The Circuit around Korita - Directions and Travel Guide

Length: 65 km

Route: – – Ubli – Kučka Korita – Zatrijebač – – Podgorica

Starting point coordinates: N 42° 26′ 34.2″ E 019° 16′ 38.3″ Crossroad next to Hotel Keto (Skopska ulica)

Short description/Highlights: “The Circuit around Korita“ - Krug oko Korita - is the first fully signposted panoramic road in . It starts in the capital Podgorica and leads 65 kilometers into the mountainous area of Kuči and to the edge of the Cijevna Canyon. The tour makes an excellent day trip. A few hours suffice to escape from everyday life and immerse yourself into a different world. The route passes through different landscapes and vegetation and a stretch of land characterized by different cultures and religions. The highlights of the route include the easy hike to the scenic viewpoint at “Grlo Sokolovo” (The Falcon’s Gorge) and a visit of the Museum of in Medun.

Road conditions: The Panoramic Road ‘Krug oko Korita’ is paved throughout. A great deal of the route leads along narrow, winding roads. Therefore, drive carefully and be aware of the road. In the case of oncoming traffic, it may happen that you have to give way in order to pass oncoming vehicles. The route leads to a height of 1,400 m above sea level. Therefore, the recommended time to undertake such a journey is the summer, between May and October. Outside of this period, you should seek information about the weather conditions beforehand. After the winter months, the roads at higher elevations may be damaged due to snow and ice, and motorcyc- lists should be particularly careful. The route is not suitable for large camper vans (7 metres or longer, 2.3 m or wider). Drivers of smaller campers should be experienced in driving on narrow mountain roads.

The Panoramic Road ‘Krug oko Korita’ is signposted in both directions. However, we recommend driving the route clockwise. Pay attention to the brown signposts with the Panoramic Roads logo and the number 4.

Although the Panoramic Road is only 65 kilometers long, you should plan a whole day in order to have suffi- cient time for all the sights along the way as well as minor detours. You should allow at least 1.5 hours for the light hike to the viewpoint at Grlo Sokolovo.

There are no petrol stations along the Panoramic Road, so make sure to refill your tank at one of the petrol stations in Podgorica. Refreshments are available in Korita at the restaurant Stara kuća (+382 (0) 69 133 300 or +382 (0) 69 030 204).

For up-to-date information: www.panoramic.roads.montenegro.travel

Weather & Clothing: The Panoramic Road ‘Krug oko Korita’ leads to a height of up to 1,400 m. Please note that especially in spring and autumn, the weather conditions in the mountains may differ a lot from the weather in Podgorica or on the coast. Therefore, make sure to provide for appropriate clothing as well as sunscreen. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hike to Grlo Sokolovo.

Important telephone numbers: Montenegro Customer Care Centre: +382 08000 1300 Emergency call: 112 Police: 122 Roadside assistance/Automobile Association of Montenegro: 19807 Mountain Rescue Service Montenegro: +382 (0) 40 256 084

1 Important traffic rules in • Low beam or daytime driving lights must be activated even during the daytime. Montenegro: • The following is to be carried along in the vehicle: ›› A high visibility vest for every passenger ›› A first aid kit ›› Depending on weather conditions, snow tires or snow chains • Do not drink and drive! The alcohol limit in Montenegro is 0.3 ‰. • The speed limit is: ›› 50 km/h within settlements ›› 80 km/h outside settlements

Along the Panoramic Road: Recommended detour from the panoramic road: • The monument commemorating the Battle of Fundina in 1876, 6,8 km (3,4 km one way), paved, narrow road.

Other detours from the panoramic road: • Bukumir (Bukumirsko jezero), 50 km (25 km one way), predominantly paved, partly on very narrow roads, with the last section (about 1 km) unpaved. • Lake Rikavac (Rikavačko jezero), 32 km (16 km on way), unpaved mountain roads, suitable only for SUVs/4WDs. The route can also be linked with the trip to Lake Bukumir to form a round trip (about 50 km).

Please note: The route runs along the border with and your mobile phone may use an Albanian mobile network. Roaming charges may apply.

The Panoramic Roads of Montenegro use the existing road infrastructure. National traffic regulations are applicable. The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism assumes no liability for structural changes, diversions or extraordinary events on the route.

