Travel to Montenegro
Pljevlja
Northern Montenegro

Pljevlja

Historic city in northern Montenegro on three rivers

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Overview

Pljevlja is the third largest municipality in Montenegro, situated in the expansive Pljevlja basin at the foot of Goljubinja hill, at the confluence of the Breznica, Ćehotina, and Vežisnica rivers.

The city is a historic crossroads of Christianity and Islam – here stand the imposing Monastery of the Holy Trinity with its treasury of silver and gold, and the Husein-Pasha Mosque with its ancient handwritten manuscripts. The municipality covers 1,346 km² and borders Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west and Serbia to the north. Beyond its cultural and historical heritage, the city offers natural attractions such as the Meandri Ćehotine viewpoint and several recreational areas along the riverbanks.

  • History
  • Culture
  • Nature
  • Hiking
  • Gastronomy
  • Orthodox Heritage
  • Ottoman Heritage

Highlights

Discover Pljevlja

Monastery of the Holy Trinity
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Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is one of the most significant Orthodox sacred sites in northern Montenegro. It safeguards an impressive treasury of silver and gold that bears witness to centuries of religious and cultural life in this region. Caravans once passed through here on their way to Constantinople, and the monastery served as a spiritual refuge for travellers and merchants. A visit takes about an hour and is best enjoyed in the morning.

Husein-Pasha Mosque
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Husein-Pasha Mosque

The Husein-Pasha Mosque, located in the very centre of Pljevlja, is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Montenegro. It houses ancient handwritten manuscripts that testify to the rich intellectual life of this region during the Ottoman period. The mosque is a symbol of the historic union of Christianity and Islam that characterises Pljevlja – two centuries-old legacies coexisting in the same city. It is located in close proximity to the 'Trebovina' ćevabdžinica, making it easy to combine a visit with lunch.

Meandri Ćehotine Viewpoint
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Meandri Ćehotine Viewpoint

The Meandri Ćehotine viewpoint is situated above Motel Vodice and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the winding Ćehotina river and the surrounding forests and hills. The Meandri Ćehotine is one of the most visually striking natural phenomena in the Pljevlja basin – the river makes dramatic bends through a landscape that is particularly photogenic in the morning and evening hours. This is a must-visit photography spot for all visitors to Pljevlja.

Krakalice Recreation Area
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Krakalice Recreation Area

The Krakalice recreation area is located 25 km from Pljevlja, just before the village of Vrulja, at the confluence of the Kozička river and the Ćehotina. Nearby are a fishing lodge, a fly fishing river, a necropolis with stećci tombstones called Marina šuma, and the carved stumps of self-taught sculptor Ilija Čabarkapa – an unusual combination of nature and folk art. This recreation area is ideal for a day trip with family or a fishing group.

Vodice City Park
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Vodice City Park

Vodice City Park is a favourite spot for walks and relaxation among both locals and visitors to Pljevlja. The park's paths are ideal for summer evening strolls, and the park is also home to the 'Milet bašta' Restaurant with a capacity of 100 seats and a menu of national cuisine. The park serves as a central gathering place for cultural events and evening performances by Pljevlja's tambura musicians, which are a special local tradition.

What to do

Activities in Pljevlja

Sightseeing Cultural Monuments

Culture

Sightseeing Cultural Monuments

Visiting the Monastery of the Holy Trinity and the Husein-Pasha Mosque in the city centre.

Hiking and River Excursions

Mountains

Hiking and River Excursions

Walking to the Meandri Ćehotine recreation area and along the banks of the Kozička river near Krakalice.

Fishing

Food & wine

Fishing

Fly fishing on the Ćehotina river and at the fishing lodge near the Krakalice recreation area.

Landscape Photography

Culture

Landscape Photography

Photographing the winding Ćehotina from the Meandri Ćehotine viewpoint above Motel Vodice.

Gastro Tourism

Food & wine

Gastro Tourism

Tasting Pljevlja cheese and traditional dishes at national cuisine restaurants.

Trails

Trails around Pljevlja

Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.

All trails
Pljevlja – Vijenac (PV02)
ModerateCycling
Cycling · Pljevlja

Pljevlja – Vijenac (PV02)

Cycling trail PV02 is 19.2 km long and runs one-way from Pljevlja. It has 770 m of ascent, 280 m of descent, a mostly asphalt surface and moderate difficulty, with a spring located at 13.9 km.

