7 Days in Northern Montenegro — Early June
Ten years after our first visit to Montenegro, we returned — this time to explore the mountainous north. It was a journey filled with nature, silence, fresh air, and moments we savored to the fullest.
Day 1 — Sunday, June 1
Arrival, transformation, and the road to the mountains
The sky was just beginning to glow when we boarded the plane bound for the heart of the Balkans. By 10 a.m., we landed in Tivat — a small airport where our second journey through northern Montenegro began. Ten years ago, we explored Montenegro’s coast. This time, we came to experience its wild mountain heart.
After picking up our rental car at Greenmotion, we hit the winding road into the highlands. It’s better to rent a high-clearance crossover or even a 4×4 vehicle.
Our first stop, on the serpentine road climbing toward Lovcen, was Horizont bar — a scenic viewpoint with a breathtaking coastal panorama. The air was fresh, the sun just rising, and we felt all tension melting into the excitement of adventure.
We continued through Lovcen National Park to the Petar II Njegoš monument, a place of silence and spirit suspended in clouds. A bit further on, we reached a hidden gem — Pavlova Strana, overlooking the horseshoe bend of the Skadar River. The view was unforgettable — a green river curled in sunlight, framed by vibrant hills.
By evening, tired but inspired, we arrived at Mirović Apartments in Kolašin, our cozy refuge for two nights.
Day 2 — Monday, June 2
The Mrtvica Canyon and the enchanted lake of Biogradska
This day was devoted to nature at its most alive. In the morning, we hiked through the Mrtvica Canyon to Danilov Most, where we even swam in the icy waters. The round trip took several hours, but every step was worth it. Waterfalls, wild greenery, rock walls, and turquoise pools — nature in its full voice.
In the afternoon, we drove to Biogradska Gora National Park, where we took a peaceful 3.5 km loop around Biogradsko Lake. The forest here is ancient, breathing, and still. We took it slow — the whole walk took about 1.5 hours with plenty of time to simply be there.
Day 3 — Tuesday, June 3
Canyons, rivers, and Tara’s adrenaline
After checking out of Kolašin, we first tried to take P4 road along Tara Springs Park, but it was closed, so we chose the P10 road, which gifted us a stop at the scenic Meandri Ćehotine viewpoint — where the river draws graceful curves through the hills.
Then came the Tara Bridge, where we flew over the canyon on a 1 km zipline — a few seconds of pure freedom. Right after, we joined Ostojic’s rafting trip down the Tara River — 12 km, 1.5 hours — gentle and fun, as the June waters are calm.
By evening, we arrived at Cabin Mountain Inn near Žabljak, our base for three nights in the cool mountain air.
Day 4 — Wednesday, June 4
Durmitor’s lakes and ridges: 14 km of quiet awe
This was one of the most breathtaking days — a hike deep in Durmitor National Park. We started at the famous Crno jezero (Black Lake), mirroring pine forests and snow-tipped peaks. Our 14 km trail took about 7 hours.
We passed through the hidden Zminje jezero (Snake Lake), encircled by dense forest, and reached Jablan jezero, a green lake surrounded by nothing but wind, sky, and stone.
Our final destination was the Crvena Greda viewpoint, opening to stunning panoramas of both lakes and the wild expanse of the park.
Exhausted and fulfilled, we returned to Žabljak and had dinner at two memorable local restaurants:
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Izvor — rustic and delicious local food
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Vodenica — true homemade taste
Day 5 — Thursday, June 5
Mountain roads and the edge of the clouds
This day was for wheels, not boots. We explored two of Montenegro’s most scenic roads:
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P14 (toll road), leading us through high meadows to the village of Trsa
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And then the iconic #2 Durmitor Ring, a loop of endless mountain views, sharp ridges, and quiet valleys.
We stopped at cliffs, alpine pastures, and vast plateaus where sheep looked like dots in the immensity. The sky was low, clouds brushing the slopes — a road to the edge of the world.
Day 6 — Friday, June 6
Piva Lake and return to the sea
We left the mountains and headed west toward the crystal calm of Piva Lake. At Plužine City Beach, we rented kayaks and bicycles — the perfect way to dissolve into the turquoise silence.
Then came scenic overlooks above the lake, and a moving stop at the Israeli Air Force monument in Nikšić — a quiet, unexpected moment of connection.
We returned our car in Tivat and arrived in Kotor, checking in to Wine House Apartments in the Old Town — no breakfast, no parking, but full of charm. That evening we wandered the narrow stone streets, soaking in the atmosphere of the medieval town.
Day 7 — Saturday, June 7
Kotor Fortress and bay serenity
In the cool morning, we climbed the Kotor Fortress trail — a 3-hour round trip of steps and spectacular views. Every level offered a new perspective of the bay, the old town, and the mountains beyond.
In the afternoon, we relaxed by the water at Dobrota beach, enjoying the sun and calm before our departure. And in the evening — more strolling, music, wine, and warmth in the stone embrace of Kotor.
Day 8 — Sunday, June 8
Goodbye, Montenegro
At dawn we booked a local driver (cheaper than a taxi) to take us to the airport. By 6:00 a.m. we were in Tivat, and by 12:45 — back home. But our hearts remained full — of mountains, rivers, views, and the deep silence of Montenegro.