Publisher: Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro

Contact: Nationale Tourismusorganisation von Montenegro

Marka Miljanova 17 81000 Podgorica

+382 08000 1300

[email protected] www.montenegro.travel

2 The Circuit around Korita - Directions

km km # (Total) (Section) Description & Information

1 0 0 Start at the crossroad at the Hotel Keto (Skopska 1, Podgorica). Go straight on and follow the Skopska road for 1.6 km towards Ubli.

Tip: After 1.2 km you will pass the monument of Radomir Ivanović on the right. Further information on page 7.

2 1.6 1.6 Continue straight on and follow the road for 6.1 km.

Tip: After 1.6 km (total 3.2 km) you will pass the monument of General Djoko Mirašević Jovanov on the left. Further information on page 7.

3 7. 7 6.1 Continue straight on and follow the road for 2.8 km.

Tip: After 2.7 km (total 10.4 km) you pass the viewing point at the monument of Novak Milošev on the left. There you will also find the monument of Marko Ivanović Mirkov. After another 250 m there is another monument on the right with beautiful views of the Fortress of Medun.

4 10.5 2.8 Follow the road to the right and drive 1.6 km in the direction of Medun.

5 12.1 1.6 Tip: Turn right to visit the Muse- um of Marko Miljanov and the Fortress of Medun (add. 800 m).

Continue straight on and follow the road for 3.7 km.

3 The Circuit around Korita - Directions

km km # (Total) (Section) Description & Information

6 15.8 3.7 Continue straight on and follow the road for 4.9 km towards Korita/Orahovo.

7 20.7 4.9 Tip: This is the turnoff (left) to Lake Bukumir - Bukumirsko jezero (see page 2).

Continue straight on and follow the road for 1.4 km towards Korita/Orahovo.

8 22.1 1.4 Turn slightly right and follow the road for 10.8 km towards Korita.

Tip: After 9.2 km you pass the restaurant ‘Stara Kuća’ on the right hand side.

9 32.9 10.8 Tip 1: Park here and make the easy hike to the viewpoint at Grlo Sokolovo (The Falcon‘s Gorge). Detailed description on page 9.

Tip 2: This is the turnoff (straight) to Lake Rikavac - Rikavačko jezero (see page 2).

Turn sharp right and follow the road for 5.1 km.

10 38 5.1 Continue straight on and follow the road for 4.2 km.

4 The Circuit around Korita - Directions

km km # (Total) (Section) Description & Information

11 42.2 4.2 Turn slightly left and follow the road for 1.4 km.

Tip: Enjoy the view from the large cross. After 50 meters there is a car park at the foot of the cross and another viewpoint with beau- tiful views of the Cijenva Canyon.

12 43.6 1.4 Tip: You can park your car in the big square and take the short walk (about 5 minutes) to the viewpoint above the Cijevna Canyon (see page 10). You could also have a look at the Church of “Mala Gospa“.

Continue straight on and follow the road for 2.9 km.

13 46.5 2.9 Turn right and follow the road for 6.5 km.

Tip: After 1 km you will see the Church of St. Nicholas (alb. Kisha e Shenkollit) on the right.

After 5.6 km you pass the striking rock Kuk Ledinski on the left (you can park on the right).

14 53 6.5 Follow the road to the left and continue downhill 1.1 km.

15 54.1 1.1 Follow the road slightly right and drive 2.5 km downhill.

5 The Circuit around Korita - Directions

km km # (Total) (Section) Description & Information

16 56.6 2.5 Tip: This is the turnoff (turn right towards Rašovići) to the viewpoint at the Monument com- memorating the Battle of Fundina in 1876 (recommended detour, additional 7 km, see page 10).

At the striking switchback after approx. 900 m you can take a look at the waterfall (from October to May) and the remains of a water mill.

Continue straight on and follow the road for 0.6 km.

17 57. 2 0.6 Turn sharp left and follow the road for 7.8 km.

18 65 7. 8 You have reached the end of the “Circuit around Korita“ (Crossro- ad next to Hotel Keto).

