NIKŠIĆ KOLAŠIN KEY PANORAMIC ROADS N C 1 The Crown of MontenegroRN

The panoramic roads of will take BOSNIA A G you through a magnificent nature, incredibly 1A Alternate directions O N R diverse landscapes and the rich cultural heri- Beginning and A tage of this remarkably compelling country. end of road The four suggested routes will reveal land- 1 Protected zones 1 scapes ranging from the fabulous Adriatic State border coast to the wild and romantic mountains in W W E E 1 RecommendedPODGORICA the north of the country. O direction R

G Sacral structures E N The “Crown of Montenegro” is the longest of E T N our panoramic roads; it is more than 800 km Viewpoint M O long and will take you through the north and S east regions of Montenegro, to protected natu- STARTING POINT COORDINATES N 42°26.51133’, E 19°16.49093’ ral zones and locations protected by UNESCO. S 1:1000000

The remarkable and fabulous mountain land- HRVATSKA scapes, authentic rural areas, high-quality homemade products and the traditional hospi- tality of the local population are the main char- 1 acteristics of this mountain route.

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PANORAMIC ROADS free map

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THE CROWN OF MONTENEGRO View of a part of the panoramicPivska planina route WELCOME

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Customer Care Centre: 0 8000 1300 Ambulance: 112 Police: 122 Roadside assistance - AMSCG: 19807 Mountain Rescue Service of Montenegro +382 (0) 40 256 084

USEFUL INFORMATION

NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION www.montenegro.travel Ćehotina river meanders Komovi Mountain Durmitor Mountain Traditional rural accommodation LOCAL TOURISM ORGANISATIONS Podgorica: www.podgorica.travel : www.danilovgrad.travel Plužine: www.parkpiva.com Welcome to the “Crown of Montenegro” pan- sure to make occasional stops since in Šćepan Pol- roundings, and afterwards you will see the Morača AND VRANEŠ VALLEY populated as far back as the Bronze Age. We rec- preserve the natural values of these mountains. Žabljak: www.tozabljak.com oramic road. We hope you will enjoy exploring the je you will “say goodbye” to Piva Lake, and you mountains. There is not a lot of traffic on this road, ommend visiting the Torine locality in the Rad- Šavnik: www.tosavnik.me majestic mountains the title of this route refers to. therefore you will be able to enjoy the sights while There are two roads you can follow after Đurđevića Kolašin: www.kolasin.me will move on to the Pivska Planina plateau and the manska gorge, where a 5000-year old figurine of As soon as you enter Plav, you will see Plav Lake, This is the longest of our panoramic roads, and it Durmitor Mountain Range. driving. Tara, one of which would take you back to Žabljak, a woman was found, which is kept in the Muse- which is the symbol of this town. The lake can easi- : www.mojkovac.travel offers various alternatives, therefore you can adapt Pljevlja: www.topljevlja.me but since you have already been there, you can now um of Polimlje in . Be sure to also visit the ly be reached by car and you could have a rest from your trip according to your own time and interests. : www.tobijelopolje.me DURMITOR POTARJE follow the other road, across the bridge and to- old mosque in the centre of , which has your trip by relaxing on the shore. Petnjica: [email protected] It is up to us to help you make the right choice, and wards Pljevlja. Pljevlja is the northernmost munic- a unique architectural style. It is consid- it is up to you to have a good time! ipality in Montenegro, and is important for many ered to be one of the biggest mosques Should you decide to visit the lake Rožaje: www.turistickaorganizacijarozaje.me Near the of Trsa, where we recommend to At Mioska you will turn onto the main road con- Sign po Berane: www.toberane.me take a break, you will be turning onto the “Durmi- necting Podgorica and Kolašin. You will follow reasons. This is the energy and industrial centre of in the since it can host st during summer, be sure to rent If you decide to drive the whole route, you will : www.toandrijevica.me tor Ring” panoramic road. One half of the this road all the way to Mojkovac, then you will the country. up to 1200 believers. This is the a boat to explore the lake. If cross the territories of three national parks, Plav: www.toplav.me “Durmitor Ring” road overlaps with cross the Crkvina pass, which is the natural divid- only three-floor mosque in you like fishing, you should two nature parks, and one UNESCO : [email protected] the “Crown of Montenegro” ing line between the central and northern parts of This is a famous mining area in which mines exist- Montenegro, with wood- know that this lake is protected area. The landscapes you Luk av panoramic road. This was Montenegro. Here it