The Mountains of Montenegro

Discover the wild beauty of Montenegro’s Dinaric Alps, where limestone peaks, deep canyons and remote highland plateaus create one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.

This comprehensive guidebook describes 17 graded day walks and multi-day treks across Montenegro’s mountains and national parks. With clear route descriptions, sketch mapping and practical planning advice, it provides everything you need to explore the country’s diverse and often remote terrain with confidence.

From Durmitor and Prokletije to the coastal mountains above the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kotor and the wetlands of Lake Skadar, the country’s five national parks offer outstanding opportunities for walking and hiking.

• This guidebook features 17 walks in Montenegro, ranging from 2–14 km (1–5 hours), while the multi-day routes span 14–44 km, with some routes involving exposed sections and light scrambling suitable for the more experienced hiker
• Key mountain regions including Orjen, Lovcen, Lake Skadar, Durmitor, Bjelasica, Komovi, Kucka Krajina (Žijevo), Visitor and Prokletije, with variants and extensions included so that you can tailor your walk or trek to suit your group’s ability and timescale
• Clear route descriptions are supported by sketch mapping to assist navigation across rugged ridgelines and forest trails of the Dinaric Alps
• Practical information on accommodation in key centres like Plav, Podgorica, and Kotor, as well as where to find facilities, water sources, and transport, is provided
• Plus preparation advice from expert Rudolf Abrahams, including kit lists, a language glossary and background on Montenegro’s geology, wildlife, plants and history

Whether you’re seeking panoramic summits, remote mountain plateaus or scenic lake and forest walks, this guidebook opens the door to unforgettable trekking in Montenegro. With expertly researched routes and detailed guidance, you can confidently plan and experience adventure in one of Europe’s most rewarding mountain destinations.

Seasons

June to September (mountains have moderate summer temperatures and abundant snowfall in winter).

Centres

Durmitor National Park - Žabljak
Prokletije National Park - Gusinje
Biogradska Gora National Park - Mojkovac
Lake Skadar National Park - Virpazar
Lovćen National Park - Kotor or Cetinje
Orjen - Herceg Novi

Difficulty

Routes range from easy day walks to extended and more challenging multi-day mountain treks. All routes are graded. No special equipment required.

Must See

Montenegro's five national parks - Durmitor, Prokletije (on the the Albanian border), Biogradska gora, Lovćen and Lake Skadar (the largest lake in the Balkans, plentiful birdlife), as well as several other areas including Orjen, Komovi, Kučka krajina, Tara Canyon (the deepest canyon in Europe). UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor, on Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor).

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT MONTENEGRO

Geography

Geology

Climate

When to Visit

Weather Forecasts

Vegetation and Wildlife

Mediterranean and Mountain Plants

Mammals

Reptiles and Amphibians

Birds

History

Culture

Festivals

Food and Drink

Menu Reader

Language

Key Words for Walkers

TRAVELLING IN MONTENEGRO

Visas

Getting to Montenegro

Flights from the UK and Western Europe

Travelling via Croatia

Travelling via Italy

By Rail or Bus from the UK and Western Europe

Local Transport

Bus

Train

Taxi

Hitching

Warning: Cross-Border Travel

Accommodation

Money

Currency

Costs

Carrying Money

Changing Money

ATMs

Staying in Touch

Telephones

Mobiles

Internet

WALKING IN MONTENEGRO

Highlights

Mountain Huts and Camping

Katuns

Water

Food and Supplies

Equipment

Maps

Trail Markings

National Parks

Long-Distance Routes

Safety in the Mountains

Mountain Rescue and Emergency Telephone Numbers

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

About the Routes

Route Summary Table

Rating and Arrangement of Routes

Timings and Stages

Maps and Sketch Maps

Local Spelling and Place Names

ORJEN

Walk 1: Subra

Stage 1: Kameno – Vratlo Hut

Stage 2: Vratlo Hut – Subra (return)

Stage 3: Vratlo Hut – Kabao (return)

Stage 4: Vratlo Hut – Kameno

Further Possibilities

Zuba?ki kabao from Vratlo Hut

Walk 2: Zuba?ki kabao

Vrbanj – Zuba?ki kabao (return)

LOV?EN

Walk 3: Jezerski vrh

Bukovica – Jezerski vrh – Ivanova korita

Walk 4: Kotor Fortress

Kotor Fortress (return)

DURMITOR

Walk 5: Central Durmitor

Stage 1: Žabljak – Lokvice

Stage 2: Lokvice – veliki Me?ed –Terzin bogaz (return)

Stage 3: Lokvice – Bobotov kuk (return)

Stage 4: Lokvice – Minin bogaz (return)

Stage 5: Lokvice – Ledena pe?ina (return)

Stage 6: Lokvice – Trojni prevoj – Samar (return)

Stage 7: Lokvice – Žabljak

Walk 6: Durmitor Circuit (via Škr?ko jezero)

Stage 1: Lokvice – Trojni prevoj – Zeleni vir – Samar – Škr?ko jezero

Stage 2: Škr?ko jezero – Planinica – Ališnica – Crvena greda – Jablan jezero

Stage 3: Jablan jezero – Žabljak

Walk 7: Durmitor Circuit (via Velika Struga)

Stage 1: Lokvice – Velika Struga –Donja Ališnica

Stage 2: Donja Ališnica – Crvena greda – Jablan jezero – Žabljak

Further Possibilities

Savin kuk

Sedlena greda

Tara Canyon

Crno jezero

BJELASICA

Walk 8: Biogradsko jezero

Circuit of Biogradsko jezero (return)

Walk 9: Biogradska gora

Stage 1: Biogradsko jezero – Crna glava – Peši?a jezero

Stage 2: Peši?a jezero – Trešnjevik

Further Possibilities

Strmenica

KOMOVI

Walk 10: Komovi

Stage 1: Trešnjevik – Štavna

Stage 2: Štavna – Kom Vasojevi?ki (return)

Stage 3: Štavna – Kom Ljevorije?ki (return)

Stage 4: Štavna – Trešnjevik

Further Possibilities

Kom Ku?ki

Magli?

KU?KA KRAJINA (ŽIJEVO)

Walk 11: Ku?ka krajina

Stage 1: Veruša – Bukumirsko jezero

Stage 2: Bukumirsko jezero – nameless pass (return)

Stage 3: Bukumirsko jezero – Štitan (return)

Stage 4: Bukumirsko jezero – Magli? (return)

Stage 5: Bukumirsko jezero – Veruša

Further Possibilities

Treskavac

Vila

Krisitor

PROKLETIJE

Walk 12: Volušnica

dom Radni?ki – Volušnica (return)

Walk 13: Krošnja and Karanfili

dom Radni?ki – Krošnja – Severni vrh (return)

Walk 14: Kotao

dom Radni?ki – Kotao (return)

Walk 15: Ropojana Valley and jezero

Vusanje – Jezero (return)

Further Possibilities

O?njak

Maja Rosit

Maja Kolata

Maja Jezerce

OTHER AREAS

Sinjajevina

Mora?ke planine

Bio?

Rumije

Skadarsko jezero

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Long-distance route Biogradsko jezero – Veruša (Walks 9–11): Summary of Stages and Facilities

Appendix B: List of Mountain Huts and Shelters

Appendix C: Further Reading

Appendix D: Contacts and Useful Addresses

Appendix E: Language Notes and Glossary

Appendix F: History

Appendix G: Montenegro’s Principal Mountain Areas and Major Peaks