With the stunning scenery and views afforded from the mountainous coastline to the rocky interior, hiking in Montenegro can be as relaxed or as challenging as you wish it to be. There is something to suit every age group and every fitness level. Montenegro has a good network of mountain huts and small villages in remote areas often provide basic but clean accommodation. In some areas the mountain huts are under refurbishment or still closed, but the National Tourism Organisation and local mountaineering clubs are working to renovate and reopen these facilities in numerous areas. Also in remoter areas ‘katuns’ or small hamlets offer simple shepherd hut style accommodation.
If your base is in the Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) for day hikes we recommend Mount Orjen close to the Croatian border and easily accessible from Herceg Novi. The views from the mountain are stunning, stretching across the Boka Kotorska towards Croatia and along the Adriatic coastline. There are trails to suit all levels of fitness and walks of varying length.
A longer 2-3 day hike along the inner plateau edging the Boka Kotorska can be arranged from Mount Orjen to Mount Lovcen (high above Kotor). This is a stunning hike and strongly recommended.
“When the pearls of nature were sown, on this soil an owerflowing handful was gathered”.
The Coastal Transversal is the biggest hike trail in Montenegro. The Coastal Transversal tour takes in the most spectacular coastal scenery in Montenegro, yet avoids the tourist crowds. This tour follows the coastal mountaineering transversal route from the western to the south eastern borders of Montenegro across 3 mountain ranges – Orjen, Lovcen and Rumija.
The tour starts and ends at sea level, reaching a top altitude of 1894 meters along the way. Following forgotten paths we pass through abandoned villages, old fortresses and breathtaking ridges overlooking the Adriatic. The route crosses the UNESCO protected Boka Kotorska and Lovcen National Park before descending to beautiful Skadarsko Jezero (Skadar Lake) and submitting Mount Rumija.
The most known place to hike in Montenegro is the Durmitor national park. Durmitor NP’s classic glaciated limestone landscape includes 48 peaks over 2000 meter. A highlight is the Tara River Canyon, a wild, winding and exceptionally deep canyon. Both Mediterranean and alpine flora and fauna, with a correspondingly big selection of plant and animal life. While many visitors come to Durmitor to climb its peaks, there are easier options too. There are over 200 km of trails, mostly well marked.
Montenegro’s highest peaks reach over 2,500 meter in altitude with an abundance of rivers, plunging canyons, high plateau and forested valleys. The terrain is remote, unforgiving and requires proper equipment, experience and local knowledge to navigate and enjoy safely. Common sense should prevail, always carry enough water and food for your planned hike, with extra if possible. Carry a first aid kit, arm yourself with information about the nearest emergency services and how to contact them. Tell someone about your route and planned time of return. Best of all use local qualified guides wherever possible – they will show you things and take you to places you would never find without them.
