The National Parks of Montenegro (North)

For this itinerary we selected the most spectacular walking trail in Montenegro’s northern National Parks: Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the very eastern frontier of Prokletije mountains. Those protected areas offer some of the most beautiful mountains and hiking regions in the country.

Hiking in the National Parks of Montenegro is a very authentic adventure. Nowhere else you can experience so much living traditions, scenic diversity and warm hospitality. Imposing mountain peaks and beautiful panoramic trails, dazzling mountain lakes and wide plateaus, dense forests and rugged rock landscapes – these are the ingredients of this diverse walking adventure in North Montenegro.

Day 1: Dubrovnik/Podgorica/Tivat – D urmitor National Park

Meet your driver and drive via Niksic, the 2nd biggest town of Montenegro. A detour of approx. 2,5hrs takes you to the famous Ostrog Monastery, built in a steep wall. Continue your drive to the National Park Durmitor, the top of Montenegro.

Day 2: Poscenje – Komarnica Canyon – Durmitor National Park ( 5-6hrs, 12 km ,approx. 1000m ascent)

Poscenje a small picturesque village at the foot of Komarnica canyon. Your walk gently starts following a gravel road, while the canyon is still wide. Right at the last house starts the beautiful trail to upper Komarnica Canyon. Follow the small river (might be dry in August) to the specially protected mountain forest of Komarnica Greda. Impressive bizarre walls are the boundary of this valley. After the forest follow again the river bed until the trails starts slowly to climb. This walk ends at the Durmitor saddle (ridge) – one of the most iconic mountain panoramas in the National Park. Meet your driver at the small bar slightly below the saddle. Overnight in Durmitor National Park

Day 3: Walk in Durmitor National Park Crvena Greda (2,164m) – Lake Jablan (1791m) – Zabljak (1,450m). (approx. 5-6hours, 15 km, 700m ascent/descent).

Today you head out of Zabljak after breakfast to embark on a stunning walk to the summit of Crvena Greda one of the best viewpoints in Durmitor. There are lots of walks in Durmitor but is one of the best, offering a great days walking with plenty of variety and great views all the way. You’ll first ascend through lush pastures full of wild flowers and pine trees with the high peaks of Durmitor in the distance. Soon you are facing what will be your high point as a beautifully arranged cirque comes in to view, which you will begin to navigate, and surrounds the lake below.

Day 4: Durmitor National Park crossing (Total: 5 hr 600m ascent/descent; 8 hrs 600 m ascent, 1100 m descent)

After breakfast transfer to Durmitor saddle at 1900 m. Follow a single trail which takes you to different stunning stone formations – either right at your foot or you see them from distance. Have a short break at a so called mountain eye – a little glacier lake, before you head for the steepest part of this trail – there is a short section you need to use your hands (not exposed, just the trail leads through rocks) before you reach at the ridge below Bobotov Kuk. In the evening hours you are transferred to Biogradska National Park

Day 5: Biogradska Gora National Park crossing – Peaks of Bjelasica (5-6 hrs, 14km, 600 m ascent, 800 descent)

Explore the mountain lakes of Nationalpark Biogradska Gora. At first you climb the virgin forest, until you reach a great viewpoint right above the lake. Your walk takes you across meadows and all the time you enjoy a great panorama. If you wish you can climb the highest peaks of Bjelasica before you walk down to a beautiful valley. Overnight at farmhouse.

Day 6: Prokletije National Park (5-6hrs, 14km,600 m ascent/600 descent)

After breakfast you are transferred to beautiful lake Plav and Prokletije National Park. This protected is the youngest and it is the most dramatic hiking destination in Montenegro. Vertical peaks pierce the sky. Wild chamois sprint between jagged cliffs. The park encompasses most of the Prokletije mountains, which form the natural border between Montenegro and Albania. Immerse yourself with this new region and explore with a moderate hike to Volusnica the most incredible view of the Karanfili peaks, the most photogenic massif in the Accursed Mountains. When you reach Volusnica, the hike continues along the ridge to Talijanka (2057 m), the peak that straddles Montenegro and Albania. Prepare yourself to be wowed. Note: Talijanka is often called Popadija. Remark: This a perfect early afternoon hike. If you hike in the morning, the sun will blind your view of the Karanfili peaks.

Day 7: Prokletije National Park The “Kissing cats” circle (6-7 hrs, 15km, 800m/-800m)

Krosnja is a glacial cirque high up in the Karanfili mountains. It’s a long slog to the top. As you ascend, you’ll have impressive views of Grebaje valley. The trail traverses mountain slopes surrounded by peaks and brings you to a natural arch appropriately named Šuplja vrata, or kissing cats. You’ll climb through the arch, traverse another slope and then descend into a gully. The views are epic! This hike is difficult and best undertaken by experienced hikers. Half the trail is well-marked and the second-half is not marked at all. Remark: If you should feel more confident we can organize a guide for you or you do a different easier tour.

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to the airport or extension

Depending on your departure the next you are shuttled either the same day close to your departure airport. We also recommend to extend your stay at the coast of Montenegro. This transfer to your departure airport or location of your extension is not included, since we like to keep it flexible.

