Lovćen National Park
Nacionalni park Lovćen
Montenegro's 'sacred mountain' behind Kotor. A 25-bend mountain road climbs to the summit, with views over Kotor Bay, the Adriatic and the inland mountains.
Mount Lovćen is a national symbol of Montenegro. The country's name, Montenegro, meaning 'black mountain', comes from its dark, densely forested slopes. The national park was established in 1952 and covers about 62 square kilometres. From Kotor, you take the famous Kotor Serpentine road, which climbs through 25 consecutive hairpin bends and rises about 900 metres from sea level. Each bend reveals a wider panorama of Kotor Bay, making it one of the most spectacular roads in the Balkans. On the way you pass Njeguši, known for its smoked ham (pršut) and cheese, and you can stop to taste them. Near the park's highest point, on Jezerski Peak (about 1,657 metres), stands the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, the 19th-century ruler and poet of Montenegro. Reaching it requires climbing about 460 steps and passing through a tunnel. The circular viewing terrace behind the mausoleum has superb views, and on clear days you can see the Adriatic and even the coast of Italy in the distance. Tickets for the park and mausoleum cost about 8 to 10 euros (subject to change, so check on site). There is no direct public transport, so visitors usually rent a car, hire a driver or join a day tour from Kotor or Budva, which is often combined with a visit to the former royal capital, Cetinje. The mountain road is narrow and passing is difficult, and tourist buses operate in peak season, so drive with care.
Opening hours
Park open all day; mausoleum about 09:00–17:00/18:00 (may close in winter; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Njeguši
- Kotor Serpentine Viewpoint
- St. John's Fortress & City Walls
- Church of Our Lady of Remedy
- Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
- Maritime Museum of Montenegro
- Church of St. Luke, Kotor
- Kotor Old Town