01.11.2024
National Parks in Montenegro
There are five national parks in Montenegro. Each of these parks holds its unique charm and stories, which we’ll share in the upcoming paragraphs.
Durmitor is a mountain in the northwest of Montenegro. It is part of the Dinaric Alps massif and features more than fifty peaks above 2,000 meters, the highest being Bobotov Kuk (2,523 meters). One of its most striking features is the Tara River Gorge – Europe’s deepest gorge and the second deepest in the world! Rafting is popular here, offering visitors a great adventure and a different perspective of the landscape. The region has 18 glacial lakes, known as “mountain eyes” due to their distinct beauty, and an impressive network of caves, including the Ice Cave, that has year-round ice formations. Durmitor is also famous for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Danube Salmon.
We are shifting our attention to the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula! Millions of years ago Lake Skadar was a bay of the Adriatic Sea. Over time, the bay was cut off from the sea and it became a lake. Today it is an important national park, located between Montenegro and Albania. The Montenegrin side has been a national park since 1983. Lake Skadar is a key resting place for migrating birds. It’s the largest bird reserve in Europe, and it’s been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. The lake also has considerable historical weight and is home to 20 cultural sites, including monasteries and fortresses.
Nestled between the Tara and Lim rivers in the mountainous terrain of Bjelasica is Biogradska Gora National Park, spanning over 54 square kilometers. Containing one of the last remaining virgin rainforests, the park is home to various rare plant and animal species. The diverse landscape of this park encompasses mountain ridges, six glacier lakes, and gentle valleys. Its highlight is Lake Biograd, which is not only the largest and most visited but also the most visually captivating among these glacial lakes. If you decide to see this beauty for yourself, don’t miss out on all the fun activities like hiking, bird watching, and renting a boat or a kayak. This place is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife researchers, and photographers.
This mountain is situated in the southwest of the country, is part of the Dinaric Alps and it was the inspiration for the name of the country. Montenegro, or Crna Gora in the Montenegrin language, literally means “Black Mountain” and refers to Lovćen which is covered in dense forests. When you visit Montenegro be sure to climb the steps to reach Jezerski vrh, the peak where the Mausoleum of Njegoš is located. It is an important historical and cultural site and the final resting place of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a beloved poet and philosopher and a Prince-Bishop of Montenegro. From the peak you can enjoy views over the Bay of Kotor, Skadar Lake, and on clear days even of the Adriatic Sea. It is considered one of the most breathtaking sights in the country.
Also known as the Accursed Mountains, Prokletije is located in the northeastern part of Montenegro and is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain with deep river valleys, high peaks, glacial lakes, as well as high biodiversity. Its terrain is great for those who love camping, the Grebaje Valley is the perfect place to rent a small cabin or set up your own tent, try out local specialties, and go hiking from there. Prokletije National Park consists of untouched nature that will leave you breathless. We recommend you also visit the heart-shaped Lake Hrid, a picturesque and peaceful destination that is believed to bring luck to those who take a swim in the lake, as per legend the forest fairies live and bathe here. It is also common to see people throwing a piece of jewelry into the lake and making a wish!
