The national parks of Montenegro

Montenegro is that small Balkan country nestled between Croatia, Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to combine culture, nature, and swimming. The country's 4 natural parks are worth the trip on their own. Between wildlife, flora, and culture, set off to discover the national parks of Montenegro, for a stay in the heart of Montenegro still preserved from mass tourism.

Durmitor National Park

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the national parks of Montenegro. Durmitor Park is enchanting. Ski slopes, high mountains, lakes, canyons, primeval forests, there is something for everyone. Lose yourself on its hiking trails before starting the rafting descent of the Tara River. Admire nature and taste local products at the locals' table. Welcome to Montenegro.

A massif of the Dinaric Alps, Durmitor is located in the north of Montenegro. Composed of glacial lakes, meadows, and forests, the park's glaciers range from 450 m to over 2500 m. The entry town, the charming Zabljak, is located at 1450 m altitude. Situated in the heart of the park, it is an excellent starting point to discover it. Starting with the majestic “Black Lake”, the largest and also the most beautiful in the park.

View this post on Instagram ?? Black Lake in Durmitor. Durmitor National Park is home to the Tara River canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, no less! – – – Off for the weekend friends! What are your plans? For us, it will be a Parisian getaway ❤️ __________________________________________________ – ?? Last day of the week! What are your plans for the weekend? For us, a little escape to Paris ❤️ __________________________________________________ #durmitornationalpark, that shelters the 2nd biggest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon… – – #durmitor #montenegro #passionvoyage #blogvoyage #instavoyage #frenchtraveler #changerdevie #nomades #passionpasseport #decouvrirensemble #voyageursdumonde #voyager #lesfrancaisvoyagent #lonelyplanetfr #routard #paysagesmagnifiques

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Durmitor National Park is a preserved nature reserve and is home to a rare ecosystem. More than 2500 plant species thrive there and you can walk in the heart of the oldest black pine forest in Europe. Be attentive, with a bit of luck you may spot a golden eagle, a bear or a roe deer during your hikes.

In the park, you will find many canyons, the most famous being that of the Tara River. It is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the United States.

Unmissable sights in Durmitor National Park

• Hike from 1 hour to several days in the heart of the park's glaciers and forests
• Admire the lakes, especially the majestic Black Lake
• Discover the Dobrilovina Monastery and enjoy the views of the valley
• Đurđevića Tara Bridge: built at the beginning of World War II, it was at the time the largest arch bridge in Europe
• For the bravest, bungee jumping from the top of the bridge is a thrilling experience
• Go rafting in the gorges of the Tara River

Lovcen National Park

Winding roads along the mountainside? A panoramic view of the Bay of Kotor and the other national parks of Montenegro? Blue, green, white as far as the eye can see? No doubt, you are in the Lovcen National Park.

View this post on Instagram #montenegro ?? day 4: we gain some altitude in Lovcen National Park and in the former royal capital of #cetinje ?⛅⛰️ #champdecailloux

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Located between Kotor and Cetinje, in the heart of the Dinaric Alps, it takes its name from Mount Lovcen which peaks at 1749 m altitude. At the top of this sacred mountain is buried Petar II Petrovic Njegos, king, poet, and philosopher of the 19th century. The church, built during his lifetime, was destroyed in 1916 and today it is an entire mausoleum that houses his remains. Climb the 461 steps that separate the village of Njegusi from the summit, and admire the magical view of the Bay of Kotor and the mountains of Montenegro.

(c) Alesya_G – Need pix

Lovcen National Park is home to more than 1300 plant species and 200 bird species. And the luckiest among you may cross paths with a marsh turtle. This almost extinct species can only be seen in the Lovcen and Skadar Lake parks.

Unmissable sights in Lovcen National Park

• Take the serpentine road. 32 hairpin bends connect Kotor to the entrance of Lovcen Park
• Visit the Petrovic family house in Njegusi
• Hike towards the summit of Mount Lovcen. Visit the mausoleum of Petar II and admire a breathtaking view of the whole country
• Discover Cetinje, the former capital, and visit its museums and the royal palace

Biogradska Gora National Park

The smallest of the national parks of Montenegro will make you forget its size. Glacial lakes, primeval forests, and snow-capped peaks... Let yourself be charmed by the Biogradska Gora park and venture into the heart of Montenegro on little-traveled trails.

