Easily accessible: 5 breathtaking national parks
Montenegro delights with the power of nature, which you can admire in five picturesque national parks: Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Lake Skadar, Lovćen and Prokletije. They occupy more than 7% of the country, and are the biggest attraction!
With 293 km of coastline, and one of the deepest canyons in Europe, Montenegro enchants outdoor enthusiasts with its wild beauty. Adventure lovers are spoiled for choice with various experiences tailored both to families and extreme thrill seekers. Visitors can easily reach the national parks from two airports, either by regular daily bus tours, by car, or by bicycle. Each national park is a unique mosaic of landscapes and can be visited year-round.
1. Durmitor National Park
Starting in the northern territory, easily reached from the town of Žabljak, Durmitor National Park is the largest national park in Montenegro and is UNESCO listed along with the Tara River Canyon. The scenic, glacier-formed lakes and forests will appeal to keen hikers and mountaineers with their 20 trails. Another gem at Durmitor is the Black Lake – renowned for its dark blue color and surrounding pine forest. Mountain hiking, paragliding, rafting, bird-watching or following designated scenic routes by car are just some options for encountering breathtaking nature.
2. Biogradska Gora National Park
Biogradska Gora National Park is said to be a pearl of European natural heritage. Today almost the only European rainforest, it surrounds Biogradsko Lake, located just a few kilometers away from Kolašin. Although the smallest park, the diversity of nature here is by far the largest and inspiring for hikers, who can explore the 3.5km loop, hop on a boat ride, or take a bike tour.
3. Prokletije National Park
Prokletije National Park, lying along the border between Montenegro and Albania, rises above the impressive Grebaje and Ropojana valleys and includes Ropojana Lake, the headwater of Oko Skakavice, the Grlja canyon, and waterfalls. Known to be home to half the flora of Montenegro and a habitat for several endemic species, the best way to visit Prokletije National Park is by car, or you can ride on regular daily bus lines.
4. Skadar Lake National Park
Skadar Lake National Park is situated near Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica and it’s an easy day trip from anywhere on the coast. There are lots of ways you can experience Skadar Lake’s beauty and culture. From the national park’s gateway town of Virpazar, you can take boat cruises to see the wildlife and islands; jump in a kayak and explore on your own; hike; visit wineries; or just rest on the beach after exploring ruined fortresses.
5. Lovćen National Park
Lovćen National Park is located near Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro, and is just a short drive from Kotor. The road is safe, inspiring, and offers many picturesque views. The standout features of the Lovćen National Park area are a diversity of architecture and nature, as well as the Lovćen massif and the majestic mausoleum of the Montenegrin ruler, famous poet and prince-bishop, Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