19.2 km770 m2–2½ h

View trail
Bliškovo – Pljevlja (PV01)
DifficultCycling
Cycling

Bliškovo – Pljevlja (PV01)

Biking Trail PV01 is a predominantly asphalt bicycle route 50,9 km long, with 1081 m of elevation gain. It is ridden in one direction through the surroundings of Pljevlja, passing springs, a shelter and viewpoints.

50.9 km1,081 m3½–5 h

View trail
EasyCycling
Cycling · Pljevlja

Crni vrh – Lješće (PV11)

An easy one-way cycling trail 8.0 km long, with 119 m of ascent. It is ridden on asphalt and macadam at an altitude of 1220–1304 m, with an estimated duration of 45 min without breaks.

8.0 km119 m40–55 min

View trail
EasyCycling
Cycling

Biking Trail PV07

Biking Trail PV07 is 13.9 km long and mostly descends through the surroundings of Pljevlja. The surface is 70% gravel and 30% asphalt/concrete, and the ride without stops takes about 1 h 15 min.

13.9 km160 m65–90 min

View trail
EasyCycling
Cycling · Ćehotina Meanders Viewpoint

Odžak – Vlaovići (PV05)

Biking Trail PV05 is an easy one-way cycling trail, 14.5 km long. It has 529 m of ascent and a predominantly asphalt surface, and the nearest town is Pljevlja.

14.5 km529 m1½–2 h

View trail
ModerateCycling
Cycling · Pljevlja

Pljevlja – Vrba (PV10)

Biking Trail PV10 is a 36.9 km long, predominantly asphalt, one-way bike trail. It starts about 3 km from Pljevlja, has a 757 m climb, a 305 m descent and the Javor Spring at 28.5 km.

36.9 km757 m2½–3½ h

View trail
ModerateCycling
Cycling · Pljevlja

Pljevlja – Jezero (PV09)

The one-way bicycle trail PV09 near Pljevlja is 37,0 km long, with 1617 m of ascent and 607 m of descent. The surface is 68 % asphalt/concrete and 32 % gravel, and the difficulty is moderate.

37.0 km1,617 m5–7 h

View trail
EasyCycling
Cycling

Biking Trail PV03

Biking Trail PV03 is an easy cycling trail 15.6 km long. The mixed surface (71% asphalt/concrete, 29% gravel road) passes by Kozičko brdo and near the Ćehotina Meanders Viewpoint.

15.6 km402 m1½–2 h

View trail

Did You Know?

Pljevlja is one of the rare cities in the Balkans where an Orthodox monastery and an Ottoman mosque stand just minutes apart, reflecting centuries of coexistence between Christianity and Islam along the old caravan routes to Constantinople. Coexistence of Christianity and Islam

Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

Opening hours

The town is accessible all year round. Holy Trinity Monastery: morning visits are recommended.

Admission

Entrance to the city is free. Donations possible when visiting religious buildings.

Parking

Free parking available in the town centre and near the main attractions.

Accessibility

The town centre is partially accessible for people with disabilities. Nature trails and picnic spots require physical fitness.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity with its treasury of silver and gold, and the Husein-Pasha Mosque with its ancient handwritten manuscripts, are the two most significant cultural attractions. What makes Pljevlja unique is precisely the fact that these two religious sites from different traditions are located in the same city.
May to September is ideal for river excursions and hiking in the surrounding area. Spring and early autumn are particularly well-suited for visiting cultural landmarks. December offers a winter atmosphere in the city.
The 'Milet bašta' Restaurant in the centre offers national cuisine with 100 seats in a park setting. The 'Ognjište' Restaurant specialises in organic food and home-style cooking. The 'Trebovina' ćevabdžinica is located near the Husein-Pasha Mosque in the very centre of the city.
From Podgorica to Pljevlja is approximately 170 km, taking roughly 2.5 hours by car. There are also regular bus services from Podgorica, with the bus journey taking about 3 hours. The nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD).
In the area around Pljevlja you will find the Meandri Ćehotine recreation area, Mejtef along the bank of the Ćehotina, Perova luka along the Vezišnica, and Krakalice 25 km from the city. The Zeleni vir swimming spot in Voloder is a popular summer destination.

Zora

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