Lovćen National Park is one of the most scenic places to visit in Montenegro and an easy addition to any road trip through the country. Located between Kotor and Cetinje, the park is known for its winding mountain roads, panoramic viewpoints, and the famous Njegoš Mausoleum at the top of Mount Lovćen.
We visited Lovćen while exploring the Bay of Kotor, and the drive alone already made the trip worth it. The higher you go, the better the views become, especially over the bay and the surrounding mountains.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Lovćen National Park, including how to get there, the best things to do, when to visit, practical tips, and the viewpoints you really shouldn’t miss!
Quick Tips for Lovćen National Park
- Where to stay – 🏨 Dekaderon Lux Apartments were the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Located right on the opposite side of the bay and offering a direct view over the old town of Kotor
- Must visit places – Njegoš Mausoleum, Monte 1350 bar, Kotor Serpentine Road, Alpine Coaster
- Entrance Fee – €3 per person
- Best tours – Montenegro: Full-day tour to Lovcen National Park & more & Kotor: official return ticket for the cable car.
- Where to eat – Vladika Restaurant for lunch with a view!
How to reach Lovćen National Park
The easiest way to reach Lovćen National Park is by car. You can access the park from either Kotor or Cetinje, and both routes are worth considering depending on where you’re staying.
We drove up from Kotor, which is definitely the most scenic option. The famous Kotor Serpentine Road winds its way high above the Bay of Kotor and has some incredible viewpoints along the way. The road is narrow and full of hairpin bends, so take your time and avoid rushing, especially during the busier summer months.
❗️IMPORTANT – From May 25 until October 15, 2026, a temporary one-way traffic system applies to the Kotor Serpentine Road between Kotor and Njeguši. The new rules were introduced to reduce the huge traffic jams that often happen when cars, campers, and tour buses meet on the narrow hairpin bends.
Between 8am and 2pm, you can drive uphill from Kotor toward Njeguši, but you can’t drive down toward Kotor. From 2pm until 3pm, the road is closed in both directions. Between 3pm and 7pm, you can drive downhill from Njeguši toward Kotor, but you can’t travel uphill.
The route from Cetinje is generally easier and less intense to drive, making it a good option if you’re not comfortable with narrow mountain roads. From Cetinje, it takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the national park and continue toward the Njegoš Mausoleum.
Public transport inside the park is very limited, so having your own rental car gives you the most flexibility. It also allows you to stop at viewpoints, visit Njeguši, and combine Lovćen with Kotor or Cetinje in one day.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
If you don’t want to drive, you can visit Lovćen as part of a guided day tour from Kotor, Budva, or Cetinje. The Kotor–Lovćen cable car is another scenic option, but it doesn’t take you directly to the mausoleum, so you’ll still need additional transport if that’s part of your plan.
Taking the Kotor Cable Car
The Kotor Cable Car is one of the easiest ways to experience the views above the Bay of Kotor without driving the full serpentine road. The lower station is located near Kotor at Dub, and the gondola takes you up to the Kuk station on Mount Lovćen in around 11 minutes. The best (and cheapest) way to get to the Kotor cable car station is to catch the shuttle bus from Kotor bus station.
🅿️ PARKING – If you have your own car, there is also a large car park at the Kotor cable car lower station (Dub).
🎫 GRAB YOUR TICKET – Kotor: official return ticket for the cable car.
Opening hours – From 9am until 10pm
One important thing to know is that the cable car doesn’t take you directly to the Njegoš Mausoleum. You’ll need a pre-arranged shuttle or taxi to take you from the upper cable car station to the
Best time to visit Lovćen National Park
The best time to visit Lovćen National Park is from late spring to early autumn, with May, June, September, and early October offering the nicest balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
These months are ideal for driving through the park, visiting the Njegoš Mausoleum, and exploring some of the hiking trails without the intense summer heat.
❗️IMPORTANT – From May 25 until October 15, 2026, a temporary one-way traffic system applies to the Kotor Serpentine Road between Kotor and Njeguši. The new rules were introduced to reduce the huge traffic jams that often happen when cars, campers, and tour buses meet on the narrow hairpin bends.
