Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Montenegro’s Lovcen National Park.
Whether you’re road-tripping through Montenegro, or simply visiting nearby Kotor or Budva for a day or two, you’ll want to add the beautiful Lovcen National Park (Lovćen) to your list of things to see.
After exploring the park on a day trip from Kotor, I’ve written this travel guide to help you do the same. I’ll reveal things like how to get there, what to expect, the current costs, and some useful tips for what to do.
1. You Can Visit Lovcen National Park on a Day Trip from Kotor or Budva
Montenegro is a small country. The main tourist hubs of Kotor Bay (Boka Kotorska) and Budva are just a short drive away from Lovcen National Park.
In fact, there is one 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 departs from Kotor but pickup is also available from Tivat, Budva, and Herceg Novi. You'll visit the beautiful mountain of Lovćen, the former capital of Cetinje, a boat trip down the River Crnojevica, and a tour of Sveti Stefan.
Check Price: 12-Hour Highlights Tour (including Lovcen)
Travel Tip: If you've got a bit more time, you can also rent a car very easily in Montenegro, with no need for an international driver's license. Remember to always check DiscoverCars to compare rates across dealers.
2. You Can See Almost All of Montenegro from the Lovcen Summit
Did I mention this country was small? Okay, you get it. But, from the top of Mount Lovcen, you'll truly see almost the entire country!
Mount Lovćen rises 1749 meters from the Adriatic basin and its summit offers uninterrupted, 360-degree views across Montenegro. As you can see from my photos, when I visited we had a crystal clear day.
This meant our views stretched out from the summit to Kotor Bay in the northwest and all the way to the Albanian Alps in the East. We were also able to see the Durmitor mountains dominate the northern horizon. If you have the same conditions as us, I'm you'll have expansive views across the azul waters of the Adriatic to the south as well.
3. Mount Lovcen is Also Called the Black Mountain
Did you know that Mount Lovcen inspired Montenegro's contemporary (and Italianized) name? Montenegro, or Crna Gora in the local tongue, literally translates to Black Mountain.
The roots stem from Lovcen National Park's incredibly dense forests, which form a dark color. Undeniably, these mountains are a significant landmark for the Montenegrin people.
4. You Will Find Petar II Petrović-Njegoš Mausoleum at the Summit
Today, most locals visit Lovcen National Park for a chance to pay respects to the famous former prince-bishop Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, or better simply known as Njegoš.
Njegoš is perhaps the most famous poet, philosopher, or ruler in Montenegrin history. He's best known for his poetic philosophy and role in defending Montenegro against the Turks.
Today, his body rests at the summit in a beautiful purpose-built mausoleum that is definitely worth a visit.
5. There are 2 Separate Entrance Fees to the National Park and The Mausoleum
If you wish to enter the Lovcen National Park, you will need to pay a 3 euro entrance fee per person (children 0-7 are free) at the base of the mountain. This grants access to the hiking trails and other attractions in the park.
However, if you wish to visit the very summit of Lovcen, you'll need to pay an additional 8 euros (which includes the mausoleum entry). However, students can pay 4 euros for the mausoleum (with no discount for the general entry).
When I visited for the first time, this was only 2 euros and 5 euros, but the price has increased recently this year.
6. There Are Over 2,000 Plants in Lovcen National Park
Lovcen National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Montenegro. It's said that over 2,000 plant species grow here and the park is home to over 85 butterfly species and more than 200 different types of birds.
One fascinating plant species you can find in Lovcen National Park is the Lovcen bellflower (Campanula pyramidalis), which is endemic to the region.
7. Lovcen National Park is Great for Hiking
Lovcen National Park has several well-marked trails for hiking. Some of the most popular include the Wolf Trail & Babina Glava, Ivanova Korita to Krstac, and the Kuk Loop (usually from Ivanova Korita).
- Ivanova Korita to Njegoš Mausoleum: Offers panoramic views from the Adriatic Sea to the Albanian Alps.
- Wolf Trail: A 7 km easy loop ideal for a leisurely hike through forests and meadows.
- Babina Glava: A challenging hike with stunning mountain and valley views.
- Kuk Loop: A slightly strenuous trail starting from Ivanova Korita, offering beautiful vistas.
8. There are Many Adventure Activities to Do
Hiking isn't the only activity on offer in Lovcen National Park. Visitors also have the option of renting ATVs, buggies, and mountain bikes.
- Mountain Biking: You can rent bikes at Ivanova Korita. Ride the 7 km Wolf Trail for an easy introduction, or tackle the challenging Babina Glava trail for steeper inclines and more of a challenge.
- Snowshoeing and Winter Sports: I haven't done this but I've been told it's possible from December to February. You can snowshoes at Ivanova Korita and explore snow-covered trails around Jezerski Vrh for what looks like epic winter views.
- Guided Tours: You can book online or at the Visitor Center in Ivanova Korita. Check out tours to the Njegoš Mausoleum and panoramic views from the summit. I also found some great specialty tours focusing on bird watching, with opportunities to spot over 200 bird species, including the golden eagle.
While I haven't been, there's also a small adventure park in Ivanova Korita as well.
9. Visitors Can Stay Near the National Park
Looking to rest your head somewhere near Lovcen? There are a few nice lodges and holiday homes right near the mountain slopes! Below are the top picks.
- Lovcen Holiday Home - beautiful traditional home with loft, just 3.8 kilometers from the park
- LOVCEN4ME - a top-rated accommodation option with free bikes & balcony
- Hotel Monte Rosa - beautiful glass hotel with mountain views and a hot tub
10. Don't Miss the Unique Local Food in Njeguši Village
While visiting Lovcen National Park, make sure to stop by the nearby village of Njeguši.
This historic village is renowned for its traditional Montenegrin cuisine, particularly the famous Njeguški prosciutto and cheese. You can visit local restaurants and farms to taste these delicacies and learn about their production. While I'm not a food blogger this experience was a fun treat after hiking and exploring the park and recommend you check it out!
FAQ About Visiting Lovcen National Park
How do I get to Lovcen National Park?
You can drive from Cetinje or Kotor or book a day trip from Kotor. The Cetinje route leads directly to the park's entrance, while the Kotor route offers stunning switchback views along the way.
What are the top attractions?
I would recommend not missing the Njegoš Mausoleum for the famous breathtaking panoramic views. Also, if you have time, go explore the historic village of Njeguši for a taste of local culture and cuisine.
Can I hike in the park?
Yes, there are trails for all levels. The trail from Ivanova Korita to the Njegoš Mausoleum is a good one for the best views. Anya from Road is Calling recommends checking out the Wolf Trail for an easy 7 km loop with epic views.
When's the best time to visit?
Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit for pleasant weather and full-blooming flora. However, you can visit the park all year round, with Winter bringing snow that can make some areas inaccessible and the drive up the mountains more slippery.
If you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to Lovcen National Park in Montenegro, then make sure to check out some of my other blog posts below!
- Top Things to do in Kotor - my most comprehensive travel guide to the beautiful city of Kotor.
- Visiting Montenegro's Blue Cave - find out how to visit one of the most beautiful sea caves on the Adriatic Coast
- Hiking the Ladder of Kotor - read my guide to one of the most epic city viewpoints in Kotor
- Where to Stay in Kotor - my comprehensive accommodation guide to planning where to stay for all budgets.
- Kotor Tours - Guide to the 9 best tours in Kotor.