Montenegro is a very popular region not only for Russian, but also for foreign travelers. It is included in the list of the most frequently visited tourist areas in Europe. This is not surprising, since Montenegro boasts a very beautiful and picturesque nature. Meadows, reserves, rivers, lakes and, of course, the "calling card" of the region are mountain ranges. Also worth noting is 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. All Montenegro is usually divided into 3 regions:
- mountain ranges in the northeast;
- flat valley with rivers and Lake Skadar;
- coast of the Adriatic Sea.
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 is just over 2.5 kilometers. This is one of the reasons why so many tourists come here. Most mountains are easy to conquer, even without using climbing equipment. Most of the mountains in Montenegro, as a rule, are divided into 4 large massifs:
- Durmitor: Suva Rltina, Slam, Bobotov Cook;
- Visitor: Visitor 1 and Visitor 2;
- Komovi: Kom Vasoevichki, Kom Kuchki, Kukino Brdo;
- Prokletie: Shtedim, Hayla, Mali Sapit, Maya Rosit, Maya Kolat, Evil Kolat, Good Kolat.
There are also 2 smaller arrays:
- Sinyaevina - Babin Peak, Marmarie, Pecharats, Babin Zub, Apple Peak;
- Bielasitsa - Chorna Leader, Zekova Leader, Blown Head, Stretenitsa.
Let's immediately determine which of the mountain peaks of Montenegro is the highest. Officially, this is Bobotov Kuk mountain from the Durmitor massif. Its height is 2522 meters. However, some mountains exceed its height, albeit slightly, by only a few meters. This is Maya Rosit, the Evil of Kolat and the Good of Kolat in the Prokletje array. The fact is that the state border with Albania divides this array in half, which means that one of its slopes goes down to 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:
- Oryen;
- 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 Rumialocated near the town of Bar. Its height exceeds 1.5 kilometers. Many centuries ago, at its summit, an Orthodox church was located, where believers pilgrim. 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 at this place, and then the Sergius of Radonezh monastery was built.
Biogradska mountain known as a national nature reserve. He received a "pan-European" status, since a large number of animals and plants live on its territory, which are currently listed in the Red Book. The nature in this place has always remained untouched and has preserved a magnificent view, including mountain rivers, snow-capped peaks, forests and lakes.
The mountains Evil Kolat and Good Kolat have long been called by local residents as the "saddle". The fact is that these two mountains are connected to each other in a bizarre way, forming a horse saddle. In 2009, they also became part of the state reserve.
These two mountains are considered the most dangerous in the territory of Montenegro. Conquering them, many careless climbers lost their lives.
On the mountain Lovchen the eponymous natural park is located, thanks to which it is known throughout Europe. In this area there is a rich and unusual flora and fauna, which attracts tourists from different countries. In addition, Lovcen is equipped with a viewing platform, which offers a magnificent view of all the beauty of Montenegro.
It is this mountain that grows out of the Atlantic Ocean itself and forms the Bay of Kotor.
The main historical monument of Lovcen is tomb of Peter Negosh, the famous Montenegrin ruler. As you could understand, the diverse and picturesque mountains of Montenegro can satisfy the needs of any traveler, be it extreme rest or contemplative.
Why are "damned mountains" so named?
The mountain range Proklete 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 a different name - "damned mountains." It often scares particularly impressionable tourists.
Where did such an ominous name come from? Proklete so called for many centuries, and today it is difficult to uncover 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 a lot of wild animals in the mountains that raided the livestock of local residents.
By the way, today Proklete is filled with rare animals, thanks to which it is a national park and retains its original beauty.
According to the third version, these mountains are called cursed because they are the most inaccessible in all of Montenegro. About the fact that in the mountains of Evil Kolat and Good Kolat many climbers died, you could read above. And this is one of the main reasons why this array is still the least studied.
Where to stay?
If you still decide to visit Montenegro, then check out the list of the best hotels, according to tourists:
- Hotel soa - Excellent hotel near the park Durmitor;
- Hotal Javor - a hotel in the center of abljak, located five kilometers from the mountain ranges;
- Hotel Lipka - located near the Biogradska mountain;
- Apartaments dedeic - Another highly rated hotel in the city of Zabljak;
- Apartament Rajsko selo - a hotel with a beautiful atmosphere and antique style, located almost at the very foot of the mountain.
We hope that from our short article you have learned more about the main natural sights of Montenegro and you have already decided which particular mountain you would like to visit on your next vacation. In any case, this region leaves no one 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.
