Hiking in Montenegro

Montenegro’s dramatic landscapes

One of the primary reasons why the best hiking trails in Montenegro are also some of the best in Europe is that the landscape is so diverse. The country has a vast region of karst mountains, made from limestone which erodes to leave unique formations. 

Covering 70% of the nation, the Dinaric Alps make Montenegro a mountain hiker’s paradise. Climbing up into the mountains offers phenomenal views wherever you go. The five national parks are great places to access the top hikes in Montenegro, like Lovćen National Park. Walking here means steep ascents but looking down across the valleys and the stunning Bay of Kotor makes it more than worth it. 

The dramatic Adriatic coast abounds with beautiful towns and fishing villages. Hikes here offer outstanding views and plentiful culture with easy access to trails. In the northern region, you’ll find Biogradska Gora National Park. Unusually lush and green, this rainforest park has a wealth of biodiversity. The north also features the highest peak, Bobotov Kuk at 8,278 feet (2,523 m) and its surrounding glacial lakes. 

Hiking seasons

With a wonderful Adriatic coastline as well as towering peaks, the weather in Montenegro very much depends on where you are and when you’ve rocked up. In the mountainous interior, the hiking season is best between May and September but you should always be prepared for rain. 

The coastal region is ideal for hiking from April to October although July and August can see rocketing temperatures making for sweaty hikes. Therefore, April, May and September are generally considered to be the outstanding months to hike here.

Wildlife from the coast to the mountains

Walks in Montenegro are seldom taken alone, even if you’re hiking solo. Why? Because this little country is big on wildlife. Incredibly rich in habitats, Montenegro is home to a wide array of wonderful animals and birds. 

Around Lake Skadar in the coastal region, you can spend your entire lakeside hike watching an abundance of wetland birds, who flock here and congregate. Cormorants, falcons, sparrowhawks and golden eagles are just a handful of the hundreds of incredible birds to be spotted in Montenegro. 

Lake Skadar and the Tara River are home to otters, which are fantastically charming creatures to spot on walks in the area. Bears and wolves tend to stay out of sight, but if you explore the mountains and forests enough, you may spot signs of them. Wild boar, foxes and groundhogs all call this country home as well.