6 The Circuit around Korita - Travel Guide

The Panoramic Road ‘Krug oko commemorates the sergeant who 17 Turkish opponents - at least A journey through the Korita’ starts from the crossroad fell during the Battle in the Skadar according to the legend. For his Kuči area next to Hotel Keto (Skopska Lake region in April 1941. Rado- bravery, the Russian Emperor bes- ulica) in Podgorica. mir Ivanović was born in Cvarine towed on him a diamond-studded The Panoramic Road ‘Krug (Kuči) and fought as a member of sabre, which is now exhibited in oko Korita’ leads into an Podgorica the 38th Regiment of the Yugoslav the National Museum in . area that is referred to by the locals as Kuči. Kuči, howe- A stairway leads up to another ver, is not only the name of monument, which is located abo- the region, as it also denotes ve and consists of three pillars. It the clan inhabiting this area. was built in 2002 and is dedicated The Kuči clan is conside- to Marko Mirkov Ivanović (1832 red unique in the , - 1900), who took the so-called because people of three con- Turkish Tower all by himself in fessions - Orthodox, Catho- Podgorica, Monument of Radomir Ivanović 1862. lics and Muslims - live there Photo: TO Podgorica together peacefully. Respect army against the Italian occupati- for family, neighbourhood Podgorica is the capital of Mon- on units. and for marital relations has tenegro and the economic and a long tradition here. administrative centre of the coun- After a further 2 kilometers you try. Yet this metropolis of almost will see a monument in honor of If you want to learn more 190,000 inhabitants is worth visi- General Djoko Jovanov Mirašević about the history and the ting. The name Podgorica means on the left hand side. people of Kuči, we recom- “at the foot of a hill“. Sights of Monument of mend the audio guide at the interest inculde the old part of the Marko Mirkov Ivanović Museum of Marko Miljanov city ‘Stara varoš’ with the clock in Medun. tower ‘Sahat kula’, the Cathedral Following the road for another of the Resurrection of Christ, 250 meters, on the right hand numerous historical and new side there is another monument, bridges, including the Millenium engraved with the names of the Bridge which is a contemporary 472 soldiers and war heroes from symbol of the city, as well as the Monument of Kuči, who lost their lives during various museums and archaeolo- General Đoko Mirašević Jovanov the People‘s Liberation War, gical sites. the People‘s Revolution and the The Monument of Novak Second World War. Of particular importance are the Milošev ruins of ancient Doclea (Duklja), located ca. 4 km north of the city The scenic viewpoint at the monu- centre on a plateau, at the meeting ment of Novak Milošev provides point of the rivers Morača, an excellent view of the capital, and Širalija. After first being sett- Podgorica as well as of Lake led by the , Doclea was Skadar and the coastal mountains first mentioned in records from on bright days. The scenic viewpoint at the the 2nd century, as a colony of the Monument monument of Novak Miloševl . The Fortress of Medun The monuments of and the Museum of Radomir Ivanović and Marko Miljanov General Đoko Mirašević Jovanov For a visit to the Museum of Marko Miljanov and to see the The route first leads through the Monument of Novak Milošev remains of the Fortress of Medun, city area of (The Olive follow the signposts and turn Grove). After 1 to 2 kilometres, Novak Milošev Vujadinović right, off the Panoramic Road. you will pass the Radomir Ivanović (1835-1892) is considered one 400 metres further on you will monument on the right hand side. of the great Montenegrin heroes. reach a car park adjacent to the Created in 1976 by the sculptor During the Battle of Fundina in museum underneath the fortress. Drago Đurović, the sculpture 1876, he is said to have beheaded

7 The Circuit around Korita - Travel Guide

Built on an elongated cairn, the Phone). Simply search through the Ubli Illyrian Castrum Meteon was app for the “Museum of Marko the predecessor of this medieval Miljanov“ and download the full The road towards ‘Kučka Korita’ fortress between the 4th and 3rd audio guide, so that you can also leads through the village of Ubli, century B.C. Thus it is one of the use it offline at the Museum. the traditional centre of the Kuči oldest buildings of this kind in clan. About 600 residents live in this part of the Balkans. Medun 140 houses, with a school, local Festung Medun was conquered by the Roman administration, a post office, and legions in 167 B.C. when the last small shops and restaurants. The Illyrian king Genthius was cap- village has two churches: the tured. Medun had later expanded medieval Church of Saint Johanna to become a city and survived as and the Church of Holy Spasoje such and developed for over two from the 19th century. The name millennia. To this day, the history Audio guide at the Museum of Ubli derives from the word Ubao, of Medun has still not been fully Marko Miljanov which means something like a cis- researched. tern, i.e. a container for collecting * The app and the audio guide are and storing water. Excellent gra- The Duke of Kuči, Marko Milja- available for free. Please note that pes, figs, pomegranates, cherries nov (1833 - 1901), was born and you need an internet connection to and other fruit grow excellently in buried in Medun. He represents an download the audio guide, which Ubli. In addition, some house- important figure in Montenegrin can incur costs. holds successfully raise livestock. history. The grave of Marko Miljanov is You should take the time for a located within the medieval forti- short detour into the villages fication (Akropolis) of the Upper along the Panoramic Road if you Town, in front of the Church of would like to get an impression of St. Stefan above the museum. local life.

