If you’re searching the internet for “mountains in Montenegro,” there’s hope that you’re not just flying to this country to lie on the beach. You probably want to see a different side of Montenegro too. Let me tell you—you won’t regret it. Even though Montenegro doesn’t have towering peaks, what it does have is worthy of every traveler’s attention.
Table of contents:
- Mountains in Montenegro: General Information
- The Dinaric Highlands: Everything a Tourist Needs to Know
- The Albanian Alps or Prokletije Mountains
- Tips for Travelers
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Mountains in Montenegro: General Information
Let’s start with the basics:
- 82% of the country’s territory is mountainous
- The name itself translates to “The Land of Black Mountains”
- Highest peak: Bobotov Kuk (2,522 meters)
- Montenegro boasts five national parks, four of which are located in the mountains, each built around specific mountain peaks or ranges.
- A large overview of the national parks of Montenegro: attractions, prices, routes
- The average elevation of Montenegro’s mountainous region is around 1,000 meters above sea level.
If you look at a topographic map of the Balkans, you’ll see that nearly the entire country is covered in mountains. The only flat area is a small green patch near Lake Skadar, where the capital, Podgorica, is located.
Good to know:
Most mountain roads in Montenegro are well-maintained and paved with excellent asphalt. Only in the most remote areas will you encounter gravel roads. A regular car can handle these roads just fine. However, public transportation in the mountainous regions is not the best option for travelers.
The most convenient solution? Renting a car. Car rentals in Montenegro are affordable and accessible, and driving is generally comfortable and safe. Check out this guide on car rentals, traffic rules, potential pitfalls, and tips.
The Dinaric Highlands: Everything a Tourist Needs to Know
The Dinaric Highlands (Dinarides) cover 80-90% of Montenegro’s mountainous territory. Most of the country lies within this mountain range.
The highest peak, Bobotov Kuk, is also part of this range. Key characteristics of the mountains here:
- Gentle slopes without sharp peaks. Almost all summits can be conquered without specialized climbing gear.
- Most mountains are covered in trees, shrubs, and greenery.
- All snow melts during summer. By September, even the highest peaks are typically snow-free—or nearly so.
What and Where to See in the Dinaric Highlands
Here are the top tourist locations that will leave no one indifferent. Follow the links for full reviews, directions, prices, and more.
- Durmitor National Park: a big overview
- Coordinates: 43.148473451512054, 19.097177769286002
- Here you will see:
- Black Lake: A glacial mountain lake with turquoise waters
- Bobotov Kuk: A peak accessible for a hiking ascent
- Tara River Canyon: One of the world’s deepest canyons
- Đurđevića Tara Bridge: An engineering marvel
- Sedlo Pass: The highest mountain pass
- Scenic mountain roads: R4 and R14
- Biogradska Gora National Park
- Coordinates: 42.90072058458083, 19.595574634589532
- Here you will see:
- Beautiful Biogradsko Lake
- A 3.5 km hiking trail around the lake
- Kayaking or boating on the lake
- Several hiking trails through the surrounding mountains, ranging from an hour to a full day
- Lovcen National Park: the most honest review
- Coordinates: 42.39725148886088, 18.8425869447048
- This is the closest park to the coast and popular tourist resorts, with the highest peak along the coast.
- Just 30 km from Budva and Kotor.
- Here you will see:
- Panoramic viewpoints over the Bay of Kotor
- Stunning views of Budva
- Two mountain peaks, one of which can be hiked
- Njegoš Mausoleum: The resting place of Montenegro’s beloved ruler
- Ethno Village of Njeguši: Famous for its homemade prosciutto
These three national parks alone offer enough to keep you busy for at least four days. Durmitor, for example, warrants a minimum of two overnight stays to fully appreciate the area.
The Albanian Alps, or Prokletije Mountains
In my humble opinion, these are the most spectacular mountains in Montenegro. They occupy just a small corner of the country, right on the border with Albania. But these are already the Alps—their beginning or end, it’s hard to tell. Yes, the same Alps that stretch across northern Italy.
This mountain region of Montenegro is defined by tall, rugged, and nearly inaccessible peaks. Starting halfway up the slopes, there is absolutely no vegetation. Snow can still linger here even in September. In winter, the entire valley gets buried under 5 meters of snow, and not a soul remains—not even the locals.
- The main destination to visit in the Prokletije Mountains is Grebaje Valley.
- Coordinates: 42.512933331480795, 19.779985925312037
- Here, you’ll find a small settlement where locals are entirely involved in tourism, renting out cozy cottages by the day. There’s also a large free camping area for tents and camper vans.
- The primary activity for travelers here is full-day hikes to various peaks. The area boasts more than 40 well-marked mountain trails.
- Comprehensive guide to Grebaje Valley: how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
Travel Tips
I strongly recommend setting aside part of your vacation for mountain adventures. Montenegro is not just about the sea and beaches; it’s more about the mountains.
- If you’re pressed for time and have only one day, Lovćen National Park is your best bet.
- From Podgorica, you can also comfortably visit Biogradska Gora National Park in a single day, provided you have a car. There’s a toll highway leading there, and the drive takes around one hour.
- Beyond that, there’s not enough time to explore anything else in just one day.
- If you prefer easier mountain excursions without challenging hikes but want to stay in the mountains, visit interesting spots by car, drive along scenic roads, and occasionally go for short walks, then Durmitor National Park is perfect for you. Most major attractions there are accessible by car.
- If you’re ready for full-day hikes with 1,000-meter elevation gains and are physically prepared for it, then the Prokletije Mountains are the ultimate choice.
- Both Durmitor and Prokletije deserve at least two nights’ stay. Not less, but staying longer is even better.
- For everything about winter in Montenegro—weather, snow, and ski resorts, check out this detailed guide.
Final Thoughts.
Many tourists visiting Montenegro for the first time don’t expect that mountains cover almost the entire country. In reality, Montenegro isn’t just a seaside resort destination—it’s primarily a mountainous country. Yet the vast majority of visitors remain on the beach, unaware of the breathtaking landscapes just one or two hours’ drive from the coast.
But now, you know. 😊
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel