Lovćen National Park is nestled in the rugged mountains of Montenegro. With its diverse flora and fauna, striking landscapes, and cultural heritage sites, the park provides a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
How to get to Lovćen National Park
Lovćen National Park is located approximately 38 kilometers (24 miles) from the nearest city, Kotor. The drive from Kotor to Lovćen National Park takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The closest airport is Tivat, which is 47 kilometers (29 miles) away, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What to see in Lovćen National Park
- Njegoš Mausoleum: This impressive mausoleum, dedicated to Montenegrin poet and ruler Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, offers breathtaking views from the second-highest peak in the park. Legend says that Njegoš chose this location himself as his final resting place.
- Lovćen Serpentine Road: This scenic drive offers awe-inspiring vistas of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains. Be prepared for numerous hairpin turns and steep inclines.
- Ivanova Korita: This recreational area, situated at the park's entrance, offers various activities such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the park's numerous hiking trails, which provide an opportunity to encounter its diverse flora and fauna, as well as stunning views.
The first thing you should do is to climb Yezersky Peak. There is a mausoleum to the ruler of Montenegro - Peter Negoshi. The locals have nicknamed this place holy Olympus. To get to the top, you have to overcome 461 steps and a tunnel. There is a breathtaking view of the mountains, hills and villages. It is especially beautiful when the clouds come down and cover the peaks with their white caps.
People of Montenegro claim that in clear weather from Mount Lovcen you can see 70 percent of the country and the Italian coast. Two climates are united here: mountain and sea. This affects the local nature and wildlife, and the air is considered curative.
After visiting the hall and admiring the natural beauty, we must go down to the village of Negushi. Many old buildings, authentic shepherd's huts, the house-museum of Negos and the church will show you the historical part of the national park.
For tourists are staged inflammatory national dances and performances. This place keeps old traditions and folk folklore.
On the territory of Lovcen there is another interesting place - the amusement park. There are rope courses with obstacles for adults and children, you can ride through the woods on a bicycle or ATV, play paintball and shoot with an arrow.
Where to eat
There are limited dining options within the park, but you can find local cuisine at the restaurant within the Ivanova Korita complex. For more options, visit nearby Cetinje or Kotor, where you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Where to stay in Lovćen National Park
While there are no hotels within the park, consider staying at Hotel Ivanov Konak within the Ivanova Korita complex or the nearby town of Cetinje, where you can find accommodations like Hotel Grand or La Vecchia Casa.
Best time to visit Lovćen National Park
The ideal time to visit Lovćen National Park is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the park is most accessible. However, be prepared for occasional rain and cooler temperatures in the mountains.
Parking in Lovćen National Park
There are parking areas at the park's entrance and near the Njegoš Mausoleum. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Tips
- Mountain roads in the park can be narrow and winding, so exercise caution while driving. Also, be mindful of local wildlife, which may cross the roads unexpectedly.
- Shoes must be comfortable, you will have to walk a lot.
- Take a jacket with you, it is quite chilly at the top of the mountain.
- Instead of souvenirs and magnets, try and take with you local delicacies: prsut (dried pork leg), cheese from Nagusha, rakija (grape vodka), mead and mountain honey.
Renting a car in Kotor or Tivat is the best way to explore the magnificent beauty of Lovćen National Park and its surroundings. Immerse yourself in the park's natural wonders, historical sites, and captivating legends that make this Montenegrin treasure a must-visit destination.