View this post on Instagram The colors of Biogradska Gora National Park and the rays of the sun filtering through the leaves of trees over 500 years old. . . . . . #naturephoto #main_vision #landscape_captures #awesome_earthpix #natureaddict #rsa_rural #awesomeearth #nature_wizards #nature_brilliance #EarthVisuals #artofvisuals #welivetoexplore #natureaddict #naturediversity #ourplanetdaily #ig_europe #topeuropephoto #loves_europe #unlimitedeurope #montenegro #forest #hiking #forest #lamontagnecavousgagne #forest_captures #balkan #crnagora

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Nature and wide-open space lovers, you will find happiness in Biogradska Gora Park. Located in the center of Montenegro, 90 km from the capital Podgorica, this national park is bordered by the Lim and Tara rivers. Nestled in the Bjelasica mountain range, the glaciers and peaks of this majestic natural area reach over 2000 m. The park is home to many glacial lakes, most of them scattered between 1800 and 2000 m. Lake Biograd, the best known and largest, is only at 1080 m altitude.

Photo Credit: Source Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Uri Bareket

This small park is also a rich nature reserve. The biodiversity of Biogradska Gora is impressive. Natural habitat of the wolf, bear, or roe deer, you can encounter more than 150 bird species, 350 different insects, and 10 mammal species. Finally, the park is home to one of the last primeval forests in Europe. The opportunity to walk in a forest over 500 years old.

Unmissable sights in Biogradska Gora Park

• Set off to discover the “eyes of the mountain”, the park's glacial lakes
• Hike in the park, from 1 hour to several days with the possibility of sleeping in the park
• Rent a boat to explore Lake Biograd
• Visit the village of Kolasin at the foot of Biogradska Gora National Park and spend the night in a small typical chalet

Skadar Lake National Park

View this post on Instagram Just about to set off on an adventure to Slovenia so I thought I'd post a photo from a previous trip in Montenegro! I hope the next two weeks are as spectacular 😀 #montenegro #europe #europe_vacations #europe_pics #skadar #skadarlake #wetland #lillies #waterlilies #mountains #nature #skadarlakenationalpark #river #forest #landscape #thehikingway #hiking #walking #adventure #earthfocus #getoutside #mountains_geek

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The largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar Lake covers 40,000 ha, straddling Montenegro and Albania. It is also the largest national park in Montenegro. Of course, the lake captivates with its beauty, but also enjoy the rich historical past of the region.

A little upstream from the lake, discover the small town of Rijeka Crnojevica. Named after the river that borders this village, it is the ideal starting point for a boat trip. Do not hesitate to call on a local guide who will help you discover the local fauna and flora during a boat ride. He will proudly give you explanations about his region.

The changing colors, the meanders of the lake, and the incredible biodiversity of this park, everything is enchanting in this majestic nature reserve. It is also the largest reserve for migratory birds and the last habitat of pelicans in Europe.

Unmissable sights in Skadar Lake National Park

• Admire the lake from Karuc or share the daily life “with your feet in the water” of the animals and inhabitants of Dodosi
• Visit Rijeka Crnojevica, the “most beautiful village in Montenegro”
• Approach Skadar Lake by boat from Rijeka Crnojevica; depending on the light, the many islets of the lake give it a little look of Halong Bay
• Taste a local wine from this wine-growing region

The national parks of Montenegro, a nature trip off the beaten path

As you have understood, Montenegro is a chosen destination for those who dream of wide open spaces and lush nature.

Although much less touristy than its neighbor Croatia, Montenegro is attracting more and more visitors. And the city of Kotor or the Adriatic coast are often crowded. Set off to discover the national parks and nature reserves of this incredible country to fully enjoy the majestic landscapes that Montenegro has to offer.

In every season and for every desire, the national parks of Montenegro will enchant you.

Share unique moments with the locals, taste local specialties, and marvel at every moment. And for a trip that suits you, as close as possible to the locals and far from mass tourism, do not hesitate to call on a local agency.

Now all you have to do is enjoy: Breathe. Admire. Share. Repeat 😉

Thanks to Athéna OLIVEIRA for this article @lesamantsvoyageurs