Lovćen & Cetinje tour from Kotor: Njegoš mausoleum

Climb the Austro-Hungarian road to a bishop's tomb overlooking three countries

A four to five hour tour from Kotor ascending Lovćen national park via 25 hairpin turns, with stops at the mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš (a Montenegrin bishop, poet and philosopher), the historical capital Cetinje, and Budva's old city and fortress. An English-speaking guide leads the route in an air-conditioned vehicle, taking in panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar and high mountains.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lovćen, Cetinje, and Budva

• Panoramic view of Bay of Kotor
• Visit Lovćen National Park
• Tour mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš
• Explore historical Cetinje city
• Enjoy traditional meals in Cetinje
• Sightseeing in Budva old city
• Visit fortress of St. Mary in Budva

The experience

The tour leaves Kotor and climbs toward Lovćen along an Austro-Hungarian road built into the mountainside: 25 sharp hairpin turns that gain elevation steadily. A first stop offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Kotor before the road steepens into Lovćen national park, where viewpoints open onto the sea, Lake Skadar and the surrounding peaks. This is the symbol of Montenegrin freedom and heroism, and the landscape shifts with each turn.

The highlight is the mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš, the 19th-century bishop, poet and philosopher whose tomb sits at the heart of the park. From there, the route descends to Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro, also called the Valley of Gods. The old architecture and landmarks here are candidates for UNESCO recognition, and the city moves at a different pace. A place where traditional meals are still part of the day. Time spent here is unrushed.

The final leg takes you to Budva, a coastal town where the old city and the fortress of St. Mary sit above the water. From the citadel, the view includes the island of St. Nicholas and a sweep of beach. The entire route is covered in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by MontenegroGlobe

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Kotor itself, so you don't need a car or a separate transfer to the starting point. The guide picks up the route where you are. The fixed four to five hour schedule fits a single afternoon, and the hairpin turns and elevation gain mean the pace is steady rather than rushed, so you experience each stop without backtracking.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many hairpin turns does the road to Lovćen have?

The Austro-Hungarian road climbing to Lovćen has 25 sharp hairpin turns, gaining elevation steadily from Kotor toward the national park.

What is the mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš?

Petar Petrović Njegoš was a 19th-century Montenegrin bishop, poet and philosopher whose mausoleum sits at the heart of Lovćen national park and is the highlight of the tour.

What can you see from the viewpoints in Lovćen national park?

The viewpoints in Lovćen overlook the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar and the high mountains surrounding the park, each one framing a different part of the landscape.

Why is Cetinje called the Valley of Gods?

Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro, earned this name for its setting and significance. The old architecture and landmarks throughout the city are candidates for UNESCO recognition.

What fortress does the tour visit in Budva?

The fortress of St. Mary sits above Budva's old city. From the citadel you can see the island of St. Nicholas and the beach below.