Lovćen National Park — Hiking and Mausoleum
Lovćen is the sacred mountain of Montenegro — its twin peaks visible from everywhere on the coast. The drive up is an adventure, the mausoleum at the summit is awe-inspiring, and the views stretch to Italy on clear days.
Getting There — The Serpentine
From Krimovica, drive to Kotor (15 min) then take the serpentine road climbing 25 hairpin turns up the mountain. The drive from Kotor to the park entrance takes 30 minutes. Total from Krimovica: about 45 minutes. The serpentine is narrow but paved, with viewpoints at every turn — each one more dramatic than the last. At turn 14, you can see the entire inner bay spread below you like a map. By turn 20, Kotor Old Town is a tiny cluster of orange roofs far below. The road was built by the Austrians in the 19th century and is an engineering marvel. Not recommended for nervous drivers or those with a fear of heights, but manageable if you take it slow and use low gear. An alternative route goes via Budva and Cetinje, which is longer (1 hour) but less steep and less dramatic. You can go up one way and down the other for variety.
Njegoš Mausoleum — The Summit Experience
At 1,657 metres, the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš (Montenegro's greatest poet, philosopher, and ruler) is carved into the second-highest peak of Lovćen. From the parking area, you walk through a tunnel blasted through solid rock, then climb 461 steps to the entrance. Inside, a massive granite statue of Njegoš sits beneath a gold mosaic ceiling depicting the cosmos — the scale and setting are genuinely awe-inspiring. The circular viewing platform outside offers 360-degree views that on clear days encompass the Bay of Kotor directly below, the Adriatic Sea, the mountains of Albania and Kosovo, the Durmitor massif to the north, and the faint outline of the Italian coast 200 kilometres to the west. It is one of those rare places where you understand why people build monuments on mountaintops. Entry costs €5. Allow 1 hour for the visit including the climb. Go early — by midday in summer, clouds often roll in and obscure the view.
Njeguši Village — Ham, Cheese, and History
On the road between Kotor and the summit, the village of Njeguši sits in a high valley at about 900 metres. This is the birthplace of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty that ruled Montenegro for two centuries, and it is famous for two things: pršut and cheese. Njeguški pršut is dry-cured pork leg smoked over beechwood and aged for months in the mountain air — the combination of altitude, wind, and smoke creates a flavour that is genuinely world-class, different from Italian prosciutto and arguably better. Roadside stalls sell it for tasting and purchase (€15–20 per kilo — a fraction of what you would pay in a tourist shop on the coast). The cheese is a semi-hard sheep's milk variety, mild and creamy. Stop on the way up or down, taste everything, and buy some to take back to the apartment. Several small restaurants in the village serve traditional mountain food: lamb slow-cooked under the sač, kačamak (cornmeal with cheese and cream), and grilled meats. Prices are lower than the coast and the portions are enormous.
Hiking Trails
The park has several marked trails ranging from easy walks to serious mountain hikes. The most popular is the trail from the mausoleum parking to Štirovnik peak (1,749m, the highest point in the park), about 1 hour each way through rocky alpine terrain with wildflowers in June and July. The views from the summit are even more expansive than from the mausoleum. For a longer hike, the trail from Ivanova Korita (the park's main recreation area at 1,270m) to the mausoleum takes 3–4 hours through beech forest and alpine meadows — a beautiful walk with far fewer people than the summit trail. Ivanova Korita itself has picnic areas, a restaurant, and easy walking paths through the forest — good for families. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person, sun protection, and proper hiking shoes (not sandals). Weather can change quickly at altitude — temperatures are 10–15°C lower than the coast, and clouds can roll in within minutes. Bring a light jacket even on the hottest summer day.
The Cetinje Loop
For a full-day mountain experience, combine Lovćen with Cetinje, Montenegro's old royal capital. From the mausoleum, continue over the mountain to Cetinje (30 min drive through forest). Visit the Cetinje Monastery (housing a relic said to be the right hand of John the Baptist), the National Museum in the former royal palace, and the collection of foreign embassies from when this small town was a European capital. Then return to Krimovica via the Sozina tunnel route (45 min) or back over Lovćen. The full loop takes 5–6 hours including stops and is one of the best day trips from Krimovica — you see coast, mountain, and history in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive to Lovćen from Krimovica?
About 45 minutes via Kotor and the serpentine road. The drive itself is a highlight — 25 hairpin turns with incredible views.
Is the Lovćen serpentine road safe?
The road is paved and maintained but narrow and steep with tight turns. Drive slowly, use low gear on descent, and pull over at viewpoints to let faster traffic pass.
What should I bring to Lovćen?
Water, sun protection, a light jacket (it is cooler at altitude), and comfortable shoes for the 461 steps to the mausoleum.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
