• Group size

    min 4 – max 18 persons

  • Difficulty grade

    Moderate

  • Departure dates 2023

    17 June – 25 June

    08 July – 16 July

    19 August – 27 August

Hiking adventure in Montenegro!

Montenegro’s Adriatic coast and the Bay of Kotor are without a doubt some of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world. The hinterland, however, is equally as stunning as the coast! Montenegro’s hinterland will enchant you with its majestic mountains, gorgeous lakes, and lush green forests. You can be sure that your time outdoors will be well spent in Montenegro as you will be walking through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country such as the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and Biogradska Gora National Park.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Durmitor National Park is Montenegro’s largest national park. Among the many features of the Park are diverse ecosystems and numerous endemic species, some of the highest peaks in the Dinaric Mountains, the Tara River Canyon, declared a world ecological reserve, 18 glacial lakes, of which the Black Lake is the most famous. Aside from the Durmitor massif, the park’s area covers the narrow Tara Canyon, which is the second deepest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon of Colorado.

Another amazing treasure of nature is the vast variety of flora and fauna that can be found in Biogradska Gora National Park. In 1878 Prince Nikola I Petrovic protected Biogradska Gora. UNESCO has declared Biogradska Gora National Park a World Heritage Site for its immense natural wealth. One of the last rainforest reserves in Europe is the highlight of the National Park. In this forest, many trees are over half a millennium old, some reaching 60 metres.

Among the most impressive mountain ranges found in Montenegro is the massif of Komovi. It borders the Tara River to the west and the Prokletije mountain range to the south in the eastern part of Montenegro. The Komovi foothill region is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, numerous springs and rivers, as well as many churches and monasteries. The Komovi mountain range and its peaks are excellent hiking destinations for anyone who enjoys hiking.

Note

Kotor, UNESCO World heritage site

Day 1 – Welcome to Montenegro!

Our representative will be waiting for you at Tivat Airport (TIV) to assist you with the transfer. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be assisted with your luggage and transferred by private minibus to the coastal town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite being a major tourist attraction, Kotor retains its authentic charm. Museums, churches, squares, and Venetian palaces and pillories dot the medieval town. With distinctly Venetian architecture, it is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns on the Adriatic coast. After we explore the Old Town of Kotor, we will be transferred to Perast, a nearby small town. If you have already seen a postcard from Montenegro, it has likely been from Perast. Firstly, we will visit the St. Nikola church and enjoy a wonderful view from the top of the tower bell, and then we will take a boat trip to the artificial island “Our Lady of Rocks” church and its museum. With a few photo stops or coffee breaks along the way, we drive to Zabljak (Durmitor National Park) (155 km, 3 hours). The town of Zabljak is situated in the northwest of Montenegro, in the heart of the Durmitor region. At an altitude of 1450 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by 22 mountain peaks over 2200 meters and has the deepest canyon in Europe, the Tara Canyon. In the evening, after we check into the hotel, we will be able to enjoy traditional Montenegrin dishes for dinner, including specialities from the highlands. Overnight in Zabljak.

Day 2 – ‘Red Rock’ (2,175 m) peak hike

We hope you had a good night’s sleep and that you are looking forward to today’s adventure. Following breakfast, you will be transferred (20 minutes drive) to the ‘Red Rock’ massif. This mountain is known for its natural beauty, magnificent views, and the amazing variety of lakes surrounding it. In the direction of Red Rock, the trail passes through meadows, clearings, and thin pine forests. In the summertime, there is a variety of flowers and wild plants that create a beautiful carpet of colour, which adds to the beauty of the area. After the last meadow, we will take the right path, which will lead us to the visible summit trail. For the next 1,5–2 km the path is semi-circular, winding along the edges of the mountain through the small pine woods, gradually uphill, above the scenic Jablan Lake (1,791 m). You will have a stunning view of Black Lake from the summit, as well as Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in the Durmitor range and the entire mountain range. After a short break, we will hike backwards to reach Jablan Lake and take a few pictures on the way. A few kilometers further down, we will reach Black Lake (1,416 m), an emerald lake surrounded by mysterious pine forests and dramatic mountains. Take time to enjoy the views of this alluring lake by lying along its shoreline and relaxing. After that, return to Zabljak and spend the night there.

