9 things you should know before visiting Lovcen National Park in Montenegro

9 things you should know before visiting Lovcen National Park in Montenegro

Read this guide with 9 things you need to know before visiting Lovcen National Park in Montenegro.

Whether you're traveling through Montenegro or simply visiting nearby Kotor or Budva for a day, our two, you should add the beautiful Lovcen National Park (Lovćen) to your list of places to visit.

In this quick guide, I'll tell you 9 things to know before your visit that should answer most of your questions about getting there, what to expect, and more!

1. You can visit Lovcen National Park on a day trip from Kotor or Budva

Montenegro is a small country. The main tourist centers of the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) and Budva are just a short drive from Lovcen National Park.

In fact, there is a very popular organized trip that covers most of the highlights in this part of Montenegro (including Lovcen) in just one big 12 hour day!

This day trip begins in Kotor, but pickup is also available in Tivat, Budva, and Herceg Novi. You will visit the beautiful Lovćen mountain, the former capital of Cetinje, a boat trip on the Crnojevica river and a tour of Sveti Stefan.

Check price: 12-hour highlights tour (including Lovcen)

alt=“Girl with a car at the Kotor viewpoint, Montenegro”>

2. From Lovcen Peak you can see almost all of Montenegro

Did I mention this country is small? Okay, you get it. But from the top of Mount Lovcen you really see almost the entire country!

Mount Lovćen rises 1749 meters from the Adriatic basin and its summit offers uninterrupted 360-degree views over Montenegro.

The view from the summit stretches from the Bay of Kotor in the northwest to the Albanian Alps in the east. On a clear day, the Durmitor Mountains dominate the northern horizon, and you'll have sweeping views over the azul waters of the Adriatic to the south.


alt=“City from Mount Lovcen”>Cetinje from Lovcen Peak – former royal capital of Montenegro
Small village of Kopito from Lovcen peak (where Njegoš was born)

3. Mount Lovcen is also called the Black Mountain

Did you know that Mount Lovcen inspired the contemporary (and Italianized) name of Montenegro? Montenegro or Crna Gora in the local language literally translates to “Black Mountain”.

The roots come from the incredibly dense forests of Lovcen National Park, forming a dark color. Undeniably, these mountains are a significant landmark for the Montenegrin population.

4. At the top you will find the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš

Today, most locals visit Lovcen National Park to pay respect to the famous former Prince-Bishop Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, or better known as Njegoš.

Njegoš is perhaps the most famous poet, philosopher or ruler in Montenegrin history. He is best known for his poetic philosophy and his role in the defense of Montenegro against the Turks.

Today his body rests at the summit in a beautiful, purpose-built mausoleum that is definitely worth a visit.

alt=“Petar II Petrović-Njegoš Mausoleum”>

5. There are two separate entrance fees for the National Park and the Mausoleum

If you want to enter Lovcen National Park, you have to pay 2 euros (per person) entrance fee at the foot of the mountain. This grants access to the hiking trails and other attractions in the park.

However, if you want to visit the peak of Lovcen, you have to pay an additional 5 euros (including entrance to the mausoleum). However, students can pay 2.50 euros for the mausoleum (without a discount on general admission).

6. There are over 2000 plants in Lovcen National Park

Lovcen National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Montenegro. It is said that over 2,000 species of plants grow here and the park is home to over 85 species of butterflies and more than 200 different species of birds.

7. Lovcen National Park is great for hiking

Lovcen National Park has several well-marked hiking trails. Some of the most popular are the Wolf Trail & Babina Glava, Ivanova Korita to Krstac and the Kuk Loop (usually from Ivanova Korita).

8. There are many adventure activities to do

Hiking is not the only activity available in Lovcen National Park. Visitors also have the opportunity to rent ATVs, buggies and mountain bikes.

Although I haven't been there yet, there is also a small adventure park in Ivanova Korita.

9. Visitors can stay overnight near the national park

Would you like to rest your head somewhere near Lovcen? There are some beautiful lodges and holiday homes right on the mountain slopes! Below are the top picks.

• Lovcen Holiday Home – schönes traditionelles Haus mit Dachboden, nur 3,8 km vom Park entfernt
• LOVCEN4ME – eine erstklassige Unterkunftsoption mit kostenlosen Fahrrädern und Balkon
• Hotel Monte Rosa – wunderschönes Glashotel mit Bergblick und Whirlpool

More Montenegro & Balkans travel guides

If you enjoyed this quick guide to Lovcen National Park in Montenegro, then be sure to check out some of my other blog posts below!

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