Montenegro is preparing to implement one of the most ambitious tourism projects of the past decade — the construction of the Lovćen – Cetinje cable car with an intermediate station at Ivanova korita. The project is estimated at approximately 50 million euros, and completion is scheduled for 2027.
According to representatives of the Capital City of Cetinje, a tender for selecting the designer and contractor will be announced within the next two months. Work will begin immediately after it is completed, so that by 2027 the cable car will be fully put into operation.
Lovćen – Cetinje cable car: a new stage in tourism infrastructure
The idea of connecting Cetinje with Lovćen by funicular has been discussed for many years. The first step was taken with the opening of the cable car Kotor (Dub) – Lovćen (Kuk) in 2023, which has already become popular among tourists. Now the second phase provides for extending the route: Kuk – Ivanova korita – Cetinje.]
The total length of the route will be about 15 kilometers, and the route will consist of three sections:
- Dub – Kuk (4,130 meters),
- Kuk – Ivanova korita (3,517 meters),
- Ivanova korita – Cetinje (7,454 meters).
This large-scale project will not only improve transport accessibility in the region, but will also become an important tourist attraction, offering unforgettable panoramic views of Lovćen National Park and the Adriatic coast.
Read also: A guide to central Montenegro — Podgorica, Cetinje and the Njegoš Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen
Project cost and technical details
The company „Inženjer Gogić“ has completed the development of the conceptual design for the second phase of the cable car, including detailed cost calculations. According to the documents:
- the cost of the Kuk – Ivanova korita section is 17.38 million euros,
- the cost of the Ivanova korita – Cetinje section is 32.18 million euros.
The project includes all technical requirements: a description of the gondola line, stations, drive units, garages for cabin maintenance, as well as safety measures. The documentation covers fundamental engineering solutions — from supports and their foundations to quality control and occupational safety systems.
Project investors and partners
Interest in implementing the project was shown by a consortium consisting of the Podgorica-based company „Novi Volvoks“ and the Italian giant Leitner, which specializes in cable cars. This same consortium received the concession to operate the first line Kotor – Lovćen for 30 years.
According to representatives of Cetinje, all obligations on the part of the local administration have been fulfilled: the project documentation, feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis have been prepared. Now it is up to the Ministry of Public Works, which must launch the tender procedures.
Project investors and partners
Interest in implementing the project was shown by a consortium consisting of the Podgorica-based company „Novi Volvoks“ and the Italian giant Leitner, which specializes in cable cars. This same consortium received the concession to operate the first line Kotor – Lovćen for 30 years.
According to representatives of Cetinje, all obligations on the part of the local administration have been fulfilled: the project documentation, feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis have been prepared. Now it is up to the Ministry of Public Works, which must launch the tender procedures.
Project uniqueness
Unlike many cable cars around the world, which are aimed either at urban transport or ski infrastructure, the Lovćen – Cetinje funicular has a clearly defined tourist character.
It will serve several functions at once:
- provide convenient access to the Lovćen National Park,
- connect the coast and the inland part of the country,
- act as an independent tourist attraction with scenic views,
- stimulate tourism development not only in summer, but also in other seasons.
Thus, the project is of strategic importance for the entire tourism industry of Montenegro.
The effects of the first phase: lessons and prospects
The experience of operating the first line Kotor – Lovćen shows what opportunities such infrastructure opens up. Thanks to the project, more than 100 jobs have already been created in the region, new roads and parking lots have been built, and food service establishments and souvenir shops have opened. In the future, the construction of new hotels and the expansion of tourist services are planned in the Kuk area, which will further strengthen the project's impact.
Government support
The Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić emphasized the strategic importance of the Lovćen – Cetinje cable car. According to him, the project will receive full state support, and funding will be allocated from the capital budget.
“This is one of the most important investments for Cetinje, and we expect the work to be completed by 2026, by the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro’s independence,” the head of government noted.
The Lovćen – Cetinje cable car is a project that will change the face of the region and strengthen Montenegro’s position as a premium tourist destination. The combination of natural beauty, engineering innovation and economic benefits makes it one of the key investments of the coming years.