Now we are completely changing the scenery and heading to northern Montenegro. Behind us remain the salty Adriatic breeze, the beaches of the Budva Riviera, and the old 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, where nature reveals its true character. Here rise the rugged peaks ofDurmitor National Park, one of Europe’s deepest canyons stretches out — theTara River Canyon— and crystal-clear glacial lakes are hidden in green valleys.
Northern Montenegro is a different world, a world of adventure and pristine nature. Here you can buy anannual pass for access to all 5 national parks in the country for 13.5 euros, which is very worthwhile if you plan to visit several of them.
We have already written more about Montenegro’s national parksin this article.
Broadly speaking, all tourism in the north is centered around three main destinations, each of which is unique.
Piva Lake (Pivsko Jezero). Plužine, Montenegro
Žabljak, Durmitor and Piva Lake
This is the most popular region.Durmitor National Parkis a UNESCO site, including a mountain massif with peaks above 2,000 meters, 18 glacial lakes (“mountain eyes”), and the famousTara River Canyon— the deepest in Europe.
What to do:
Take a walk along the 3.5-kilometer trail aroundBlack Lake;
Drive along the breathtaking panoramic road throughSedlo Pass(in season, access is paid: 5 euros per person or free with the Montenegro national parks pass) toward the town of Plužine;
In winter, ski at theSavin Kukresort (1,630–2,313 m), with slopes for beginners and experienced skiers.
Kolašin and Biogradska Gora
Biogradska Gora National Parkis famous for one of the last primeval forests in Europe and the beautifulBiogradsko Lake. In summer, in Kolašin you can take the cable car up into the mountains and walk across alpine meadows among grazing sheep. For a comfortable stay, there are high-end hotels here, such asSwissôtel.And on the way, you can enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at theAmanetrestaurant.
Prokletije
Thisnational parkon 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 luxury hotels here, but you can stay in one of the authentic mountain huts —katuns— where the hosts will offer homemade cheese, rakija, and oven-baked bread.
Sedlo Pass, Durmitor, Montenegro
Active holidays in Montenegro: rafting, zipline, hiking — prices
The North is a paradise for lovers of active holidays.
Rafting on the Tara:A descent along the “tear of Europe” is one of the main adventures. Prices in 2026 are approximately60–65 eurosfor a one-day trip.
Zipline:Near Đurđevića Tara Bridge, you can fly over the canyon. The price is from50 to 70 euros.
Canyoning in Nevidio:An extreme adventure for experienced travelers, possible only with a guide. The price is from120 to 180 euros.
Hiking:In Durmitor, dozens of marked trails of varying difficulty have been laid out, from an easy walk around Black Lake to the challenging ascent ofBobotov Kuk(2,523 m), the highest point in Montenegro.
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the north, you can book an authentictriangular “koliba” hutfor the night. This roof shape is traditional for these parts — 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 bell — 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 bell” (jagnjetina ispod sača). The meat simmers for several hours under a large metal dome (“sač”) covered with embers and becomes incredibly tender.
What you absolutely must try in northern Montenegro — gastronomic must-tries:
Lamb under the bell (jagnjetina ispod sača).It simmers for several hours under an iron dome with embers and becomes incredibly tender.
Fried cheese (pohovani sir, pohovani kačkavalj).Fried local cheeses served for breakfast or as a snack. You can also order them plain, unfried.
Kaymak.A delicate dairy product resembling a mix of cheese and butter.
Kačamak.A cornmeal porridge with butter, cheese, and sometimes eggs, potatoes, or wheat flour for extra heartiness.
Homemade pies and bread.Hearty baked goods with cheese and cornmeal.
Our route through Montenegro is becoming more and more diverse: we have already explored theBay of Kotorwith its ancient towns, theBudva Rivierawith its upscale resorts and marinas, and climbed into thecentral part of the countryto the historic capitals and the sacred Mount Lovćen. Now thenorth of Montenegrohas opened up before us — a world of mountains, canyons, and lakes, perfect for those seeking active holidays, communion with nature, and true silence. Be sure to check out the other parts of our guide to build a complete itinerary through the country and not miss a single gem of this amazing Adriatic republic.
