The Accursed Mountains (Prokletije mountains) and Their Most Stunning Part on the Montenegrin Side – Grebaje Valley. In this article, you’ll discover what makes this place so special and why travelers from all over the world come here. Get ready for a comprehensive guide and a list of absolutely breathtaking locations!

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Peaks of the Karanfil mountains in Montenegro in the Prokletije National Park
Stunning views along the trails of the Accursed Mountains in Montenegro

Prokletije Mountains (or Accursed Mountains): General Information

Prokletije National Park spans two countries: Montenegro and Albania. It is a remarkable natural attraction not only in Montenegro but also from the Albanian side. For a detailed guide on the Albanian side of the Accursed Mountains, including how to get there and an epic mountain pass route, check out the link.

Interesting to know:

According to legend, the Accursed Mountains got their name due to their extreme inaccessibility. For centuries, people couldn’t reach these remote peaks, and myths spread about mythical beasts attacking anyone who dared to enter. Another theory suggests that the jagged peaks resemble the fangs of wild animals, reinforcing the idea of danger and earning the mountains their ominous name.
  • Montenegro Has Five National Parks
  • Prokletije National Park is the youngest, established in 2009.
  • Coordinates of Prokletije National park: 42.53182433539116, 19.913917996310218
  • Access to the park officially costs €3, similar to other national parks. However, the ticket office is far from the main trails, and visitors rarely make their way there, meaning the fee is often not enforced.
    • If you’re traveling independently and don’t pay, no one will notice. But if you come with a guided tour, the fee is likely included in the price, as official guides follow the rules and pay accordingly.
  • The park is completely inaccessible in winter as heavy snow blankets the region. The first snowfall can occur as early as late October.
Prokletije mountains in Montenegro
Throughout the valley, you’ll find charming mountain lodges—nearly all of them available for rent.

What to Expect in the Accursed Mountains?

Only outdoor adventures! Over 40 mountain peaks, glacier lakes and waterfalls, endless hiking trails, no architectural landmarks—just raw, untouched nature.

How to Get to Prokletije National Park

The best way to reach Prokletije is by car—either your own or a rental. Roads are in excellent or near-perfect condition, and even a regular car can handle the drive. The last 5 km leading into Grebaje Valley is a gravel road, but it’s manageable for any vehicle.

From Podgorica to Plav (the gateway to the Accursed Mountains), there are two routes:

  1. 100 km – A shortcut via the local M9 road
  2. 170 km – A smooth, scenic route through Kolašin, Mojkovac, and Zaton

Driving time: Both options take around 3 hours, but I recommend the longer route—it’s safer, more scenic, and less tiring for the driver.

from podgorica to cursed mountains
The optimal route from Podgorica—170 km. It’s longer but safer and just as fast as the shorter option. The map also shows that Prokletije National Park extends across three countries: Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo.

A public bus follows this route as well.

This region is sparsely populated compared to the coast, with no major cities. As a result, public transport is limited.

The only way to reach the Accursed Mountains by bus is to travel to Plav or Gusinje.

Plav. A picturesque town with 13,000 residents located on the shores of Plav Lake. It has all the necessary infrastructure: stores, gas stations, and a wide selection of accommodations. In summer, locals flock here for fishing. More about fishing in Montenegro can be found here.

  • From Plav to the start of the hiking trails: ~15 km.

Gusinje. A tiny town with only 3,000 residents—you can walk through the entire center in just 12 minutes! It has a small store and a tavern, both open year-round.

  • From Gusinje to the start of the mountain trails: ~7 km.

Public Transport: There are 4 to 6 daily buses from Podgorica to Plav and Gusinje, depending on the season.

Plav and Gusinje bus timetable
Approximate bus schedule and fares from Podgorica to Gusinje via Plav

Where to Stay: A Mini Guide to Plav, Gusinje, and Grebaje Valley

Your choice of accommodation depends on the purpose of your visit to this part of the country.

  • Plav is the best option if you’re not into hiking and prefer to stay by the lake, enjoy mountain views, and sip coffee in a local tavern at a relaxed pace.
  • Gusinje is a middle-ground choice, though it doesn’t offer many attractions for tourists. However, accommodation options are available here as well.
  • If you’re coming to the Accursed Mountains specifically for hiking, then you should stay in the mountains themselves. Across the park, you’ll find chalets and mountain lodges for rent.

There are no stores in the area, so bring all necessary food and drinks with you.

Accommodation prices in this region are relatively high for Montenegro. A modest mountain cabin costs from €50 per night during peak season (summer).

Most places include a good breakfast in the price, and there are taverns where you can have dinner.

Staying in the mountains is convenient—you can wake up, have breakfast, put on your trekking gear, and start your hike immediately. If you stay in Gusinje or Plav, you’ll need to drive to the trailheads every morning and return in the evening.

Grebaje Valley in Montenegro
The photo was taken in late October, when nighttime temperatures had already dropped to -5°C. In another week or two, the entire valley would be covered in snow and become inaccessible

It’s important to know:

Both Gusinje and Plav are tiny towns with very few landmarks. In terms of sightseeing, there’s not much to see—just a wooden mosque, a fortress house, and a small museum, all of which can be explored in 30 minutes. The only notable attraction near Gusinje is the Ali Pasha Springs, which I’ll cover later. That’s why I highly recommend staying directly in Prokletije National Park rather than in town. You can visit the springs on your way to or from the park, as a quick stop.