This tour is completely customizable
The itinerary for this tour can be customized to suit your needs from your accommodations, difficulty and pace. Drop us a message.

How do self-guided tours in Montenegro work?

Self-guided tours: travel independently but with the support of our back-up service With a few exceptions, we offer all our tours as a self-guided options, to suit independent travelers. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to walk, hike or bike at your own pace, taking breaks whenever you like, while we organize the logistics for you: accommodation, including breakfast; luggage transfers; detailed tour planning; a comprehensive information package, maps and GPS trackers. We’re always on the end of the phone, for emergencies or queries, so you won’t feel on your own. Thanks to our established partnerships along all routes we can ensure quick and efficient help in case of emergencies.

What guided tours do you offer?

Guided tours – explore and experience – with a knowledgeable tour guide
If you value perfect organization and would enjoy the security of exploring with an experienced guide are perfect for you. From accommodation to food and transportation – everything is arranged. Our trained and certified guides accompany you throughout your entire trip. Guides are friendly and flexible, and can adapt the schedule according to the wishes of the group, changes in the weather or unexpected events. Usually a support vehicle follows the group all the time.

What is the standard of accommodations?

You will mostly stay in 3* hotels (4* on request) or in private lodgings (apartments, mountain huts, shepherds’ cottages) selected because of their charm or, sometimes, because they’re the only option in a remote location. We have selected small family-run hotels and cosy guesthouses wherever possible, with a good atmosphere and hosts happy to fill you in on the history and culture of their specific Montenegrin region. All rooms have private facilities with the exception of certain mountain guesthouses, mountain huts or shepherds’ cottages.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included at all accommodation and also in your package price. Evening meals are available for an additional charge, either at the accommodation or at nearby restaurant. We are happy to provide dining recommendations. Most accommodations also offer packed lunch service (€ 5-6), please let them know in the evening of your departure. If you like you can book an halfboard option for an extra cost. This food will be usually served at the overnight place. We do recommend this option for the “Northern Nationalparks” walk and the “Peaks of the Balkans”.

Which extra spendings do I have to expect?

You will need money only for lunches, dinners and drinks. A typical dinner costs between 15-20 €, a light lunch is € 8- € 10 and a liter of red wine from €10 – €12. Coffee is € 1,2 – € 2,4 and a small beer (0,3l) € 1,2 – € 1,7. Entrance fees to National Parks € 2 – € 4/person These are paid right at entrance gates. The ferry passage in the Bay of Kotor is € 2/person.
ATM machines are common in most cities and towns. But more challenging is trying paying with a credit card in remote places. Cash is the most easy way of payment and luckily, because of the prices in Montenegro, you don’t need much of it.

Which fitness level do the tours require?

You should feel healthy and sound so you can fully enjoy the trip. The walks of the “Northern National Parks” and the “Peaks of the Balkans” do require walks up to 7hrs and an elevation gain and loss up to 1100m. In terms of those two tours keep in mind that they take place in quite some remote areas. You need to be shurefooted. There a no exposed sections.
The “Bay of Kotor and coastal walks” are more gentle and require 5-6 hrs and elevation gains up to +900 and lead across less remote areas.

What happens in a case of emergency?

Because of the partly remoteness of this tour will take you, is quite necessary that you let 3etravel know in advance of possible medical conditions. In case of emergency always get in touch with us with the local mobile phone we provide you, 24/7. We have a well established network of institutions and people along the routes who can as fast as possible respond to help you.
Should you join a guided tour, all our guides are competent in first aid techniques and will do everything to sort out the situation in the most professional manner.

What personal equipment should I bring with me?

It is important to layer your clothing for different climates, as our tour may go through cool high mountain passes on one day and warm valley lowlands on the next. Rain in the mountains can occur unexpectedly. Here a link to our multi activity packlist:

What does Montenegro’s cuisine taste like?

Montenegro’s natural diversity is reflected your plate or in your glass. We recommend to ask for local dishes which each restaurant will proudly present to you. In the northern and central parts sheep and beef are popular and very delicious. In the central part, Podgorica, Cetinje and Lake Skadar you lake fish, vegetables and of course a glass of “Vranac” wine will make your day. Always ask for local cheese, since cheese is a very essential part of Montenegrin cuisine. Cheese from Njegusi, Pljevlja or Kolasin are the most wellknown but any homemade cheese will match those easily in quality and taste. Coastal Montenegro offers of course fish and seafood. Eg. in the Bay of Kotor we are happy to organize you an oyster and mussels tasting right at the mussels farm – a nice treat while cycling. Another highlight for your tastebuds is Montenegrin olive oil which is produced all along the coast from Ulcinj to Herceg Novi.

Do you offer add- on food tasting experiences?

You can spice up any of our tours with tastings of local products. We encourage you to taste wine, olive oil, honey, dairy, ham, oysters with wonderful families along our way. Wine & food tasting experience are from € 10 – € 25/person depending on the kind of tasting. Please get in touch with us on details.

What add-on tours and activities can I book?

Should you wish to dig deeper in a certain topic or into the history of a place please contact us we gladly organize the perfect expert for you. We can link you to local activity providers eg. City tour, Bird watching, sea kayaking, (speed) boat tours, crafters, cooking classes etc.