Lovcen & Cetinje: Alpine Coaster or Mausoleum Day Trip

Summary

Old royal streets, mountain air, coaster thrills or 461 steps up

You’ll wander Cetinje’s quiet royal streets with a local guide who knows every story, then head up Lovcen for your choice: race down an alpine coaster or climb to Njegoš Mausoleum for wild mountain views. There’s time for coffee breaks and photo stops—plus that last pause at Pavlova Strana bend where everything feels bigger than you expected.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I’d be cool and collected rolling into Cetinje — Montenegro’s old royal capital sounds grand but it’s actually kind of sleepy and proud at the same time. Our guide, Marko, had this way of pointing out tiny details: the faded blue paint on a palace gate, or how people in Cetinje still nod to each other like everyone’s a distant cousin. We grabbed coffee under a lime tree that smelled sharp and sweet, and I tried to picture kings walking these same streets (harder than you’d think when there’s a cat sunbathing on every doorstep).

The drive up to Lovcen was twisty — not scary, just enough to make you notice the change in air. It got colder as we climbed and the clouds kept shifting so sometimes you’d get this sudden flash of sun on the rocks. At the top, Marko gave us two options: Monte 1350 Bar with its Alpine Coaster (which looked both fun and slightly terrifying), or the Njegoš Mausoleum — 461 steps up through wind that felt like it could knock your hat off. I picked the mausoleum because something about standing where poets and rulers are buried felt right. The view from up there… well, I still think about that silence above Boka Bay. My legs were jelly after those steps but it was worth it.

On the way back, we took a detour to Pavlova Strana Viewpoint — Marko called it “the horseshoe” and grinned like he’d seen it for the first time every day. The river below made this perfect green curve; someone next to me whispered “wow” without meaning to. There was this faint smell of wild thyme in the air (or maybe I imagined it). Anyway, if you’re into photography or just want a weirdly peaceful moment before heading back down to Podgorica, don’t skip that stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cetinje and Lovćen National Park

• Start tour in Cetinje Old Royal Capital
• Ascend to Lovćen National Park
• Choose Monte 1350 Bar and Alpine Coaster
• Or visit Njegoš Mausoleum and climb steps
• Enjoy 2 hours free time at mountaintop
• Optional stop at Pavlova Strana Viewpoint

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Podgorica to Lovcen & Cetinje?

The tour lasts one day with flexible timing depending on your chosen activities and stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this Lovcen & Cetinje day trip?

Yes, return private transport from Podgorica is included.

Can I choose between the Alpine Coaster and visiting Njegoš Mausoleum?

Yes, you have two hours of free time at Lovcen to pick either activity.

Are entry tickets for Lovcen or Njegoš Mausoleum included?

No, tickets for the national park and mausoleum are not included in the price.

Is there an option to stop at Pavlova Strana Viewpoint?

Yes, you can request an optional scenic stop at Pavlova Strana (the horseshoe bend) during booking.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour involves climbing steps at Njegoš Mausoleum and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Are infant seats available on this private day trip?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip transport from Podgorica with parking fees covered; you’ll have a local guide throughout Cetinje and Lovcen plus two hours of free time at the top to choose between the Alpine Coaster or climbing up to Njegoš Mausoleum—just note entry tickets aren’t included. Optionally, you can add a scenic ride out to Pavlova Strana Viewpoint before heading back home.