Mount Lovćen holds a special place in the heart of all Montenegrins. This imposing black mountain gave the country its name, and is the final resting place of its greatest ruler. A visit to the national park is practically mandatory, and we’re here to make that just a little bit easier for you. Lovćen National Park isn’t quite as massive as Durmitor or Lake Skadar, but it is arguably Montenegro’s best when it comes to a mix of nature, history, culture and the rest. Njegoš chose it as his final resting place after all, and if it is good enough for the famous poet prince then it is good enough for us. This is your guide to Lovćen National Park. GETTING TO THE PARK Lovćen is located just a short drive from Kotor (20km) or Cetinje (7km), and heading there under your own steam is absolutely the best idea. The road isn’t exactly what you would call straight, but the drive is equal parts exciting and inspiring (not to mention challenging) and full of views that visitors would otherwise miss out on. Using public transport is far more challenging (read: impossible) however, as only private tour buses head up this way. THE BIRTH OF A NATION, THE DEATH OF A LEADER Mount Lovćen isn’t black in the most literal way, but it was this 1,749-meter beast that gave Montenegro its moniker (the local name for the country is Crna Gora, or ‘Black Mountain’). For much of Montenegro’s history this was the entirety of the state, one of the few spots in the Balkans to hold out in the face of the relentless Ottoman onslaught. It was the capturing of the mountain by Habsburg forces that saw Montenegro put up the white flag in World War I. continue...
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