Montenegro is a very popular region not only for Russian, but also for foreign travelers. It is included in the list of the most visited tourist areas in Europe. This is not surprising, since Montenegro boasts a very beautiful and picturesque nature. Meadows, nature reserves, rivers, lakes and, of course, the “visiting card” of the region are mountain ranges. It is also worth noting the pleasant climate and a large number of historical and architectural monuments.
Geographical position
Montenegro is a small state located in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The territory of the country is really small, only 14 thousand square kilometers. By the way, it also includes 14 sea islands. It borders with such states as Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania. The whole of Montenegro is usually divided into 3 regions:
- mountain ranges in the northeast;
- flat valley with rivers and Skadar lake;
- Adriatic coast.
In this way, one small country includes several climatic zones at once, and each of them has its own characteristics and attractions. But in this article we will talk more about the mountains, which, according to the legends of local peoples, gave the name to this state.
What mountains are located in Montenegro?
The local mountain ranges are very beautiful, but not so high. Their maximum height barely exceeds 2.5 kilometers. This is one of the reasons why so many tourists come here. Most mountains are easy to conquer without even using climbing equipment. Most of the mountains located on the territory of Montenegro, as a rule, are divided into 4 large massifs:
- Durmitor: Suva Rltin, Helmet, Bobotov Cook;
- Visitor: Visitor 1 and Visitor 2;
- Komovi: Kom Vasoevichki, Kom Kuchki, Kukino Brdo;
- Spell: Shtedim, Haila, Mali Sapit, May Rosit, May Kolat, Evil Kolat, Good Kolat.
There are also 2 smaller arrays:
- Sinyaevina - Babin Peak, Marble, Pecharaz, Babin Tooth, Apple Peak;
- Bielasitsa - Chorna Head, Zekova Head, Headshot, Sagittarius.
Let's immediately decide which of the mountain peaks of Montenegro is the highest. Officially, this is Mount Bobotov Cook from the Durmitor Massif. Its height is 2522 meters. However, some mountains exceed it in height, albeit slightly, by only a few meters. These are May Rosit, Evil Kolat and Good Kolat in Prokletie massif. The fact is that the state border with Albania divides this array in half, which means that one of its slopes descends into the territory of the second country. Therefore, it is incorrect to call one of these mountains the highest point of Montenegro.
Near the sea coast of the country there are also several mountains:
- Orien;
- Lixin;
- Twig.
Despite its low altitude, these 3 mountains are the most popular among travelers and climbers. Now let's talk about the most outstanding mountains and monuments that are located there. The first one is Rumia, located near the city of Bar. Its height exceeds 1.5 kilometers. Many centuries ago, at its peak was an Orthodox church, where believers pilgrimed. But it was destroyed by Turkish soldiers. Locals for many years came to the ruins on Holy Trinity Day and brought stones.
In the early 2000s, a new church was built on this site, and then the monastery of Sergius of Radonezh.
Biogradska Mountain known as a national nature reserve. He received "pan-European" status, since a large number of animals and plants, which are now listed in the Red Book, live on its territory. The nature in this place has always remained untouched and has retained a magnificent view, including mountain rivers, snow-capped peaks, forests and lakes.
The mountains Evil Kolat and Good Kolat have long been called by the locals as a "saddle". The fact is that these two mountains are connected to each other in a bizarre manner, forming a horse saddle. In 2009, they also became part of the state reserve.
These two mountains are considered the most dangerous in Montenegro. Conquering them, many careless climbers lost their lives.
On the mountain Lovchen The natural park of the same name is located, thanks to which it is known throughout Europe. In this area there is a rich and unusual flora and fauna that attracts tourists from different countries. In addition, Lovcen is equipped with a viewing platform, which offers a magnificent view of all the beauties of Montenegro.
It is this mountain that grows from the Atlantic Ocean itself and forms the Bay of Kotor.
The main historical monument of Lovcen is tomb of Peter Negosh, famous Montenegrin ruler. As you can understand, the diverse and picturesque mountains of Montenegro are able to satisfy the needs of any traveler, whether it is extreme relaxation or contemplative.
Why are the “damned mountains” so named?
The Prokletye mountain range is located on the border of Montenegro, Albania and Serbia. It is also sometimes called the North Albanian Alps or the Balkan Alps. But among the locals, he received another name - "damned mountains." It often scares especially impressionable tourists.
Where did such an ominous name come from? Prokletiye has been called that for many centuries, and today it is difficult to reveal the real reason. Some believe that this is due to the appearance of the mountains, which resemble the fangs of a huge monster. Others say that in ancient times there were many wild animals in the mountains that raided the livestock of local residents.
By the way, today Prokletie is filled with rare animals, due to which it is a national park and retains its pristine beauty.
According to the third version, these mountains are called damned because they are the most impregnable in all of Montenegro. The fact that many climbers died in the mountains of Evil Kolat and Good Kolat, you could read above. And this is one of the main reasons why this array is still the least explored.
Where to stay?
If you still decide to visit Montenegro, then check out the list of the best hotels, according to tourists:
- Hotel soa - An excellent hotel near Durmitor Park;
- Hotal Javor - a hotel in the center of Zabljak, located five kilometers from the mountains;
- Hotel lipka - Located next to Biogradska Mountain;
- Apartaments dedeic - Another highly rated hotel in the city of Zabljak;
- Apartament rajsko selo - a hotel with a great atmosphere and antique style, located almost at the very foot of the mountains.
We hope that from our short article you learned more about the main natural attractions of Montenegro and have already decided which mountain you would like to visit on your next vacation. In any case, this region does not leave anyone indifferent, and you will surely want to see it again.
You can learn more about Belgrade Mountain and the nearby National Park in the next video.