is often possible to witness the ed even in ancient times when the area was popu- en, hand-engraved pillars. a specially designated NATIONAL PARKS OF MONTENEGRO will come across will constant- ica designed on purpose, in impact of two different climate conditions. South lated by the Illyrians. Romans came here in the first This mosque is several area for fly fishing, so www.nparkovi.me ly change, allowing you to order to give you the op- of the pass, towards Podgorica, the spring always century, and in the village of Komini near Pljevlja centuries old. get a permit at the lo- see the various facets of the portunity to enter this arrives at least one month earlier than north of the the remains of a major Roman town, Municipium cal club and give it a PIVA NATURE PARK Montenegrin nature. High area protected by UN- pass, in the direction of Kolašin. S, were discovered. The town had a population of Continue along the old go; they will explain www.parkpiva.com mountains are the main ESCO and Durmitor 40,000, which proves that Pljevlja was a histori- road towards Rožaje, the all the rules to you. features of this area. The National Park. Here So, once again you are surrounded by high moun- cally relevant place, an important town along the easternmost municipal- During your stay in NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MONTENEGRO high altitude and harsh you will certainly tains. Kolašin, just like Žabljak, is a tourism-ori- trade and caravan routes. ity of Montenegro. This Plav, be sure to visit www.mnmuseum.org winters forced people wish to make sev- ented town active in summer and in winter. Here old road is very beautiful, Redžepagić Tower, an- to settle in river val- MUSEUM OF POLIMLJE eral stops to take you will find many hotels, restaurants and tourist There is an important monument from the Otto- there is not much traffic, other rare structure of leys, of which there www.polimskimuzej.me pictures or just to agencies. This area is famous for layered cheese, man times here: the Hussein Pasha Mosque from and you will be at a fair- this type which has been are many in this area. the 16th century, with a 42-metre high minaret, ly high altitude, so you will preserved and is open for enjoy the scenery. which is made only here, and which is used in the Trnovačko Lake Roads were built here famous kolašinski kačamak dish, which we recom- the tallest one in the Balkans. The Quran kept in have a splendid view of the visitors. It hosts the Town along the pathways There are 48 peaks mend you to try and enjoy its unique flavour. the mosque is one of the finest examples of callig- surrounding landscape. Once Museum, and the building is PRACTICAL ADVICE created by rivers, and with altitudes above raphy of the time. We recommend you spend some you turn onto the main road, the under protection of the law as a The “Crown of Montenegro” panoramic road is com- therefore this panoram- 2000 metres here, the After Kolašin, you will follow the Tara river. Half- time in Pljevlja and explore the town. Try some of town of Rožaje will be very close and cultural treasure. pletely paved. A substantial part of the road is narrow ic road is conceptually highest one being Bob- way towards Mojkovac, you will see a turn towards the local specialties. Be sure to taste the famous we recommend you pay it a visit (road 1B). and winding, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully. divided according to the otov Kuk, which is 2523 National Park and towards Bi- Pljevlja cheese. Rožaje was once known as Trgovište (lit. trading The road will then take you around Plav Lake to In some parts, the road tends to be narrow, meaning valleys it passes through. place). It got its name from the trading tradition the next town, which only recently has become a it could be difficult to pass by the vehicles coming m high. The route will take ogradsko Lake, which is the gem of this park. We you across the glorious Sed- definitely recommend visiting this place, so take a The road will then take you from Pljevlja to Bije- that has been preserved until today because of the separate , Gusinje. There are several from the opposite direction. In such situations you So let’s start now! lo mountain pass, the most fa- break and allow some time for a walk around the lo Polje, along the rivers Ćehotina and Ljuboviđa. town’s geographical location, since Rožaje is locat- remarkable natural attractions that you must visit might have to back up until there is enough room This is an old road which has recently been recon- ed on the border with and Kosovo. in Gusinje: Grlje waterfall, Ali-Pasha springs, and for the other vehicle to pass. This particularly applies mous viewpoint of this area. The fee lake. THE ZETA VALLEY for the entrance to the national park can structed. There is no heavy traffic, and the land- Grebaje