Between 8am and 2pm, you can drive uphill from Kotor toward Njeguši, but you can’t drive down toward Kotor. From 2pm until 3pm, the road is closed in both directions. Between 3pm and 7pm, you can drive downhill from Njeguši toward Kotor, but you can’t travel uphill.
Where to stay in the Kotor Bay
Dekaderon Lux Apartments
Dekaderon Lux Apartments were the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Located right on the opposite side of the bay and offering a direct view over the old town of Kotor.
The apartments are modern and stylish but one of the highlights is the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
There’s daily room service and the possibility to have dinner in the garden every evening. But the best part for us? The staff was incredibly kind towards our son César!
Best Things to do in Lovćen National Park
1. Visit the Njegoš Mausoleum
The Njegoš Mausoleum is the main reason most people visit Lovćen National Park. It was built in honor of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a Montenegrin ruler, bishop, philosopher, and poet who played a major role in the country’s history.
The mausoleum sits on Jezerski Vrh, one of the highest points in the park, and reaching it requires climbing 461 steps through a long stone tunnel. The climb isn’t difficult, but it does take a little effort, especially on a hot day or if you’re visiting with small children.
Once you reach the top, you’ll enter the mausoleum itself, where you’ll find a large statue of Njegoš and his burial chamber. After walking through the monument, continue to the circular viewpoint behind it. This was the real highlight for us because the views stretch across the mountains, the Bay of Kotor, and a huge part of Montenegro on a clear day.
🎫 TOUR – Kotor: Private Tour to Lovćen Mountain and Njeguši
Entrance Fee – €8/person
Opening hours – It’s generally open daily from April 11 until November 15, from 9am to 6pm, and closes during winter. Always check the latest opening hours before visiting, since mountain weather can affect access.
2. Drive the Kotor Serpentine Road
The Kotor Serpentine Road is one of the most scenic drives in Montenegro and was one of our favorite parts of visiting Lovćen. The road climbs high above the Bay of Kotor through a series of tight hairpin bends, with several viewpoints along the way.
The road is narrow, so drive slowly and allow extra time for photo stops. The views become better the higher you climb, especially once the entire bay opens up below you.
3. Stop at the viewpoints above Kotor
There are several unofficial viewpoints along the serpentine road where you can pull over and admire the Bay of Kotor. These were honestly some of the best views of our entire Montenegro road trip.
Make sure you only stop where it’s safe and avoid blocking the narrow road.
4. Ride the Kotor Cable Car
The Kotor Cable Car is a great alternative if you want to enjoy the mountain views without driving the serpentine road. The gondola connects the area near Kotor with the Kuk plateau and offers beautiful views over the bay during the ride.
At the top, you’ll find viewpoints, restaurants, walking paths, and family-friendly activities. Just remember that the cable car doesn’t take you directly to the Njegoš Mausoleum.
🎫 GRAB YOUR TICKET – Kotor: official return ticket for the cable car.
5. Ride the Alpine Coaster
The Alpine Coaster is one of the most fun things to do at the top of the Kotor Cable Car, especially if you’re visiting Lovćen with children. The track is just over 1 kilometer long and winds through the mountain landscape, while you control the speed yourself.
Children from age 3 can ride when accompanied, while older and taller children can ride independently. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s a fun little extra to add after the cable car ride and the views from the Kuk station. The coaster can close in bad weather, so it’s worth checking whether it’s operating before you go.
Opening hours – Daily from 10am until 9pm
Price – €12/person
6. Have a drink at Monte 1350 Bar
Monte 1350 Bar is located beside the upper cable car station and is a great place to stop for a drink after exploring the area. The large terrace looks out over the Bay of Kotor, so it’s especially nice later in the day when the light becomes softer.
It’s definitely more of a stylish sunset bar than a quiet mountain café, with music, cocktails, and occasional events. We’d recommend allowing some extra time here instead of taking the cable car straight back down, especially if you’re visiting in the late afternoon.
7. Visit Njeguši
Njeguši is a small mountain village located between Kotor and Lovćen National Park. It’s best known for its smoked ham, local cheese, and traditional Montenegrin food.
It makes an easy lunch stop while exploring the park. You don’t need much time here, but it’s a nice way to break up the drive and try some regional specialties.
If you have any questions about how to visit Montenegro or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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