Lovćen: Driving to the Njegoš Mausoleum and Montenegro's Finest Viewpoint

Lovćen is a mountain woven deep into Montenegrin identity — at its summit, Jezerski vrh at roughly 1,660 meters, stands the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a bishop, poet, and one of the most significant figures in Montenegrin history. On a clear day, the view from up there stretches from the Bay of Kotor to the mountains of the interior.

Who was Njegoš

Petar II Petrović Njegoš was a bishop, philosopher, and poet whose work, including "The Mountain Wreath," stands as one of the most significant achievements in Montenegrin and South Slavic literature. His choice to have the mausoleum built at the summit of Lovćen, rather than in a valley below, underlines the symbolic bond between him and the mountain he held especially dear.

Two roads to Lovćen

Lovćen National Park can be reached two ways: via the old Kotor serpentine road, which climbs directly out of Kotor through Njeguši, or via Cetinje, with a somewhat gentler ascent. Combining both — climbing from Kotor, descending toward Cetinje — makes for a complete and memorable loop.

461 steps to the mausoleum

From the parking area, 461 steps lead up to the mausoleum itself, through a tunnel cut into the rock. The climb is moderate, but the steps can be demanding for older visitors or those with limited mobility. Rest points along the way ease the ascent.

What to expect at the top

The mausoleum, the work of sculptor Ivan Meštrović, houses Njegoš's tomb and two sculptures of Montenegrin women guarding the entrance. The terrace in front offers a panoramic view that, on a clear day, stretches all the way to Skadar Lake and the mountains of Albania.

The best time to visit

Visibility from the summit of Lovćen is best in the early morning, before fog and cloud tend to build up over the course of the day, which is especially common in summer. Spring and early autumn bring more comfortable temperatures for the climb up the 461 steps, while winter on Lovćen can turn harsh, with snow and wind that can make reaching the summit difficult or temporarily impossible.

Practical tips

• Bring a jacket — it's considerably colder and windier at the top than on the coast, even in summer
• Check the mausoleum's opening hours before you go, especially outside the main season
• Set off early in the morning for the best visibility — fog often settles in later in the day
• The park charges an entrance fee per vehicle — check current rates in advance

Combine it with Njeguši and Cetinje

The village of Njeguši, on the road between Kotor and Lovćen, is known for traditional prosciutto and cheese production and makes a natural stop for a break during the climb. Cetinje, Montenegro's former royal capital, sits on the other side of the mountain and offers a monastery, museums, and a calm town center — an excellent complement to the drive up Lovćen, especially if you choose the loop route.

Safety on the serpentine

• Drive slowly and use lower gears on the descents rather than relying on the brakes alone
• Wait for a safe passing point on narrow stretches instead of braking hard mid-bend
• Turn on low beams even outside the tunnel, as a precaution on darker, tree-covered sections of the road
• Allow plenty of time — this is not a route to rush

Common mistakes to avoid

• Arriving late in the afternoon, when visibility from the summit is often reduced by fog or cloud
• Skipping warm clothing on the assumption the top will feel as warm as the coast
• Underestimating the physical effort of the climb up the steps, especially with children or older family members along

Why an AWD car helps here too

The road through Lovćen National Park shares the same traits as the Kotor serpentine — a narrow surface, sharp climbs, and changeable weather at the top. Good traction makes the drive considerably more relaxed, especially if you're planning to return the same day.

A visit to Lovćen is one of those drives that stays with you long after the trip — a combination of history, architecture, and a view that takes in nearly the whole country. For a climb like this one, a Subaru from our fleet with AWD makes the trip up and back more relaxed, whichever route you choose — the Kotor serpentine or the road via Cetinje.