valley. Stop at the Prokletije National Park to the part of the main road (1) passing through the scapes are gentle and beautiful, with a genuinely While there you should visit the Ganić Tower, Visitor Centre, where you will find more informa- Piva Nature Park and the Durmitor National Park. be paid here. The Tara is different from other rivers in Montene- The trip starts in Podgorica. You will begin by driv- gro. Almost the entire course of the Tara is protect- pastoral feeling. You will pass through Vraneš val- which shows what the houses of affluent locals tion about other interesting locations you can visit ley, which is famous for its beauty, its people, and looked like during the Ottoman times. The tower if you have time to spare. If not, follow the road The highest point of this road is at an altitude of ing on the main road to Danilovgrad, after which The Sedlo mountain pass is also the border be- ed by UNESCO, and you will soon see why this is the of and Tomaševo, which 1911 metres, at the Sedlo pass (NP Durmitor). The you will turn onto the old road and get acquainted tween the of Plužine and Žabljak. the case. In Mojkovac, the old mining town where a today houses the Rožaje Town Museum, which is along the other side of the lake back to Plav and on best time to do the drive is between May and Oc- with the Zeta River, since this road leads through Once you cross it, you will find yourself in the ter- mint was once located (which is how Mojkovac got you will pass through during your trip. testimony of the culture, customs and manner of to Andrijevica. tober. During the other months you should check the valley of the Zeta, one of the rare fertile valleys ritory of Žabljak Municipality. The town of Žabljak its name – roughly translates it means my minted life of the people from this area. Be sure to take the the weather conditions in advance because the road in Montenegro, known as the Bjelopavlići plain. is located at an altitude of 1465 m, which makes it coin), you will turn onto the road towards Žabljak In Pavino Polje you will hear the story of Pava and opportunity to taste dishes such as burek or ćevapi, KOMOVI crosses high mountains where snowfall is possible This is the historical home of one of the seven hill the highest settlement in the Balkans. This is also and Pljevlja, and you will enter an area dominated Ahmet, which is still remembered in Montenegro. as it is claimed they are the best in Montenegro. at any time, not only in winter. During the winter tribes of Montenegro - the Bjelopavlići. the tourism centre of the north. It is attractive in by the Tara river. Pava was the only daughter of the Orthodox prince You will be travelling along the old road from An- months the road over Durmitor is closed for traffic summer and in winter, since it is home to a fa- of Vraneš who married a Muslim - Ahmet-Pasha POLIMLJE drijevica to Kolašin, across the Trešnjevik moun- Hasanbegović. The requirement for the marriage due to snow cover. The same applies for the roads Apart from the Zeta Valley and the famous mous ski resorts in Montenegro. There are many You are now entering the deepest canyon in Eu- tain pass. This road was once the main connection was for both of them to keep their religion, and that over the passes of Trešnjevik (Komovi) and Turjak. Bjelopavlići region, this part of Montenegro is hotels here, as well as restaurants and private ac- rope, and the second deepest one in the world, be- After a short break in Rožaje, you will continue between this region and Podgorica, and is now fre- their sons to become and their daughters famous for the . You will sure- commodation e.g. in countryside households, so hind the Grand Canyon in Colorado (USA). This along the main road to Berane, which is the sec- quented only by the locals and tourists. Be careful Orthodox Christians. This agreement was kept. Also, after heavy rainfalls there may be rockfall and ly spot it high up on the mountain to your right, you will easily find a provider for any service you section between Mojkovac and Đurđevića Tara is ond biggest town in this part of Montenegro, after as the road is narrow and winding, but be patient, damage to the road in some sections, which means Pava’s sons took her to the church every Sunday so carved into the Ostroška Greda rock. This road might need. For additional information about this for several reasons one of the most attractive loca- Bijelo Polje. While in Berane, make sure to visit the because as soon as you climb to a high enough al- you have to pay special attention and adjust your that she could attend Orthodox ceremonies, and will not take you directly to the monastery, but section, please take also a look at the “Durmitor tions in Montenegro. Here you will find the Dobri- Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, which recently