

Local Culture and Customs of North Montenegrin Mountains

The locals of North Montenegrin Mountains are welcoming and hospitable, so respecting their customs and traditions is essential. Most of them are Orthodox Christians, and you’ll find many places of worship, such as Ostrog Monastery, in the region.

Montenegrins are known for celebrating their culture and history through music, dance, and poetry. Their traditional clothes consist of woolen garments, mostly made by hand. You might also see locals celebrating their traditional festivals, such as Krsna Slava (tribal religious holiday) and Goranski Vijenac (peasant poetry gatherings).

Best Time to Visit North Montenegrin Mountains

The best time to visit North Montenegrin Mountains is from May to September. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures, an explosion of colors from blooming wildflowers, and abundant daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities. During winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, blanketed with snow, and is perfect for skiing enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Montenegrin Mountains

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions
  2. Try local food, wine, and beer
  3. Bring comfortable hiking shoes
  4. Be prepared for changing weather conditions
  5. Keep your phone charged and carry it with you

Don’t:

  1. Litter
  2. Ignore safety instructions during adventure activities
  3. Wear revealing clothes in sacred places
  4. Leave valuables in the car
  5. Ignore traffic signals and laws

Safety and Health

Safety in North Montenegrin Mountains

North Montenegrin Mountains are generally safe for tourists, but taking necessary precautions is advisable. Avoid hiking alone, stick to marked trails, and carry enough water and food. During adventure activities, such as rafting, abide by instructions from professional guides.

Health in North Montenegrin Mountains

The region has a good healthcare system, and most facilities are in the main towns and cities. However, having comprehensive travel insurance is a smart move. Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during summer, so carrying insect repellent is a must.

Getting to North Montenegrin Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Montenegrin Mountains

The nearest airport is Podgorica airport, located about ~2 hours drive away from Durmitor National Park.

Bus Stations Near North Montenegrin Mountains

From Podgorica, there are frequent bus services to the North Montenegrin Mountains region. Tickets can be bought directly at the bus station or online.

Other Options

A rental car provides the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

How to Get Around in North Montenegrin Mountains

The best option to get around in North Montenegrin Mountains depends upon the places you want to visit. A rental car is ideal if you plan to cover a lot of ground. However, public transportation is available from towns to surrounding areas. A tourist train is also operational during summers.

Where to Go Next from North Montenegrin Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Kotor
  2. Budva
  3. Bar

Conclusion

North Montenegrin Mountains are one of the most stunning and culturally-rich regions in Europe. With this comprehensive travel guide at your disposal, you can explore the best places, visit must-see attractions, delve into local culture, and have a memorable vacation. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!



    Biogradska Gora National Park
    Kolašin
    Plav
    Rožaje