Marko Miljanov

Marko Miljanov is part of the folk culture and the hero of many stories, a legendary fighter against the Turks, and a writer who described the life and struggle of his clanspeople in his works. The Museum of Marko Miljanov in Medun is dedicated to his life. The site is well worth visiting to learn about those interesting and often tragic times as well as the way of life in this region in the 19th century. outside Montenegro

We particularly recommend the audio guide (in Montenegrin and English) which explains the exhi- bits in more detail and provides a lot of interesting background in- formation. You can use the audio guide at the museum for free or download it conveniently on your smartphone.

All you need is the izi.TRAVEL within Montenegro App* (iOS, Android and Windows

8 The Circuit around Korita - Travel Guide

Orahovo farmland. The toponym Korita hiking tour and sturdy shoes are Tips for “hiking rookies“ derives from the Celtic and means recommended. The starting point Orahovo is the last settlement something like “windy plateau“. is in Kučka Korita at the junction The hiking trails in Mon- that one passes before reaching of the Panoramic Road towards tenegro are marked with the plateau of Kučka Korita. The There is one Catholic and two Zatrijebač. red or red and white signs. name derives from the word orah, Orthodox churches in Korita. The Most frequently it is a red which means walnut. On the Orthodox Church of St. Elijah has We recommend taking the hike circle with a white dot in the left hand side of the road, in the an interesting history. The clans’ clockwise. The second half of centre. Red or red and white village cemetery, the Church of elders used to meet there in order the hike from the scenic outpost lines indicate the direction. St. Dimitri is adorned with icons to discuss issues of importance at Grlo Sokolovo is a little more Yellow signposts and green crafted by Peter Čolanović during and make decisions. After having demanding - beginners should the- hiking pictograms are loca- the early 20th century. It was already been damaged in the refore go back the same way. The ted at major intersections, built of stone blocks in 1836 and 1950s, it was eventually destroyed GPS data for hikers is available indicating the distance to the consists of a nave with a semicir- in the great earthquake of 1979. It for free download on the website next destination. cular apse. was rebuilt in 1993 thanks to the of the Panoramic Road. efforts of local people. Kučka Korita

Along a series of switchbacks, after about 30 km, the road leads through a coniferous forest with occasional weekend cottages and you reach the plateau of Kučka Korita. You will find the restau- Marks showing the hiking trail rant Stara kuća at the end of the Catholic Church in Kučka Korita Grlo sokolovo forest on the right hand side. A Hike to the “Falcon’s A legend of Gorge“- Grlo sokolovo “Grlo sokolovo”

The 4.8-kilometer long hiking West of Kučka Korita lies the trail to the viewpoint at Grlo 1,557-metre high mountain Sokolovo is an absolute highlight Sokol - meaning ‘falcon’. There of the Panoramic Road. It will it becomes obvious how the take you past fields and meadows, steep cliffs sloping towards the Church of St. Elijah churches and weekend cottages, river Cijevna received the name through beech woods, as far as “Falcon’s Gorge”. But there are Kučka Korita is located at about the edge of the Cijevna Canyon. also other stories and legends 1,300 m above sea level, and In the past this trail was used about the origin of the name enjoys many sunny days and plea- by border guards. From what “Falcon’s Gorge”. One of them is sant temperatures in the summer, once used to be a shelter of the that once there was a soldier lying with plenty of snow during the border guards, you can now enjoy injured by the wall of the cliff winter. Korita lies at the foot of the most stunning view of the who was considered lost. But a the 1,833-metre-high Hum oraho- 1,000-meter-deep gorge from a falcon spotted him, flew with the vački and is surrounded by many viewing platform. soldier’s handkerchief to a nearby other impressive peaks. spring, immersed it into the water and flew back to the soldier, to nurse him. The soldier’s mother watched for days as the falcon dipped the handkerchief in the spring and followed it in amaze- ment. So she finally found her son again and he was saved.

