Further Highlights in the Hinterland
Lovćen National Park & Njegoš Mausoleum
The Lovćen (1,749 m) is Montenegro's home mountain — the "Black Mountain" that gave the country its name. It rises directly behind the coast and is accessible via a spectacular serpentine road from Kotor or Cetinje. On the second highest peak (Jezerski vrh, 1,657 m) stands the Njegoš Mausoleum — the tomb of the national poet and bishop-prince Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, built by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The ascent over 461 steps through a tunnel carved into the rock is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama: On a clear day, you can see the entire Montenegrin coast, the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, and as far as Albania and Italy. Entrance: 3€.
Kolašin — Ski and Hiking Resort
Kolašin (950 m, approx. 2,900 inhabitants) is Montenegro's most popular mountain resort town and the gateway to the Bjelasica Mountains and the Biogradska Gora primeval forest. In winter, the Kolašin 1450/1600 ski area attracts visitors with modern lifts and slopes for beginners and advanced skiers (day pass: 20–25€). In summer: hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Kolašin has significantly invested in its infrastructure in recent years — new boutique hotels, spa resorts, and a growing gastronomic offer make the town a year-round destination.
Piva Gorge & Pivsko Jezero
The Piva Gorge west of the Durmitor is less known than the Tara Gorge, but no less impressive. The Pivsko Jezero (Piva Reservoir) stretches over 45 km in a deep gorge — the water shines in an unreal turquoise green. The road along the lake (P5) is one of Montenegro's most spectacular panoramic roads, with 56 tunnels carved into the rock. On the southern shore: the Piva Monastery (16th century), which was completely dismantled before the dam was built and rebuilt at a higher location — stone by stone, fresco by fresco. A masterpiece of rescue archaeology.
Nevidio Canyon
The Nevidio Canyon near Žabljak is one of the last gorges in Europe, only traversed in 1965. The narrow canyon (in some places only 50 cm wide!) can only be explored via a canyoning tour — swimming, climbing, jumping, and abseiling through cold water and narrow rock crevices. Duration: 3–5 hours, difficulty: challenging. Tour from Žabljak: 60–90€ incl. equipment and guide. An unforgettable adventure for all with good fitness and some courage — swimming skills and fitness are mandatory.
