The Pride of Montenegrins and the Soul of Montenegro
Lovćen National Park encompasses the central and highest part of the mountain of the same name, located in the hinterland of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro. The park was declared a national park as early as 1952 and covers an area of 6,220 hectares, with peaks Štirovnik (1,749 m a.s.l.) and Jezerski vrh (1,657 m a.s.l.). On Jezerski vrh stands the Njegoš Mausoleum, Montenegro's most significant cultural and historical monument, a work by sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Beyond its cultural heritage, the park offers hiking, cycling, zipline, paragliding, and an adventure park at Ivanova Korita.
Highlights
At the summit of Jezerski vrh (1,657 m a.s.l.) rises Montenegro's most significant cultural and historical monument – the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, bishop, poet, and ruler. The entrance is reached by 461 steps through illuminated tunnels. The interior is adorned with an impressive mosaic of 200,000 gilded tiles, and at its centre stands the marble sarcophagus of Bishop Rade. Two monumental figures of Montenegrin women carved in black granite, the work of renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović, guard the entrance. From the viewing terrace around the mausoleum, on a clear day the panorama encompasses the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, Durmitor, and even Albania and Italy. The mausoleum was built between 1951 and 1974.
Ivanova Korita is the heart of Lovćen National Park, situated at around 1,400 m a.s.l., about ten kilometres from Cetinje. Here you will find the Visitor Centre where you can get information on all hiking and cycling trails, purchase maps, and rent equipment such as trekking poles, crampons, and bicycles. Nearby are the 'Ivanov konak' and 'Monte Rosa' hotels, restaurants, picnic areas, children's playgrounds, and the Lovćen Adventure Park covering 2 hectares. Ivanova Korita is the starting point for the park's most popular trails, including the Vučji trag Trail.
The old road that has wound its way from Kotor towards Njeguši and further into the park since 1884 is an architectural and engineering feat in its own right. The road with more than 25 sharp bends offers viewpoints from which breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor and Kotor itself are revealed. Along the way you pass through Njeguši – a small mountain village at around 1,000 m a.s.l., the birthplace of Petar II Petrović Njegoš and King Nikola I Petrović. Njeguši is famous for its authentic njeguški pršut and cheese, which you can sample at local restaurants and family homesteads along the road.
Lovćen National Park encompasses several strictly protected forest reserves: a Bosnian pine (munika) forest reserve at the foot of Štirovnik and Jezerski vrh, a beech forest reserve in Konjsko, a dwarf pine (krivulj) forest reserve between Rupa and Blatišta (around 1,100 m a.s.l.), and a herpetological reserve at the lake below Jezerski vrh. The park is home to over 1,300 plant species, representing a third of Montenegro's total flora, including numerous endemic, medicinal, aromatic, and honey-bearing plants. The combination of Mediterranean and continental climates creates a unique biodiversity zone.
Located at Ivanova Korita within the national park, Lovćen Adventure Park spans 2 hectares and offers 7 trails with 15 types of games and zipline challenges at various heights. The park is designed for visitors aged 5 to 70, and all necessary equipment – harnesses, helmets, and gloves – is included in the price. A professionally trained team of instructors explains the rules and ensures safety in accordance with European standards. Each trail is colour-coded by difficulty, from yellow (easiest) to black (most difficult).
What to do
The Vučji trag Trail (7 km loop) from Ivanova Korita winds through beech forests to viewpoints overlooking the sea.
tap to closeThe Visitor Centre at Ivanova Korita rents bicycles for exploring the park's mountain trails.
tap to closeLovćen Adventure Park at Ivanova Korita offers zipline and trail challenges for visitors aged 5 to 70.
tap to closeWith specialist guides, paragliding from Lovćen offers one of the most spectacular experiences in Montenegro.
tap to closeQuad biking allows you to explore the national park's diverse landscapes in an exciting and unforgettable way.
tap to closeVisit the village of Njeguši on the way to the top of Lovćen and taste the famous Njeguši prosciutto and cheese in authentic family households. This cured prosciutto, prepared according to a centuries-old recipe in the mountain air of Lovćen, is one of the most famous Montenegrin delicacies. Complete the tasting with homemade brandy and honey, accompanied by the host's stories about the tradition of production.
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Plan Your Visit
From Kotor, the drive to the park takes about 1 hour along the scenic serpentine road through Njeguši (P1). From Cetinje, the park is only 7 km away, and from Podgorica approximately 1.5 hours by car. From the direction of Ivanova Korita, take the route via the Krstac pass, then follow the Kotor–Njeguši–Cetinje road. From Cetinje, turn onto the Lovćen road which leads to the park entrance.
By bus you can only reach Cetinje – there is no direct line connecting the town centre with Lovćen National Park. From Cetinje you can continue to the park by taxi (approximately 20 EUR). Buses operate between Cetinje, Budva, Bar, and Podgorica.
The nearest airports are Tivat (TIV), approximately 30 km away, and Podgorica (TGD), approximately 60 km away. From both airports, the easiest option is to rent a car or join an organised tour to the park.