cele- titude, you will be able to enjoy the splendid view speed to the conditions on the road. The parts of the they waited for her in front of the church. Pava lat- Kapetanovo Lake if you have the time, make sure you pay it a visit, Ring” Panorama Route brochure. lovina Monastery, which we warmly recommend brated eight centuries of existence. which is the reason that this route is part of the road leading from Šćepan Polje to Žabljak across since Ostrog is among the most visited monaster- er died at childbirth and her husband Ahmet, as a panoramic roads. Durmitor are not suitable for large RVs and camp- visiting, and then you will enter the Crna Poda sign of his love and remembrance, gave Pava’s name ies in the Balkans. After a break in Žabljak, the road will take you reserve, which is part of Durmitor National Park. On Jasikovac hill, not far from the centre of the er vans (longer than 7 metres and wider than 2.3 through the village of Njegovuđa, towards the ter- to all of the lands she brought as dowry. Today this town, there is a beautiful and unusual monument You will be entering Komovi, another famous metres), whereas the drivers of small camper vans The reserve is famous for being the habitat of the area is known as Pavino Polje, which means Pava’s The road then leads through Nikšić, the second ritory of Šavnik Municipality. Here you can see two virgin forest of black pine, with tree up to 45 m from World War II, tucked inside the coniferous Montenegrin mountain range, which has recently ought to have some experience in driving on narrow most populated city in Montenegro, and the larg- field. When he was dying, he asked to be buried mountain roads. Particular attention must be paid glacial lakes: Riblje and Vražje and nearby there high and 400 years of age on average. forest, hidden, but open to visitors. The Jasikovac been proclaimed a nature park. At the mountain est one in terms of municipality area. When pass- are medieval necropolises with many stećci tomb- next to Pava. Even today you can see their graves, monument was constructed in 1972, and is sur- pass, it is advisable to make a short detour and when driving on the following roads: Plužine - Šće- ing through the centre, you will see why this city with a cross engraved on Pava’s grave and a cres- pan Polje, Pišče - Žabljak, Andrijevica - Kolašin and stones from the 14th and 15th centuries, which are Be careful on the road, since there is rockfall, and rounded by 40 granite slabs on which the history head for Komovi mountain, because in just a few is considered to be the best designed city in Mon- cent on Ahmet’s. In a country which is composed Petnjica - Rožaje. protected by UNESCO. Near the following section in summer there can be a lot of traffic. The road of the Polimlje region is written with more than kilometres, the road takes you to the very foot of tenegro, as it has a clearly developed street plan. you will see a few more glacial lakes. The village of of different ethnic and religious groups such as 10,000 letters. The monument was constructed on the mountain. This is an excellent place for a break. is winding and the landscape might dis- Montenegro, which has historically The “Crown of Montenegro” panoramic road is sign- The urban design of Nikšić is an example of good Pošćenje ‘hides’ a waterfall and a unique canyon tract you. You will soon arrive at Jasikovac because this is the location where patriots The view of Komovi will continue during the rest practice, and is studied in architecture schools. rightfully called Nevidio (lit. the unseen), since been the site of many wars in the were executed during World War II. It was built in of your trip, when you start moving towards Ko- posted in both directions. The road starts and ends the Đurđevića Tara bridge. This Balkans, a story such as this in Podgorica, and is 800 km long. However, you may The road then leads from Nikšić to Vučje, the pop- the Komarnica river abruptly disappears in a hole is a mandatory stop for all the shape of a bullet, symbolising the fight against lašin. ular winter resort of Nikšić, and then to Krnovo one about Pava and Ahmet choose to create your own route by combining al- carved in the rocks, a magnificent work of nature, tourists, as after having Tr fascism. In case you decide to spend the night in ad is a treasure to be pre- – a plateau at an altitude of 1500 metres, famous it ternate directions and our other panoramic roads. and becomes invisible, disappearing underground. admired the natural io Berane, be sure to visit the main street, which was The villages you will come across were once vi- n served and admired, The road sign for the main route is the number 1, for strong winds and its harsh winter climate. a designed by Rizvan Beg, an architect schooled in brant and active, since they were next to the main wonders