One of the most famous views in Montenegro is from the mountaintops of Lovćen National Park. If you’ve ever searched for photographs of Montenegro, you’ve probably seen stunning images of people walking along what looks like a path through the sky. Lovćen National Park is a natural attraction that is also home to a mausoleum of one of Montenegro’s most famous rulers. Located just over half an hour from the city of Kotor, it is the highest mausoleum in the world and a popular destination for those visiting Montenegro.
Lovćen National Park
Lovćen National Park covers an area of 6,220 acres between the cities of Kotor and Cetinje. The park is a nature-lovers paradise and his home to over 2,000 types of plants. One of central features of the park is Mount Lovćen, also known as the “Black Mountain“, which stands at 1,749 metres tall. It is also after this mountain that the country of Montenegro gets its name. Also on top of Mount Lovćen is one of Montenegro’s most famous attractions, the Njegoš Mausoleum.
Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš
Petar Petrović Njegoš was the Prince-Bishop of Montenegro from 1830 until his death in 1851 and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest and most beloved rulers. Not only was he highly regarded as a military tactician, but was also well respected as a poet. His most famous poem, Gorski vijenac (The Mountain Wreath) is still influential in Montenegro and the surrounding countries today. The Njegoš Mauseoleum is his final resting place and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Montenegro.
The mausoleum was not always in the current location. When Njegoš died in 1851, his remains were interred at Cetinje Monastery, before later being moved to a chapel on Mount Lovćen. During the Austrian occupation of Montenegro during World War I, his remains were again relocated and the chapel was unfortunately destroyed. The chapel was rebuilt, but eventually replaced with the mausoleum we see today. The new mausoleum was officially inaugurated in 1974 and today attracts visitors from around the world.
Today, visitors to Lovćen National Park are able to walk along the mountain top and visit the Njegoš Mausoleum. You’re able to drive most of the way up the mountain, but from the parking lot there are 461 steps up to the burial. Once inside the museum, you’ll be able to see a large statue of Njegoš himself. You will also be able to journey down to the marble crypt, to pay respects to one of Montenegro’s most notable figures.
While the Njegoš Mausoleum is historically interesting, Lovćen National Park is also famed for its unbelievably beautiful views across the mountains. While walking along the path towards the mausoleum, you will truly feel like you are among the clouds. There is look-out platform on one side of the path, which lets you see for miles, and also makes for a great photo opportunity.
While it is a bit of a hike up to the mausoleum, it is definitely worth the views. If you’re looking for stunning scenery, as well as a chance to learn more about one of Montenegro’s most prominent historical figures, then I would highly recommend a visit to Lovćen National Park during your stay in Montenegro.
Key Information for Visiting Lovćen National Park
1. How do you get to Lovćen National Park?
Lovćen National Park is located approximately 20 minutes from the city of Cetinje and is just over half an hour from Kotor. The easiest way to get there is by bus, or with one of the tour companies that visits the park.
2. How much does it cost to visit Lovćen National Park?
The entrance fee is about €2 for an adult, and goes towards helping to maintain the park.
3. How long does it take to walk to the Njegoš Mausoelum?
From the parking lot, there are 461 steps up to the mausoleum (and they are quite steep). It took about 10/15 minutes to get up there, but this should obviously be adjusted based on how comfortable you are with climbing steep stairs.
4. How long do you need to visit Lovćen National Park?
The mausoleum itself doesn’t take long to go around, but I would give yourself at least 30-45 minutes to hike up to it, walk around it and take some photos from the look-out point.
5. When is the best time to visit?
You’ll get the best views if you go on a clear, sunny day… although I imagine the views are still impressive on most days.
6. What other historical things are there to do nearby?
From Lovćen National Park you can visit many of the wonderful historical attractions in Montenegro. It’s only about 20 minutes away from the old historical capital of Cetinje. If you’re planning to visit Kotor (which I recommend) you can also check out 10 Historical Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.