Mountain town at 920m, at the foot of Prokletije on the border with Albania
Gusinje is a town of approximately 1,877 inhabitants located in the southwestern part of the Plav-Gusinje basin, at around 920m above sea level, beneath the steep slopes of Prokletije. The town sits on the border with Albania, at the confluence of the Vruja and Grnčar rivers, and was once an important caravan station on the route Dubrovnik–Kotor–Shkodër–Peć–Constantinople. Today it is the starting point for hiking through Prokletije, visiting Ali-Pasha's Springs, and exploring the valleys of Grebaje and Ropojane. In the very centre of town, visitors can see the Vezir Mosque, the Orthodox Church of St. George, and the Catholic Church of St. Anthony in close proximity to one another — a unique example of multi-ethnic coexistence. On market days, local dairy products, sheep's cheese, and skorup are available.
Location
Southeastern Montenegro, Prokletije
Population
1,877
Elevation
approx. 920m
Municipal Status
February 2014
Municipal Area
approx. 157 km²
Highest Nearby Peak
Zla Kolata 2,534m
Highlights
Ali-Pasha's Springs are the largest karst springs in Montenegro, located just 1.5 km from the centre of Gusinje. They consist of 25 separate springs that emerge at the foot of Prokletije and at full capacity discharge up to nine cubic metres of water per second. Near the springs stands an abandoned water mill that bears witness to the former economic life of the area. Every year on 2 August, a traditional festival is held at the springs, drawing the diaspora from around the world.
Ropojane Valley is a glacial valley that extends from Gusinje towards Albania and the high peaks of Prokletije. The valley trail provides access to Zla Kolata (2,534m) — the highest peak in Montenegro — and Rosni vrh (2,524m). The valley forms part of the international hiking trail Peaks of the Balkans, which connects Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. At the end of the valley, 12 km from Gusinje, lies Ropojane Lake, known for its bluish water and 8-metre-deep karst pockets.
Grebaje Valley is the second main glacial valley of Gusinje, enclosed by the peaks of the Karanfili massif — Sjeverni vrh (2,460m) and Veliki vrh (2,490m). The valley is home to golden eagles and falcons and is renowned for its dramatic limestone rock walls and high-altitude eco-katuns. The Volušnica trail that departs from the valley is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic routes in Prokletije. Experienced hikers can also tackle technical ascents to the peaks of Očnjak and Šuplja Vrata.
In the centre of Gusinje, in close proximity to one another, stand the Vezir Mosque, the Orthodox Church of St. George, and the Catholic Church of St. Anthony — a living example of inter-religious and inter-ethnic coexistence that has defined this area through the centuries. Gusinje is mentioned in historical sources as far back as the 14th century as a caravan station on the route Dubrovnik–Kotor–Shkodër–Peć–Constantinople. On market days in the čaršija, visitors can buy local dairy products, sheep's cheese, and skorup directly from local producers.
Zla Kolata, at an elevation of 2,534m, is the highest peak in Montenegro and one of the most challenging mountain destinations in the region. The ascent is organised from Ropojane Valley, starting from the village of Vusanje just outside Gusinje. From the summit, panoramic views stretch across Montenegro and Albania. In May 2025, the largest mass hiking event to mark Statehood Day was organised here — more than 100 hikers reached the summit simultaneously. It is recommended to hire a local guide, available through the Gusinje Tourist Organisation.
What to do
Explore the glacial valleys of Grebaje and Ropojane and hike to the highest peak in Montenegro — Zla Kolata (2,534m).
tap to closeVisit the largest karst springs in Montenegro, just 1.5 km from the centre of Gusinje.
tap to closeFollow the international trail connecting Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo through some of the Balkans' most dramatic mountain scenery.
tap to closeStroll through the old market quarter and discover the three places of worship — a mosque, an Orthodox church, and a Catholic church — standing side by side.
tap to closeBuy sheep's cheese, skorup, and fresh dairy products directly from local producers on market day.
tap to closeDid You Know?
Gusinje is Montenegro's youngest municipality, having gained that status in February 2014, and is home to Ali-Pasha's Springs — the largest karst springs in Montenegro, discharging up to nine cubic metres of water per second. Largest karst springs in Montenegro
Plan Your Visit
Phone
+382 8 837 998Website
gusinje.travelTuristička organizacija Gusinje: Ponedeljak–Petak 07:00–15:00, vikendom zatvoreno
Ulaz u grad besplatan. Za neke planinske staze i nacionalni park mogu se naplatiti ulaznice — provjeriti na licu mjesta.
Parking je dostupan u centru Gusinja bez naplate. Uz Ali-pašine izvore postoji neformalan prostor za parkiranje.
Centar Gusinja i gusinjska čaršija djelimično su pristupačni za osobe s ograničenom pokretljivošću. Planinske staze i dolinski tereni nisu prilagođeni za kolica.
FAQ
