Lovćen is the black mountain that, by many accounts, gave Montenegro its name, and its national park covers 6,220 hectares of limestone peaks and beech forest rising behind Kotor. Its highest peak, Štirovnik, reaches 1,749 metres, and on the second summit, Jezerski vrh, stands the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, the nineteenth-century prince-bishop and poet who is Montenegro’s national hero. From the car park, 461 steps and a tunnel lead to the mausoleum, whose interior has a gold-mosaic ceiling and statues by Ivan Meštrović; the viewing platform behind it looks out over much of the country and, on clear days, the sea. On the way, the village of Njeguši, Njegoš’s birthplace, is famous for its smoked ham, njeguški pršut, and cheese. The park and mausoleum charge entrance fees.
How to get there: the old road from Kotor climbs the mountain in a long series of hairpin bends, with breathtaking views back over the bay, then continues through Njeguši to the park. It is narrow and busy with coaches in summer, so many people take a tour or a taxi. You can also go via Cetinje, the old royal capital, and make a loop.
What to expect: it is much cooler up top than on the coast, and fog or snow can close the top road in winter. Bring a layer.
Making the most of it: stop in Njeguši for ham, cheese and bread, see the mausoleum and viewing platform, then visit Cetinje’s monastery and museums before returning to the coast.
What to expect
The experience
A drive up the switchback road to the national park, with 461 steps to the Njegoš Mausoleum.
Best time
Clear days from late spring to autumn; check road conditions in winter.
How long
Half a day, a full day with Cetinje.
Tips
Take a layer, stop in Njeguši for ham and cheese, and consider a tour if you dislike hairpin roads.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Views, mountain air and Montenegrin history in one trip.
- Families
- The steps are manageable for most children, and the cool air is a relief in summer.
- Couples
- A ham-and-cheese lunch in Njeguši and the sunset view from the top.
- Pair with
- The Ladder of Kotor and Cetinje.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How many steps are there to the Njegoš Mausoleum?+
461 steps lead from the car park to the mausoleum on Jezerski vrh.
How do you get to Lovćen from Kotor?+
By the switchback road from Kotor through Njeguši, by tour or taxi, or by a loop via Cetinje.
Is there an entrance fee?+
Yes, both the national park and the mausoleum charge fees.
What is Njeguši known for?+
Its smoked ham, njeguški pršut, its cheese and as the birthplace of Njegoš.
Can you visit Lovćen in winter?+
Sometimes, but fog, ice or snow can close the upper road, so check conditions first.