The heart of the Accursed Mountains on the Montenegrin side is Grebaje Valley, the most beautiful part of the region. It also has the best infrastructure for tourists—while there are no stores, it offers the widest selection of accommodations and restaurants.

Grebaje Valley and attractions

As mentioned earlier, the most convenient option is to stay in Grebaje Valley and start your daily hikes from there. You can also drive to neighboring valleys to explore even more natural wonders.

Prokletije National Park is huge—even a full week wouldn’t be enough to see everything.

Main Attractions in the Region:

Prokletije National Park Lake Oko Skakavice
Oko Skakavice is a very deep and crystal clear lake
  • Grlo Waterfall and Canyon – A scenic spot worth visiting: 42.52293115581223, 19.84137712670001
  • Ali Pasha Springs and the Abandoned Watermill: 42.54998055714473, 19.8246791473819. A fascinating location where a powerful river seems to appear out of nowhere. Dozens of underground springs emerge at the base of a hill, forming a rapid stream. Even if it’s not the most dramatic sight, it’s definitely mesmerizing.
Ali Pasha Izvori
The springs of Ali Pasha, they are not visible in the photo, but there are dozens, maybe hundreds, and this is the very beginning of the river.

There are around 40 hiking trails throughout Prokletije National Park, with over 10 in Grebaje Valley alone. Each trail can be completed in a single day, with an average elevation gain of 500 to 1,000 meters.

All routes are well-marked, but a GPS navigation app is still recommended.

trekking routes in the mountains of Prokletije Montenegro
Throughout the park, you’ll find trail markers with peak names, estimated hiking times, and altitude information.

Useful:

Before your trip, install Maps.me or Organic Maps on your smartphone and download the Montenegro hiking map. These apps will show all trails and key locations.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grebaje Valley:

  • Volušnica Peak – Elevation gain: 750 meters. Offers panoramic views over the entire valley. The round-trip hike took us around 5 hours from Grebaje Valley.
  • Grebaje Valley Panorama: 42.513947, 19.766214
  • Another breathtaking viewpoint. Just 200 meters from a neighboring peak and the Albanian border: 42.521355, 19.762448. The total elevation gain is up to 800 meters, with a hiking time of 5–6 hours.
  • Extreme Viewpoint for Experienced Hikers – A 3.5 km trail with a steep 1,050-meter elevation gain. A full-day hike. Coordinates: 42.505099, 19.79432.
View from the Cursed Mountains in Montenegro
The usual scenery along any route in the Accursed Mountains—breathtaking views at every turn.

Travel Tips

Here are some tips I can give tourists:

  • Trekking poles and hiking boots are a must.
  • Extended travel insurance in Montenegro – Keep in mind that injuries sustained while hiking in the mountains are not covered under standard insurance policies but are included in extended insurance plans.
  • Bring enough water, snacks, nuts, and chocolate to last the entire day. There are occasional water springs along the trails, but it’s best to be prepared.
  • A flashlight and a power bank – If it gets dark before you return and you don’t have a flashlight, you could be in trouble.
  • Minimal light pollution makes for incredible stargazing. The night sky here is breathtaking, offering a great opportunity to practice astrophotography. Below is a photo I took with an iPhone 12, capturing the peak of Volušnica Mountain.
  • A local SIM card and mobile internet – 4G coverage works even in the mountains. It’s useful not only for sharing your photos online but also for improving GPS accuracy and ensuring you have a connection in case of an emergency. More details on mobile internet in Montenegro.
Prokletije Mountains at night
You can take a photo like this too.
  • Besides Prokletije National Park, northern Montenegro has plenty of other spectacular spots:
    • Two more amazing national parks
    • A breathtaking bridge
    • Zip-lining, rafting, and the Sedlo mountain pass
    • Montenegro’s highest peak, Bobotov Kuk
    • One of the deepest canyons in the world—the Tara River Canyon
    • If you have a car, don’t miss the chance to explore these places.
    • Detailed self-drive routes across Montenegro, including timings, distances, and must-visit locations.
  • Temperatures in the mountains are always 10–15°C lower than on the coast. Even in summer, bring a warm layer—a sweater is essential.

How Much Time to Spend in Prokletije:

I strongly recommend staying for at least two nights. I understand that most travelers come to Montenegro for a beach holiday, but this place is absolutely worth it. Here’s the ideal minimum itinerary: Morning – Depart from the coast or Podgorica by car. Afternoon – Arrive in Grebaje Valley and check in. Evening – Have dinner, explore the valley, and try astrophotography. Get a good night’s rest. Next day – Spend the entire day hiking in the mountains. Evening – Dinner and rest. Following morning – After breakfast, visit Oko Skakavice Lake and Ali Pasha Springs, then continue your journey to other destinations. This schedule ensures a comfortable experience in Prokletije National Park.
Mountains Prokletije or Albanian Alps in Montenegro
The road from Gusinje to Grebaje Valley is stunning, and the views only get better the further you go.

Final Thoughts:

The Accursed Mountains (Prokletije), both in Montenegro and Albania, are an incredible destination. I rate this place 10/10. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. Its remoteness makes it even more special—mass tourism hasn’t reached here yet.

Why you won’t find crowds here:

  • Package tourists from the coast rarely visit because they’re focused on the beach.
  • Those without a car usually skip it, as getting here by public transport is difficult.

However, the area is popular among European travelers who explore it with campervans.

If you love mountains, nature, and adventure—this is a must-visit place in Montenegro!

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

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