Orthodox Church in Kučka Korita On the trail Zatrijebač

The name Kučka Korita refers You should allow at least 1.5 The winding road leads us th- to the Kuči clan, who had used hours for the entire tour. Though rough the villages of Zatrijebač. this particular area as pasture and not too demanding, it is still a Again and again, the view opens

9 The Circuit around Korita - Travel Guide

up to . Zatrijebač has Stjepovo Fundina Vegetation a rich and long tradition. Around 30 households are still there - half We recommend taking a short The toponym Fundina derives The “Circuit around Korita“ a century ago there were 300 walk (about 5 minutes) to the from Latin and means “source”. passes through multiple vege- - where Albanians (Catholics) scenic viewpoint in Stjepovo. Le- Within about two square kilo- tation and climate zones. live. The people live mainly from ave your car in the large car park meters you will find 76 springs Macedonian oak (Querce- agriculture and livestock farming and take a walk to the left, past that made the life of the people in tum Trojanae Montene- - potatoes and cheese from Zat- a building with the inscription Fundina easier than it was in other grinum) predominantly grows rijebač are widely-known. What “Besa”. The footpath leads bet- mountainous and barren stretches in the karst area between is characteristic of the villages in ween two stone walls along to the of land. Among the best known Podgorica, Medun and Fun- this area are the farms and fields viewpoint with a fascinating view springs are Rašovića Rad and Lju- dina. In Ubli and Orahovo enclosed with low stone walls. of the Cijevna Canyon. Take the harski, where once upon a time the vegetation merges into Among others, the Zatrijebač same route back to the car park. more than 30 water mills opera- oak-hornbeam forests and region encompasses the villages ted. Thanks to its geographical at higher altitudes around Deljaj, Stjepovo and Rudine. location with plenty of sunshine, Orahovo and Korita you will Fundina is called the “Garden of find beech and mountain Delaj (Deljaj) Kuči”. Here, at an altitude of up pine forests, while black oak to 700 meters, the Mediterranean and common oak thrive in Located by the road that touches and the mountain climates collide. the coppice forests of the the very edge of the Cijevna About 50 people still live in Zatrijebač region. Canyon, a large cross (10 meters Fundina – while during the middle high) in the village of Delaj Viewpoint at Stjepovo of the last century there were 450 draws attention by its impressive residents. It is the only village in presence. Not far away from the car park, Kuči that is home to Orthodox you will find the Catholic Church and Catholics and Muslims – who “Mala Gospa”, which celebrated had always lived in peace and its 250th anniversary in 2013. harmony.

Rudine Rašovići

In the village of Rudine you can A recommended detour from find the Church of St. Nicholas the Panoramic Route and a nice Cross in Delaj (Alb. Kisha e Shenkollit), which ending to this tour is a visit to the was recently financed by a local monument commemorating the The cross was built in 2010, emigrant to the United States. Battle of Fundina in 1876 (addi- financed by the donations of the After the church, the long road tional ca. 7 km). The view from faithful. A stunning view of the downhill will be interrupted by a there extends over Lake Skadar, Canyon and the turquoise waters few kilometres of ascent: the pass along the coastal mountain range of the 700-meter deep River again offers a marvellous view of and the capital Podgorica, and ta- Cijevna stretches from the terrace, the Prokletije massif to the east kes in the surrounding mountains. while on clear days you can see and Podgorica to the west. Lake Skadar on the horizon.

Tip: Beneath the cross there is ample parking space and benches, from which you can enjoy the view.

The Monument commemorating the Church of St. Nicholas Battle of Fundina in 1876

Lake Skadar comes into view On a narrow road that branches again. The road leads downhill off to the right from the Panora- again to Fundina. mic Road, the route goes 3.4 km uphill to Rašovići. A striking, Viewpoint at Delaj white obelisk, 20 tons in weight, was erected there in 2008 as a memorial to the victorious Battle

10 The Circuit around Korita - Travel Guide

of Fundina that took place on Au- The same road takes you back to gust 2, 1876. In one of the most the Panoramic Road. Stop for a significant battles of the Monte- minute at the striking switchback negrin people, the Montenegrin to take a look at the waterfall army defeated the strong forces of (from October to May) and the the numbering remains of a water mill (see 20,000 men with only about 5,000 Fundina). soldiers. Visit the Marko Miljanov Museum in Medun to find out Continue to follow the Panoramic more about the Battle of Fundina. Road signs back to Podgorica.

11 The Circuit around Korita - Map

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