Hiking for the day: 7-8 hours, 14 km ↑450m ↓850m

Note

Jablan Lake

Note

Prutaš peak

Day 3 – Hike to the peak of ‘Prutas’ (2393 m)

This hike provides views of the most picturesque landscapes in Durmitor NP – a real mountaineering delight! Featuring unique rock shapes, the name “Prutas” (eng. mountain of rods) perfectly reflects its splendor. There is no doubt that the Prutas hiking trail is one of the most scenic trails in Durmitor National Park, with ascents along deep, green slopes, and gorgeous views of Skrcka lakes, including Bobotov Kuk (2525m). You can see the Susica River gorge and Skrcka Lakes from a viewpoint about 50 meters lower from the plateau below Prutas summit.

Starting from Sarban (Dobri Do 1,707 m), we will ascend 700 m over the 4 km trail over 3-3,5 hours to reach this magnificent grass-covered peak. The easiest way to get to Prutas is via Skrcko zdrijelo (2114 m) pass from the south. The terrain is dotted with gentle ridgelines, green mountainside cliffs, oblique layers of rocks, and typical limestone rock formations. Besides being a spacious plateau covered in grass, the view from the peak is fantastic in every direction – you’ll take some fantastic photos! It is one of those hikes that provide the most picturesque views, making it a wonderful hiking experience and pleasure. As you reach the top of the mountain, you will be able to take a well-deserved rest while enjoying the beauty that surrounds you. There is no doubt that this hike will be the highlight of your trip to Montenegro and Durmitor National Park. Stay overnight in Zabljak.

Hiking for the day: 6-7 hours, 9 km ↑700m ↓700m

Day 4 – Whitewater rafting on the Tara River

Rafting on the Tara River is undoubtedly one of the most popular outdoor activities in Durmitor National Park. With a depth of 1,300 meters (4,300 feet), the Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second-deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the U.S. The canyon is part of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

Seeing Tara Canyon by raft is by far the most exciting and fun way to do it. The water in the river is crystal clear. Waterfalls rush down and you can even stand under them. Even less experienced guests can enjoy the rapids as long as they are accompanied by a skilled skipper. Guests are guided through the untouched nature of the National Park, along the river Ljutica, Europe’s shortest river, and under the famous Tara Bridge. At the time of its construction, this bridge, which stands 172 meters above the Tara River, was the largest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe. There is a zipline available after rafting for those who would like to fly over the Tara River. The zipline is located near the Tara Bridge, which is quite impressive in itself. Lunch with mountain cheese, fish, and a fresh salad will restore your energy for your return to Zabljak. Awestruck by the spectacular nature, we arrive at Zminicko Lake on the way back to Zabljak. Surely, you will enjoy this mountain lake surrounded by thick forest. Then, after admiring Zminicko, we make our way towards Fish Lake and Devil’s Lake and stop for some pictures. Near the road, there are mysterious stone tombs dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries, which have been listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco since 2016. Arrival and overnight stay in Zabljak.

Hiking for the day: 6-7 hours, 8 km ↑700m ↓700m

Durmitor National Park.

Rafting on Tara River

Bjelasica

PESICA LAKE

Day 5 – Zabljak – Kolasin – Hiking Zekova glava summit (2117 m)

We will leave Zabljak after breakfast and drive about 1.5 hours to Kolasin (90 km, around 1.5 hours drive). The majority of the road runs over the picturesque Tara River canyon, which can be seen from the road. Following check-in and a brief refreshment in the hotel, the hike begins at the Bjelasica ski center Jezerine (1450 m). Bjelasica is a mountain destination that is predestined for sustainable mountain tourism both in summer and winter. This pastoral mountain invites nature lovers to an easy hike with breathtaking views. The lush meadows below are scattered with wooden shepherd’s huts (called “katuns”) as we hike across the trails of Bjelasica, a massif with ten separate peaks above 2,000 m. After passing through the forest, we will arrive at the village of Vranjak. After a short break, we’ll hike up Zekova Glava (2117 m) and then rest at Pesica Lake, a nearby glacial lake. Located on Mount Bjelasica in the region of NP Biogradska Gora, Pesica Lake is the second-largest lake within the NP. Located at an altitude of 1838 meters, the lake is 290 meters long and 150 meters wide. We take a slightly different route back to our starting point. Transfer from the starting point to Kolasin. In Kolasin, we will spend the night.

Hiking for the day: 6-7 hours, 12 km ↑600m ↓600m

Day 6 – Summit of Kom Vasojevicki (2460 m)

In the Komovi massif, we make our way from Kolasin to Stavna (1650 m), where we will hike all the way up to the summit of Kom Vasojevicki, one of the highest peaks in the Komovi massif. Ripping through clouds, the giant Komovi mountain impressively dominates the southeastern part of Montenegro. Mountains occupy a relatively small area but reach almost 2500 meters high. It is widely believed that Komovi is one of the most picturesque mountains in Montenegro, with unspeakable beauty that needs to be experienced and enjoyed.

