Hiking in Montenegro

Montenegro is a hiker’s paradise! With the stunning scenery and views afforded from the mountainous coastline to the rocky interior, hiking in Montenegro can be as relaxed or as challenging as you wish it to be.

There is something to suit every age group and every fitness level. Montenegro has a good network of mountain huts and small villages in remote areas often provide basic but clean accommodation. In some areas the mountain huts are under refurbishment or still closed, but the National Tourism Organisation and local mountaineering clubs are working to renovate and reopen these facilities in numerous areas. Also in remoter areas 'katuns' or small hamlets offer simple shepherd hut style accommodation.

If your base is in the Bay of Kotor for day hikes we recommend Mount Orijen Park close to the Croatian border and easily accessible from Herceg Novi. Black Mountain works closely with the local mountaineering club here and can recommend guides and organise transportation to and from the mountain, as well as packed lunches and equipment hire. The views from the mountain are stunning, stretching across the Bay of Kotor towards Croatia and along the Adriatic coastline. There are trails to suit all levels of fitness and walks of varying length.

A longer 2-3 day hike along the inner plateau edging the Bay of Kotor can be arranged from Mount Orijen to Mount Loven (high above Kotor). This is a stunning hike and strongly recommended. Check out our Coastal Transversal one week hiking tour details. The first three days of this package can be arranged upon request, ending in Kotor.

In the south of the country hikes around Skadar Lake, combined with boat trips and cultural visits to Shkodra (Albania) and Old Bar (Montenegro) offer a more relaxing pace.

The north of Montenegro lays claim to Zabljak and Biogradska Gora parks, the Tara Canyon (second deepest in the world after the US Grand Canyon), and abundant forest, lakes and plateaus. The hiking possibilties here are endless and offer a wide range of experiences. Accommodation ranges from luxury five or four star mountain lodges with spa facilities, to simple bed and breakfast accommodation, 'etno' villages (traditional style accommodation) and katuns (simple wooden shepherd huts). Camping can also be arranged.

Montenegro's highest peaks reach over 2,500 m in altitude with an abundance of rivers, plunging canyons, high plateau and forested valleys. The terrain is remote, unforgiving and requires proper equipment, experience and local knowledge to navigate and enjoy safely. Common sense should prevail, always carry enough water and food for your planned hike, with extra if possible. Carry a first aid kit, arm yourself with information about the nearest emergency services and how to contact them. Tell someone about your route and planned time of return. Best of all use local qualified guides wherever possible - they will show you things and take you to places you would never find without them. Black Mountain can assist with your trip plans, maps, guidebooks and provide qualified guides as well as renting camping equipment, and providing vehicle transfers and support. We have Land Rovers which provide excellent support for larger groups or luggage transportation.

Black Mountain can recommend and also sells a good variety of walking guide books to Montenegro, featuring hikes of all levels, maps and detailed itineraries. Some of these guide books have been produced by local mountain guides and translated into several languages. Contact us for more details.

We organise group holidays, suggested itineraries for tailor made plus plenty of opportunity to add in rest days, sightseeing trips and other activities (i.e. mountain biking, white water rafting or whatever suits the pace of your group). For couples or small groups we can provide a tailor made trip or your can follow one of our suggested itineraries for a self guided tour. The price goes down the bigger the group although we will not exceed 16 persons max for mixed groups, couples and singles who book independently. If you have your own larger group we will be happy to quote rates for you.