Montenegro sights: the 10 most beautiful places

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My Top 5 Sights in Montenegro

Montenegro, by the way, one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in May, is fantastically beautiful and a great destination with a campervan. Here are my personal top sights in the Balkan country:

This is the Bay of Kotor in the evening, one of the top attractions in Montenegro.

1. Tara Gorge

2. Durmitor National Park

3. Bay of Kotor

4. Kotor

5. Piva Reservoir

Map: The top sights

See all the top sights in Montenegro on our interactive map:

Video: Our Montenegro highlights

Have a look at our highlights in Montenegro in our video - have fun!

1. the Tara Gorge

The Tara Gorge in Durmitor National Park is the deepest and longest gorge in Europe, making it our personal top sight in Montenegro. The Tara Gorge is around 80 kilometres long and up to 1300 metres deep.

The Tara Gorge - here in winter - is Europe's deepest canyon and THE top sight in Montenegro.

This makes the canyon one of the largest in the world. By comparison, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is up to 1,800 metres deep, but at 450 kilometres it is considerably longer.

By the way, the Tara River is the longest river in Montenegro. You can get a great impression of this unique natural wonder from the 365-metre-long Đurđevića Tara Bridge(Google Maps), which has been crossing the gorge since 1940 and from which you have a great view down to the bottom of the canyon. Adrenaline junkies can zip-line across the gorge.

Top activities in the Tara Gorge include rafting and kayaking. There are also many beautiful hiking trails along the Tara Gorge in Durmitor National Park.

2. Durmitor National Park

The best-known highlight of the Durmitor National Park is the Tara Gorge. However, the national park has many other attractions to offer. The area, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, is particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

The Durmitor National Park is an Eldorado for all outdoor fans. In winter there is a lot of snow here

After all, in the Durmitor National Park you will find 48 peaks that rise more than 2000 metres into the sky. One of the most popular and beautiful hikes leads to Bobotov Kuk, at 2522 metres the highest peak of the Durmitor massif and the third highest peak in Montenegro. For the three-hour ascent you need alpine equipment, surefootedness and a head for heights. In the upper part you even have to scramble a bit. For experienced mountain hikers, the ascent is easily manageable in good conditions.

In addition to the high peaks, the Durmitor National Park enchants with beautiful mountain lakes such as the popular and easily accessible Black Lake (Crno jezer) in an imposing setting.

Another popular destination is Žabljak, a small town on the edge of the national park. Numerous excursions and trips into the mountains start from the highest town in the country. In winter, the skiing area is also one of the most popular in Montenegro.

3 The Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is another highlight in Montenegro that you should definitely see. With its high mountains, the bay is reminiscent of a fjord in Norway and should not be missed on any trip to Montenegro. By the way, mussels are farmed in the bay and you can buy and eat them everywhere.

The Bay of Kotor is reminiscent of the fjords in Norway. A side trip is a must in Montenegro

In Risan, the oldest town in the bay, there is a small museum(Google Maps) where you can marvel at impressive Roman mosaics. However, the entrance fee of six euros is not quite cheap, especially since there are really only a few (quite beautiful) mosaics to see.

There are some beautiful Roman mosaics to see in the small museum in Risan.

One of the most beautiful places in the Bay of Kotor is the picturesque village of Perast. The church tower against the picturesque mountain backdrop is the perfect photo motif. We were very impressed by the scenery and absolutely thrilled by the landscape.

The two islets Gospa od Škrpjela and Sveti Đorđe with the mighty mountains in the background are a first-class photo motif.

In the bay off the coast of Perast, there are also two small mini-islands right next to each other. From Perast, you can reach the man-made island of Gospa od Škrpjela (German: Maria vom Felsen) with its small church chapel by boat in about ten minutes.

The other (naturally formed) island of Sveti Đorđe (German: Heiliger Georg) with its 12th century Benedictine monastery is not accessible to visitors. However, both islands definitely make a beautiful photo motif.

Incidentally, the architectural monuments of the towns have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979.

The small town of Herceg Novi is also worth a visit. We were thrilled by the really beautiful Orthodox church. You can get to the town via stairs. It is worthwhile to walk around a bit and explore the small alleys. There is also a large fortress at the entrance to the old town, which is still well preserved. Of course, the town also has a beautiful beach. Here you can enjoy the sea to the full.

4 Kotor

The main town in the bay is Kotor - a sight in itself. You should plan more time for a visit here. The old trading and harbour town impresses with beautiful houses and churches and a great flair. The town is dominated by a small church and a huge fortress, which you can reach on foot and from which you have a great view of the town.

By the way, the river Scurda Szurda flows outside the imposing fortress walls.

Tip: The serpentines of Kotor

Above Kotor are the serpentines of Kotor. A majestic panoramic route that leads up the mountain in narrow serpentines. At the top you reach a viewing platform (with a café) and have a magnificent view of the Bay of Kotor as well as the town itself. The drive up the winding mountain road is not to be missed.

The serpentines of Kotor are a very special highlight. You simply have to experience the drive up into the mountains. The viewing platform with the view of Kotor is an absolute highlight. 5. 5 The Piva reservoir

The Piva reservoir is a scenic highlight in Montenegro. By car, you drive along the impressive road above Montenegro's largest reservoir. The Piva reservoir is about 33 kilometres long and almost 200 metres deep in places.

The Piva reservoir is an Eldorado for photographers. The road leads through numerous tunnels in the rock at the Piva reservoir

The road above the lake leads through numerous tunnels. It is worth stopping again and again to let your eyes wander into the distance. The view is always completely different. For photographers, the Piva reservoir is a real Eldorado with numerous photo motifs.

Also worth seeing is the 220-metre-high Mratinje Dam, which dams up the lake. However, there are hardly any stops for cars.