of Durmi- l F since it speaks vol- whereas alternate directions have added letters: a, b, There used to be many shepherds’ huts here in the Nevidio, famous for its beauty, is a true gem for o Paris, who designed a broad street modelled after road. But after the traffic to Podgorica was redi- tor, your breath o summertime, with numerous herdsmen and their d umes about love c, d, e, f or g. adventurists. If you are interested in exploring here will be taken the streets he saw there. You will be surprised by rected when the new road was built, the villages herds, but, unfortunately, today their numbers are and tolerance. the canyon, you can try canyoning here. You have away by a man- how wide the street is compared to other towns in this area were isolated and almost frozen in Along the road, there are plenty of gas stations, ex- dwindling. to go with a guide and the adequate equipment, you visited in the north. the moment when even the buses stopped pass- made creation. After leaving cept for the section between Plužine and Žabljak, which you can get from a local tour operator. Pay particu- ing through. The villages still exude a remarkable since this is a protected zone. There are also many the Vraneš val- PIVA After Pošćenje you will continue towards Šavnik, lar attention You will also be surprised by the evening crowds beauty, particularly Bare Kraljske, which the road facilities that offer accommodation and restaurants the place considered to be the centre of the fa- ley, you will of people taking a walk in the street. This is quite will also take you through. to the bridge turn onto the along the route, but during the peak season it would After Krnovo, you will continue towards Plužine mous Montenegrin tribe of . The town expected since this is the centre of the corso or the constructed main road. We be advisable to book your accommodation in ad- and to the first protected zone on your route – Piva was founded after many tradesmen and craftsmen town promenade, a mandatory part of every town THE MORAČA CANYON vance. at an altitude recommend Nature Park. The Piva River flows through Plužine. moved here because the Drobnjaci tribe requested in Montenegro since the old times. of 172 metres taking a short In 1975 the first dam on the Piva was built and an their services. The members of the tribe, who were Since this is a mountain region and since there above the Tara. detour and vis- After a while you will return to Kolašin, the town Morača Canyon artificial lake was formed, which meant that the herdsmen and warriors, demanded the construc- You will continue following the river and might be sudden occurrences of bad weather, it is Its biggest arch it Bijelo Polje, that the “Crown of Montenegro” panoramic road entire old settlement of Plužine was submerged, tion of shops and craft workshops for blacksmiths move closer to Andrijevica, which is the centre of advisable to always keep warm clothes as well as suf- is 116 metres the biggest town already took you through earlier. This time how- so the new town was built right next to the dam. and gunsmiths. The town is located at the meet- another famous tribe in Montenegro, the Vasoje- ficient supplies of emergency water and food in your long, and when in this part of the ever you arrive in Kolašin from a completely The artificial lake is 42 km long, and you will be ing point of three rivers – the Bukovica, Bijela, and vići. The Lim valley is very fertile all the way to car, regardless of the time of year. it was completed country. Be sure different direction. After Kolašin, your trip con- driving along its shore on the way to Šćepan Pol- Šavnik, which is rare even for Montenegro, a coun- Plav, and it is no wonder that this is where all the in 1940, it was the to visit the Church tinues on the main road to Podgorica. When the je. Pay close attention to the from try rich in rivers. towns in this area are concentrated. largest in the world. of Saint Peter from new highway is finished, there will no longer be the 16th century. It had to be relocated because of TRAFFIC REGULATIONS The other record held the 12th century which much traffic on this road, so driving through here the creation of the lake and hundreds of architects, If you happen to be in Šavnik at the time of equi- by this bridge is the big- This area is famous for the fruit grown here, so do will be a real pleasure, since the scenery is ever so nox, you will witness an interesting natural phe- used to be the cultural not miss the opportunity to taste homemade juic- Vehicle lights must be turned on even during day- engineers and archaeologists took part in the relo- gest scaffolding ever made, remarkable. nomenon: the sun rises and sets two times during and educational centre of the es, jams and plum rakija, which is prepared in a time. Equipment that all vehicles must have