Lovćen National Park
Montenegro · Europe · Visited 9 September 2025 · Established 1952
Lovćen is a smaller national park, but don't let that fool you. It's packed with adventure and sits right on the doorstep of two of Montenegro's most popular coastal towns, Kotor and Tivat. The mountain itself is the one that gave the country its name ("Crna Gora" means "black mountain"), so there's a bit of national significance too.
There's an option to hike or drive up the mountain via the famous serpentine road with its 25 hairpin bends, but I'd recommend taking the cable car instead. It departs from the lower station at Dub, just a few minutes' drive from both Kotor and Tivat. The parking there is plentiful and cheap, and the 11-minute ride to the top is worth it in its own right. The views over the Bay of Kotor, the surrounding mountains, and the Adriatic are stunning, and on a clear day you can see as far as Albania and Croatia.
At the top
Once you step off the cable car, there's a surprising amount going on. There's an information point, places to grab food and drink, and a gift shop. But the real highlight for me was the alpine coaster. It's a mountain rollercoaster that winds down the mountainside, and you control the brakes. I enjoyed it so much I went back and did it a second time, and at about €8 a ride, it's well worth it.
Beyond the coaster, there are hiking loops that start from the top and wind through the park, taking in viewpoints along the way. You can also rent bikes or try quad biking, and there's a playground and kids' bike park if you're visiting with a family. For something more cultural, take the walk out to the Njegoš Mausoleum, the final resting place of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, one of the most important figures in Montenegrin history. The mausoleum is built into the cliffside at the summit, and the walk to reach it is rewarded with yet more spectacular views.
There's a restaurant (Forza Kuk) near the cable car station if you want to sit down for a meal with a view, though it is on the pricier side. For a lighter option, I grabbed a chocolate-flavoured frozen banana from one of the snack stands, which was surprisingly good.
Why it's worth the visit
Lovćen is the kind of park you can comfortably fit into a half-day or full day without needing to plan a big expedition. Its proximity to the coast means you can combine it with a morning or afternoon in Kotor or Tivat, and the cable car makes it accessible even if you're not up for a serious hike. Between the views, the alpine coaster, the mausoleum walk, and the hiking trails, there's enough variety to keep anyone entertained. It's a brilliant complement to the busier coastal towns below.