The largest developed natural climbing area in Montenegro, at the exit of the Morača Canyon, just a few kilometers from Podgorica.
The largest developed natural climbing area in Montenegro, at the exit of the Morača Canyon, just a few kilometers from Podgorica.
Smokovac is a limestone cliff at the exit of the Morača Canyon, about 5 km northwest of the center of Podgorica, along the road to Kolašin. According to montenegro.travel, there are 86 equipped routes graded from V to X+ (UIAA), 10 to 32 m long, while a local climbing guidebook lists around a hundred routes from 3 to 8b+ on the French scale.
The rock is rich in tufas, and the climbing area has several sectors – along with the main cliff and riverside sectors (e.g. Titograd, up to 20 m), there are also harder sectors on the western side of the valley (Wonderwall, Dementia). The climbing area has been developed since 2006.
Sources: montenegro.travel – Sport climbing (https://www.montenegro.travel/me/istrazi-crnu-goru/priroda-i-avanturizam/sportsko-penjanje); Montenegro Climbing Guide (working version 2022, Mali alpinistički klub, montenegroclimbing.net); coordinates: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
The information is indicative and for planning purposes; the number and grades of routes change as climbing areas are being equipped. For an up-to-date guidebook, contact local climbing clubs.
Places on this route
The main part of the climbing area is on private land: the owner allows climbing on condition that no litter is left, no fires are lit, and no camping under the cliff; the first large cave in sector E is not allowed for climbing. A helmet is recommended. In emergencies, call 112.
Emergency number in Montenegro: 112.
Good to know
Best season
Best in spring and autumn; in summer it is too hot for part of the day. In winter, tufas can be wet.
Getting there
From Podgorica take the main road towards Kolašin; park near the bridge over the Morača, then follow a marked trail for about 10 minutes to the cliff.
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View trailTimes and grades are estimates. Conditions change: check the weather and local information before you set out. Map and data sources →
