Read this travel guide featuring 9 things you need to know before visiting Lovcen National Park in Montenegro.
Whether you’re road-tripping through Montenegro, or simply visiting nearby Kotor or Budva for a day our two, you’ll want to add the beautiful Lovcen National Park (Lovćen) to your list of things to see.
In this quick guide, I’ll reveal to you 9 things to know before visiting, which should answer most of your questions about how to get here, what to expect, and more!
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)
Montenegro 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.
Views from the summit stretch from Kotor Bay in the northwest, all the way to the Albanian Alps in the East. On a clear day, the Durmitor mountains dominate the northern horizon, and you’ll have expansive views across the azul waters of the Adriatic to the south.
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 two 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 2 euro (per person) entrance fee 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 5 euros (which includes the mausoleum entry). However, students can pay 2.50 euros for the mausoleum (with no discount for the general entry).
6. There Are Over 2000 Plants in Lovcen National Park
Lovcen National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Montenegro. It’s said that over 2000 plant species grow here and the park is home to over 85 butterfly species and more than 200 different types of birds.
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).
Don’t Miss: Ladder of Kotor Hike (Epic Viewpoint)
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.
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
More Montenegro & Balkans Travel Guides
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!