6 The Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery(Google Maps) is not only one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church, but also one of the most famous sights in the country.

The Ostrog Monastery is an absolute must-see in Montenegro

Founded in 1656, the monastery nestles into a vertical rock face and is one of the top photo motifs in Montenegro. Even the approach is a bit adventurous. You reach this top attraction via narrow mountain roads and serpentines (but don't worry, there are even buses to the monastery).

Stairs lead to several viewing levels in the monastery. The frescoes and mosaics are also worth seeing.

The Serbian saint of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Vasilije, is also laid out in the Ostrog monastery. Photography is not allowed here - but be sure to look in the small room.

7 The seaside resort of Budva on the Riviera

Did you know that Montenegro has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe? You can expect turquoise water and palm trees. During your trip to the Montenegrin Riviera, a detour to Budva is a must. Budva is one of the oldest and most beautiful places on the entire coast of Montenegro.

Budva is one of the most beautiful towns in Montenegro. The old town with its fortress has been completely renovated and is well worth seeing.

In 1979, the popular seaside resort was badly damaged in an earthquake and then rebuilt. Today, nothing can be seen of the former catastrophe. The old town is simply beautiful and is, of course, a listed building.

A very special highlight of the town is the church of St. John the Baptist. It was built in the 9th century. The Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity is also worth seeing.

You should also visit the old fort. Here you can see the rooms and libraries, but also the walls. It's worth it, because here you have another special view of the beautiful old city.

In the evening, we recommend a trip to the beach. The atmosphere at sunset is simply wonderful.

Sun worshippers explore the beautiful dream beaches around Budva in summer.

8. the Crnojević river landscape

Now we dive with you even deeper into the breathtaking landscape of Montenegro. More precisely, our journey takes us to Rijeka Crnojevića. The small village is not only very pretty, but the river Crnojevića of the same name flows along here. Particularly worth seeing is the old bridge from 1853 that crosses the river. The popular boat trips on the river also start in the village.

The Pavlova Strana Viewpoint(Google Maps) with a view of a loop of the Crnojevića River is particularly spectacular

By car, the journey continues into the countryside. From the viewpoints in the north and south you have a breathtaking view over the river landscape. The river bends provide particularly beautiful photo motifs.

This idyllic and beautiful landscape is one of the absolute highlights of Montenegro for us. The river landscape then merges into Lake Skadar, our next top sight that you absolutely have to see.

9 Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar (often called Lake Skutari), which is three-thirds in Montenegro and one-third in Albania, is the largest lake in southern Europe, along with Lake Garda in Italy (depending on water levels).

Boat tours on Lake Skadar are particularly popular. Ask in advance which route the boat takes. You should book at least a two-hour tour to see the main highlights of the lake. You can even rent your own private boat and explore the lake with its many water lilies on your own.

10 The mausoleum for Petar II Petrović-Njegoš

In the mountains, more precisely in the Lovćen National Park, you will find the Mausoleum for Petar II Petrović-Njegoš(Google Maps), another famous sight in the country.

Click here to go to the Mausoleum for Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Unfortunately, it was closed during our trip in winter

Petrović-Njegoš, once Prince-Bishop of Montenegro and one of the most important poets of the Serbian-speaking world, is buried in the world's highest burial temple.

In addition to the famous burial site, there is the fascinating mountain world of the national park to discover up here. A detour to this well-known tourist attraction is definitely worthwhile.

Insider tip: The old town of Ulcinj

Perhaps another insider tip is Ulcinj, the southernmost town in Montenegro. The old town, surrounded by a massive wall, lies directly on the sea. You will immediately recognise the Ottoman past by the many mosques in the town.

The old town of Ulcinj is still something of an insider tip in Montenegro. Podgorica - is it worth a visit?

Last but not least, we would like to give you our assessment of the Montenegrin capital Podgorica. Is it worth a visit? The city with a population of almost 200,000 is the largest in the country, but unfortunately it does not have any particularly spectacular sights or a particularly beautiful old town.

So if you give Podgorica a wide berth, you won't miss anything. But if you do end up in Podgorica, check out the following sights:

Top sights in Podgorica

1. The old bridge over the Ribnica

2. The Millennium Bridge

3. The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

4. The Dajbabska Gora Tower

5. The old clock tower

6. The Plantaže Winery

The old bridge over the Ribnica

In the beautiful Kraljev Park, an ancient bridge (Stari Most na Ribnici) leads across the turquoise-blue Ribnica River. The bridge originally dates back to Roman times, making it the oldest in the entire city. The park is quite clean by Montenegrin standards and in summer there is a bar on the waterfront. Worth a visit if you are in the area (especially in summer).

The old bridge Stari Most na Ri is one of the top sights in the capital.

The Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge has become the landmark of the Montenegrin capital. From afar, the futuristic bridge spanning the Morača River looks imposing. The bridge looks good in photos, but unfortunately there are no other highlights to see around the bridge (which could do with a new coat of paint).

Tip: At the western end of the bridge you will find the often photographed statue of Vladimir Vysozki, one of the most important Russian songwriters of the 20th century.

The Millennium Bridge is a landmark of the capital of Montenegro and an exciting motif for photographers.

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

Another sight in Podgorica is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. The city's main church is an extremely impressive building, both outside and in. Although only completed in 2013, inside you'll find countless frescoes, mosaics, stone sculptures and wood carvings, more familiar from ancient churches when money was no object.

In addition to these three main sights, there are many smaller highlights in the city, such as the Dajbabska Gora tower, the old clock tower and the Plantaže winery.

We hope our Montenegro travel guide has helped you a little with your travel planning. In any case, we wish you an unforgettable trip to this beautiful Balkan country with its unforgettable sights.