includes: cation. They used the most modern mechanisation which was used during the the day. In the morning, the sun rises behind the entire area. This is the church in traditional way in almost all village households. In vest with light reflectors, first aid kit, and, depend- at the time to move stone after stone to the new bridge’s construction, the price of Firstly, there are the Morača mountains, then the Kravica hill, and sets around 2 pm behind Gradac which the Miroslav Gospel was cre- Andrijevica you will surely notice the Knjaževac ing on the weather, winter equipment. The allowed location, two km away. This was one of the most which amounted to 40% of the bridge’s Morača Monastery, one of the most important hill. Two hours later, the sun reappears in the Bu- ated, one of the most important movable memorial park, where a monument from World blood alcohol content is 0.3 percent. The top speed is complicated construction projects in former Yu- entire cost. Only two years after it was constructed, cultural and historic monuments in Montenegro, kovica river canyon, before finally setting behind monuments of world cultural heritage on the UN- War II is located, as well as a church. The park itself 50km/h in settlements, and 80 km/h outside of set- goslavia. during World War II, the engineer who designed it located right next to the road. Finally, there is the mount Vojnik. ESCO Memory of the World list, as the oldest Cy- is a botanical garden of sorts, where you can even tlements unless otherwise signposted.The panoram- was in charge of its demolition in order to prevent famous Morača canyon, which is particularly in- rillic manuscript in the Old Slavonic language. find a sequoia tree. ic roads of Montenegro use the existing infrastruc- In Plužine you will be able to shorten your trip and the advance of enemy forces. teresting for tourists who wonder how it was even ture. National traffic regulations apply. The Ministry take a shortcut to Durmitor. This road leads to the In the next part of the route, there is a turn towards After Bijelo Polje, you will follow the Lim river possible to build a road in such a narrow canyon. of Sustainable Development and Tourism shall not village of Pišče, and it is marked on the map (1G). the Podmalinsko Monastery from the 13th centu- If there is any location with remarkable natural which you will leave to visit the municipalities of PROKLETIJE The Mrtvica Canyon is not visible from the road, be held accountable for potential construction works Between Plužine and the village of Šćepan Polje, ry and we recommend you to pay it a visit. The beauty which could be perfectly complemented Petnjica and Rožaje, but you will later return to it but it is not far away. If you would like to take a and detours or any emergencies in the routes. located at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovi- next stop is Boan, an old settlement with a big ho- by human actions, then this is surely it. Be sure to and follow it to its source at Plav Lake. Continue following the Lim river and enjoy the break after a long drive, this is the place to go. na, the road passes just above Piva Lake, following tel, post office, school and shop, which is largely view of the mountains on both sides of the road abandoned today. It seems as if time stopped here take a walk on the bridge. Only at the middle of the Piva River after you have crossed the largest the bridge will you understand what a remarkable until you come close to Plav, where the valley will Having travelled through almost all of Montene- IMPRESSUM fifty years ago. I ROŽAJE hydro power plant in Montenegro. feat it was to construct a bridge at this very place. open up and you will finally see the mountain gro, you will now return to Podgorica. Published by the Ministry of Adventure lovers will find a zip line, possibly the chain known as Prokletije in front of you. These Sustainable Development This part of the road is carved in the cliffs of this The road from Boan leads down towards Mios- The Municipality of Petnjica is one of the young- mountains are incredibly attractive, particular- We hope you enjoyed the road and that you will and Tourism. ka, and during the entire section you can enjoy a biggest one in . Not far from here there is a est municipalities in Montenegro, but the existing attractive canyon and requires great caution. This camp for rafting on the Tara which is an incredibly ly for adventure lovers, and therefore the area is come back again soon. Circulation: 10000 copies. whole section has many beautiful viewpoints. Be beautiful view of the high mountains. Before the archaeological findings testify that this area was home to Prokletije National Park, which aims to Year of publishing: 2019. mountain pass you will see Durmitor and its sur- thrilling experience. Durmitor Mountain