Now we are radically changing the scenery and heading to northern Montenegro. Behind us remain the salty Adriatic breeze, the beaches of the Budva Riviera, and the ancient towns of the Bay of Kotor, along with bustling marinas and cozy coves. We have already visited the central part of the country...
It is time to head deeper into Montenegro, to where nature shows its true character. Here rise the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park, Durmitor, one of Europe’s deepest canyons stretches out — the Tara River canyon, and in the green valleys lie crystal-clear glacial lakes.
Northern Montenegro is a different world, a world of adventure and pristine nature. Here you can purchase a annual pass for visiting all 5 national parks of the country for 13.5 euros, which is very выгодно if you plan to visit several of them.
We have already written more about Montenegro’s national parks in this article.
What to see in the North: top 3 locations
Broadly speaking, all tourism in the north is centered around three main destinations, each of which is unique.
What to do:
Take a walk along the 3.5-kilometer trail around Black Lake;
Drive along the breathtaking panoramic road over the Sedlo Pass (in season, the crossing is paid, 5 euros per person or free with the Montenegro national parks pass) toward the town of Plužine;
Admire the фантастический azure color of the water of Piva Lake;
See the famous Đurđevića Bridge over the Tara and, if you wish, test yourself on the zipline;
In winter, ski at the Savin Kuk ski resort (1630–2313 m) with slopes for beginners and experienced skiers.
Kolašin and Biogradska Gora
Biogradska Gora National Park is famous for one of the last primeval forests in Europe and the beautiful Biogradsko Lake. In summer, in Kolašin you can take the cable car up into the mountains and stroll through alpine meadows among grazing sheep. For a comfortable stay, there are high-class hotels here, for example, Swissôtel. And on the way, you can enjoy a tasty and inexpensive lunch at the restaurant Amanet.
Prokletije
This national park on the border with Albania is a place for true lovers of wild nature and challenging hiking. The landscapes here are rugged and breathtaking. There are no luxurious hotels here, but you can stay in one of the authentic mountain houses — katuns, where the hosts will offer homemade cheese, rakija, and oven-baked bread.
Sedlo Pass, Durmitor, Montenegro
Active отдых in Montenegro: rafting, zipline, hiking — prices
The north is a paradise for lovers of active отдых.
Rafting on the Tara: Rafting on the “tear of Europe” is one of the main adventures. Prices in 2026 are approximately 60-65 euros for a one-day descent.
Zipline: Near Đurđevića Bridge, you can fly over the canyon. Cost — from 50 to 70 euros.
Canyoning in Nevidio: An extreme adventure for prepared tourists, possible only with a guide. Cost — from 120 to 180 euros.
Hiking: In Durmitor there are dozens of marked trails of varying difficulty, from an easy walk around Black Lake to the challenging ascent of Bobotov Kuk (2523 m) — the highest point in Montenegro.
Rafting on the Tara River. Source.
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the north, you can book an authentic overnight triangular cottage called a “koliba”. This roof shape is traditional for these places — it prevents snow from accumulating in winter. Usually the living room and kitchen are downstairs, and the bedroom is upstairs.
Northern gastronomy: kačamak and lamb under the sač — what to try
The cuisine of the north is very different from the coast. Meat, cheeses, and hearty dishes reign here. The main specialty is “lamb under the sač” (jagnjetina ispod sača). The meat simmers for several hours under a large metal dome (“sač”) covered with coals and becomes incredibly tender.
What you must try in northern Montenegro — a gastronomic must-try:
Lamb under the sač (jagnjetina ispod sača). Simmered for several hours under an iron dome with coals, it becomes incredibly tender.
Fried cheese (Pohovani sir, pohovani kačkavalj). Fried local cheeses served for breakfast or as a snack. But you can also order the regular, unfried ones.
Kaymak. A delicate dairy product resembling a mix of cheese and butter.
Kačamak. A porridge made from corn flour with butter, cheese, and sometimes eggs, potatoes, or wheat flour for extra heartiness.
Homemade pies and bread. Hearty baked goods with cheese and corn flour.
Our route through Montenegro is becoming more and more diverse: we have already explored the Bay of Kotor with its ancient towns, the Budva Riviera with its elite resorts and marinas, climbed into the central part of the country to the historical capitals and the sacred Mount Lovćen. Now northern Montenegro has opened before us — a world of mountains, canyons, and lakes that is perfect for those seeking active отдых, communion with nature, and true silence. Be sure to check out the other parts of our guide to create a complete route through the country for yourself and not miss a single gem of this amazing Adriatic republic.
