The Mountains of Montenegro lie in a series of epic landscapes so diverse, it doesn’t seem possible that they are all part of the same country. Snow-capped, jagged peaks morph into gentle, rolling alpine pastures and then plunge earthwards from glacial lakes into twisting, narrow gorges, hiding remote villages in summer and, in winter, some of the best-value skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the whole of Europe! Meanwhile, on the coast, the summits of Orjen, Lovćen and Rumija loom large over the Adriatic, providing startling views from sea to highlands.

From the National Parks of Durmitor and Biogradska Gora to the Tara River Canyon and the epic scenery of the Piva plateau, our holidays can take you deep into some of the best, most unexplored mountain locations Montenegro has to offer. Legends and jaw-dropping vistas abound for those adventurous enough to journey into the very heart of the country that takes its name from its moody look – the Dark Mountains (Crna Gora).

This mountain chain lies just a short drive from Podgorica and has more than 20 peaks over 2000 metres above sea level, perfect for gorgeous hikes to suit every ability. Situated in the middle of wild nature, local legends say that Lake Bukomir hides a big dragon in its water that comes out at night and scares the local shepherds! There are astonishing views to be had of the Prokletije and Komovi Mountains, Podgorica Valley and also Lake Skadar from a totally different angle as well as the beautiful colors and shapes of Southern and Central Montenegro and Albania.

The small town of Kolašin in the central highlands, just an hour and 15 minutes from Podgorica, is situated almost exactly halfway between Lake Skadar and Durmitor National Parks. It’s one of the best activity bases in the country, so we make sure we make good use of it on our multi-activity mountain holidays! Biogradska Gora National  Park is on the doorstep, with primeval forests and plentiful walking and horse-riding routes on offer during the spring, summer and autumn, especially up nearby Bijelasica Mountain. It is also home to Jezerine, probably the best-equipped ski-centre in Montenegro. With several different runs available for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and experience, Kolašin is also the perfect place to be based for our winter sports holidays.

Durmitor National Park is a mecca for hikers and trekkers and one of the most renowned spots in the Balkans for fans of truly staggering views. There are 48 peaks over 2000 metres and also 18 stunning glacial lakes to explore during the summer time – as well as one of Europe’s longest zip-lines across the Tara Canyon, plentiful mountain-biking routes across rolling plateaus. There are plenty of chances to sample the local cuisine (specialities like kačemak and cicvara, a tummy-filling mix of flour, potatoes and cheese), the beautiful Crno Jezero (Black Lake) is just a short walk away from the main village of Žabljak and, in the winter, a full snow-sports program is available at the nearby resort of Savin Kuk. Its bigger brother, Bobatov Kuk, is Montenegro’s highest peak, topping out at 2,523m. As if this weren’t enough to convince you to visit, this region also offers some the very best canyoning and white-water rafting opportunities in Europe!

Montenegro’s coastal mountain ranges have one significant advantage over their northern cousins – up on the peaks on clears days you get double your money of jaw-dropping views, with both the coast (sometimes as far as Croatia!) and the Montenegrin highlands or Prokletije of Albania visible depending which way you are facing! Rumija and Lovćen are two of the highest, the latter of which also boasts the renowned mausoleum of revered ruler Petar Njeguš II at its peak, with impressive stone figures by the renowned Croatian sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. Rumija in turn has a unique church on its summit, related to the amazing legends of the multi-faith saint Jovan Vladimir!