Administrative Centre of Bihor — Mountain Town of Northeastern Montenegro
Petnjica is the seat of a municipality established in 2013, located in the Bihor region of northeastern Montenegro, approximately 30 km from Berane. The town is surrounded by the rivers Popča, Trpeska rijeka and Radmančica, dense forests and mountain massifs offering diverse opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. The municipality encompasses 25 settlements spread across hilly terrain, with the Radmanska gorge and the peak of Javorova dominating the surrounding landscape. Traditional Bihor cuisine — kačamak with kajmak, lamb roasted under a sač, and homemade cheese — is part of the authentic rural identity of this region. Petnjica is a starting point for exploring the unspoiled natural landscapes of northern Montenegro.
Location
Northeastern Montenegro, Bihor
Elevation
724 m
Municipal Population
4,957
Municipal Area
173 km²
Municipality Established
2013 (re-established)
Distance from Berane
~30 km
Highlights
The Radmanska gorge is a narrow and picturesque canyon through which the Popča river flows, located approximately 5 km southeast of Petnjica town centre, accessible via a local road through the village of Radmanci. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest, the gorge is ideal for nature lovers, hikers and photographers. At the bottom of the gorge lie the remains of old mills, which bear witness to the former economic life of the Bihor region and lend the site additional historical value. This is the most attractive natural attraction in the immediate vicinity of Petnjica.
The central town mosque is one of the most recognisable symbols of Petnjica and visually dominates the small town centre. Beyond its religious function, the mosque serves as a cultural hub of the community of the Bihor region, reflecting the centuries-old Islamic tradition of this part of northern Montenegro. Petnjica is situated in the Bihor region, which is known for its rich cultural traditions and strong diaspora. A visit to the mosque offers insight into the local identity and traditions that are cherished to this day.
Vrelo Trpezi is an ethno-village homestead located in the village of Trpezi, approximately 2.5 km southeast of Petnjica, offering visitors an authentic experience of Bihor rural life. Here you can sample traditional cuisine — kačamak with cheese and kajmak, lamb roasted under a sač, priganice with honey and homemade pies with greens. The village homestead also accepts guests for accommodation, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to stay in a mountain village setting. It is advisable to arrange a visit in advance.
Javorova is one of the dominant mountain massifs surrounding the municipality of Petnjica and offers hiking routes with panoramic views over the Bihor valley and surrounding villages. From the higher vantage points, the hilly terrain of northeastern Montenegro stretching towards the border with Serbia is clearly visible. The mountain landscapes abound with dense forests and meadows, while local flora — medicinal herbs and alpine flowers — make this terrain particularly attractive in spring. A tour of the massif is recommended with a local guide, as the trails are not always marked.
What to do
Explore the hilly terrain and mountain massif surrounding Petnjica with panoramic views over the Bihor valley.
tap to closeA scenic hike through the narrow gorge of the Popča river, featuring steep cliffs, dense forest and the remains of old mills.
tap to closeSample kačamak with kajmak, lamb roasted under a sač and homemade cheese at local restaurants and ethno-villages.
tap to closeVisit Vrelo Trpezi or Jahova Voda Muratović for an authentic rural stay with traditional food and mountain hospitality.
tap to closePurchase honey, medicinal herbs, cheese and handmade crafts directly from local producers or through the Vrijedne ruke organisation.
tap to closeFish on the local rivers Popča, Trpeska rijeka and Radmančica that flow through the Petnjica municipality.
tap to closeDid You Know?
Petnjica municipality was re-established in 2013, restoring a status that the local community had previously held from 1945 to 1957 — making it one of Montenegro's newest yet historically rooted municipalities. Re-established municipality with a historic legacy
Plan Your Visit
Admission
Besplatan ulaz u grad i sva javna mjesta.
Parking
Parking je dostupan u centru grada bez naplate.
Grad je dostupan tokom cijele godine. Lokalne institucije rade radnim danima 08:00–16:00.
Centar grada je uglavnom pristupačan, ali okolni tereni i planinske staze nisu prilagođeni za osobe smanjene pokretljivosti.
FAQ
