National Parks in Montenegro - A Guide From Our Experts

It doesn't take much for Montenegro to be recognized as an exceptional outdoor adventure destination and a photographer's dream. Whether it is the sapphire shores of the Adriatic Sea, Europe's deepest canyons, National parks in Montenegro, lakes, and wetlands, or barren mountain ranges, landscapes evoke a sense of distant isolation and solitude, that is rarely seen in the Balkans or the Adriatic Sea. That's a fact.

Did you know the small country of Montenegro has 5 national parks?

• Biogradska Gora
• Prokletije
• Lovcen
• Durmitor
• Skadar lake

Each one of them is recognized for its enchanting landscapes, divine views, and rich flora and fauna.

National park Biogradska Gora is situated in the north of Montenegro, tucked between the Lim and Tara rivers.

Visitors are coming to Biogradska Gora to enjoy the vivid blue and green colors of the Biograd lake. Colors like these reflect the peaceful forest scenery around it, so Instagram lovers, grab your phones and capture some images.

Besides lake Biograd, there are scenic Ursulovacko, Pesica, Sisko, Mali Sisko, and Sevarina glacial lakes.

The National Park Biogradska Gora is under UNESCO protection because this area contains one of the few remaining large virgin forests in Europe. It is one of the three most famous rain forests in Europe, home to trees older than 400 years.

In addition to the beautiful scenery, you can do a variety of activities while visiting Biogradska Gora, such as camping, kayaking, canyoning, hiking, or simply taking a deep breath of fresh air and relaxing.

The most convenient way to get here is with your own car or a rental car in Podgorica.

The entrance fee is 4 euros.

Prokletije, situated at the border between Montenegro and Albania, is the youngest national park in Montenegro, known for its highest mountain peak in Montenegro, Zla Kolata (2,534 meters).

Prokletije is known for glacial lake Hrid, called the lake of happiness, since it is believed bathing in it can bring happiness, health, beauty, and inner peace.

There is a daily fee of 1 euro for visiting National park Prokletije. You can easily reach the park, by car or bus, it will take you up to 3 hours from Podgorica.

During your stay, you can rent bicycles, snowshoes, or walking poles.

One of the things you can also do in this untouched piece of nature is picking fruits and herbs, permit to do that will cost you 5 euros per day. Why not try some new and organic flavors?

Montenegrins consider the park to be a symbol of liberty, as well as being home to the highest mausoleum in the world (1657 meters above sea level), built for Petar II Petrovic Njegos, Montenegrin bishop, poet, and ruler.

Lovcen is also known for its amazing views, whether it's the sea, Skadar Lake, or high mountains to the north. Wherever you go, you will be amazed by its breathtaking panoramas.

The national park Lovcen is located in southwest Montenegro, near the town of Kotor and Cetinje. The park is easily accessible by car, but the safest way to get there is by the road from Cetinje.

If you feel adventurous, you can walk the ancient path of stairs from Kotor that will leave you breathless (also, literally!) with magnificent surroundings and a spectacular view over the Adriatic Sea.

The entering fee for Lovcen national park is 3 euros.

National park Durmitor is well known for its 18 remarkable glacial lakes, called the hill eyes of Montenegro.

Most remarkable is the Black lake, which got its name from the dense black forest that surrounds it.

Thanks to their values, national parks have not only national but also international significance. Thus, the Durmitor National Park with the canyon of the Tara River is on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

Did you know that the Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world?

If you plan to visit Durmitor National Park, a car is the easiest way to get there, so perhaps consider renting a car for a couple of days to explore this part of Montenegro.

It takes about 2.5 hours by car from Podgorica to Durmitor National Park, and about 3.5 hours from Budva or Kotor.

The entry fee is 5 euros. Aside from tickets, you can rent bicycles, snowshoes, walking poles, and boats to cruise Black Lake.

Did you know Skadar lake is the largest lake in Europe?

Located in the Zeta - Skadar valley, this lake is surrounded by mountains and is located 7 km from the Adriatic Sea.

National park Skadar lake is also home to 281 different species of birds, which makes it a perfect destination for birdwatchers. One of them is an endangered species of bird, the pelican, which is a symbol of the lake.

Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy authentic and enchanting flora and fauna by taking walks or taking a cruise over the lake.

The entry fee for Skadar lake is 5 euros per person, which will also provide you with one cruise over the lake. Don’t miss visiting small towns Virpazar or Rijeka Crnojevica for a unique experience and amazing local cuisine.

It is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. It will take you around 30 minutes from Podgorica, an hour from Budva.

Everyone over the age of 15 needs to pay an entry fee, with the exception of people with disabilities. The fee is per person, tickets are charged daily.

Entry ticket prices:

• Biogradska Gora - 4 EUR
• Prokletije - 3 EUR
• Lovcen - 3 EUR
• Durmitor - 5 EUR
• Skadar lake - 5 EUR