Upon reaching Stavna’s vast plateau, you will immediately notice that there is one very impressive peak on your left, which is the Kom Vasojevicki peak. Kom Vasojevicki offers spectacular views and panorama from its summit. Stavna is the starting point for the route to Kom Vasojevicki, located on the north side of the rocky massif. As the path continues, grassy and rocky areas are encountered. A breathtaking view of the Albanian border mountains awaits you at the Vera Pass (2200 meters) after approximately 2,5 hours of ascent. A prominent mountain range in Albania, known as the Accursed Mountains or Albania Alps, and its highest peak, Maja Jezerce (2694 meters), dominate the surrounding area. The path continues to the summit and you will soon be able to enjoy the view from the summit of Kom Vasojevicki (2460 m). By the same trail, you will return to Stavna village where we started. Then, we will be transferred back to Kolasin where you will spend the night.

Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 6 km ↑650m ↓650m

Note

KOMOVI

Note

mt. bjelasica

Day 7 – NP Biogradska Gora – Vranjak – Ogorela glava – Goles – Biogradsko Lake

The hike starts at the ski resort Jezerine (1450 m)where we take a dirt road to reach the mountain eco-village Vranjak, which is tucked into the mountains. Then we will proceed over the roof of Bjelasica Mountain on the ridge line of the peaks, enjoying the scenic view of the Biogradska Forest to the Ogorela glava peak (1988 m). We continue our climb up the ridge to the top of the Lica peak (1893 m), where we are welcomed by an attractive viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the entire virgin rainforest reserve of Biogradska Forest as well as the Biogradsko Lake within it. We take a photo stop here and then proceed downhill to the famous shepherd village of Goles Katun, which has preserved its centuries-long tradition as well as added to it by opening its doors to tourists in recent years. Our lunch will be a traditional organic meal that will be waiting for us when we arrive. We take a steep mountain path (4 kilometres) after lunch that takes us through the untouched rainforest of Biogradska Gora on the way to Biogradsko Lake (1099 m) where we spend the remaining time of our day. A thick forest surrounds Biogradsko Lake, which is located in the heart of the National Park. Due to this, it is unique and leaves a lifetime impression on all those who have had the chance to visit it.

Hiking for the day: 7-8 hours, 14 km ↑400m ↓900m

Day 8 – Mrtvica canyon hiking tour

The morning will begin with a transfer to visit the Orthodox monastery of Moraca, one of the most impressive medieval monuments in Montenegro. We will then drive 15 minutes to Medjurijecje, starting point of our hike. Mrtvica River runs about 15 km, but half of it is hidden in the canyon, where the highest cliffs reach 1100-1250 meters. In Mrtvica Canyon, a mountain river flows through steep limestone cliffs, creating a natural wonder. As we hike upstream, we reach the Danilo bridge. It was built in 1858 by the Montenegrin prince Danilo Petrovic in memory of his mother. Our trail is cut into the woods after hiking through low vegetation and over a macadam road. We then arrive at the “Gate of Wishes”, composed of two rocks connected at the top. We’ll take a short break here. The river is calm and clean and has a soothing hue of blue and green, giving visitors a sense of serenity and simplicity as they spend time along its banks. Walking through the woods, we come across Bijeli Nerini, a spring that feeds the river Mrtvica. We then pass the Mrtvicke Cliffs, where there is a narrow passage on the edge of a rock, approximately 200 meters in length. In 1973, General Danilo Jaukovic broke the passage with the assistance of the Yugoslav army and local residents. On our way out of the Mrtvicke Cliffs, we stop at a small river beach for a picnic and take a break. We return the same way afterwards.

As we travel towards Podgorica, we will pass through the impressive canyon of the Moraca river, the Platije Canyon. A farewell dinner will be organized in a traditional restaurant in Podgorica following check-in and refreshments at the hotel. The overnight stay will be in Podgorica.

Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 11 km ↑500 m ↓500 m

Note

Mrtvica river

Note

Vasojevicki Kom

Day 9 – Departure

After breakfast, a transfer from Podgorica to airport Tivat (TIV) is arranged (85 km, 2 hours drive). Departure. End of the tour.

Thank you for joining us for this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and exceptional nature.