Having the highest point on the Dinaric Alps and being one of the few places in Europe still largely unexplored, Prokletije National Park is perfect for hikers, bikers, fly-fishers, and other adventurers.

This national park in east Montenegro seems to come from another time, with history that goes back to the Paleolithic era. But the jagged terrain and fierce wildlife of this national park caused the locals to refer to the area as “Prokletije,” or the “accursed mountains.”. In Montenegrin “proklet” means cursed.

The last undiscovered gem of Europe

Geologist Ami Boué actually described Prokletije National Park as “the most inaccessible and the wildest mountain range in the Balkans” and called the mountains in the park “the Southern Alps of Europe.” We believe that for the adventurous and well-prepared, the Prokletije National Park has some incredible views and experiences in store for those willing to brave its slopes. If you are familiar with Dolomites in Italy, Prokletije are very similar. Breathtaking views and unspoiled nature.

How to reach the National Park Prokletije

From Podgorica, you can take a taxi, rent-a-car or book a private tour to Prokletije. Also, you can go by bus, but they are not very regular, at most once or twice a day from Podgorica The total trip takes approximately 2 hr and 40 min.

The park doesn’t have one main entrance, as you can access the park from three different directions: Grebaje Valley, Ropojani-Gusinje, and Gradine-Plav. The entrance to this national park is 3€.

What to do and see in Prokletije

There are lots of activities you can do on Prokletije. Amazing rivers and lakes, animals and plants, rich cultural and historical heritage with many legends, hiking, visiting mountain peaks. Also, this region provides opportunities for photographers to capture unique and breathtaking shots.

Rivers and lakes in Prokletije that you can visit

The water system on the Montenegro side of Prokletije is incredible. In Gusinje, the Ali Paša springs is the site where crystal clear water gushes out of the mountain and up from the ground, only to start a calm, slow-moving body of water. This then forms the Vruja River. This is a low-flow crystalline river. During spawning season, a trained eye can see large trout coming up into this river to lay eggs. The Vruja swells into the Ljuča River. These waters wind their way into the River Ljuča. The Ljuča empties into Lake Plav, overall the largest lake within Prokletije National Park. The Lim River is the distributary out of Plav Lake.

The Lim River flows through much of northeastern Montenegro before crossing over into Serbia. A regatta takes place on the length of the Lim River in May. This water system played host to the Fly fishing world championship in 2019, with fishing happening in the Ljuča and Lim Rivers and Lake Plav. Fly fishing in Prokletije is one of the most desirable locations in the Balkans with grayling, brown trout, huchen, and other fish species present.  We organize fly fishing 3-day trip in Plav area, you can check our tour here.

The largest glacial lake is Hridsko Lake, a pristine pool of beauty 300 m long by 160 m wide, and up to 5 m deep in the summer time. Legend has it that this lake was originally created by the gods as a place for fairies to bathe, and in the process gave the waters supposed healing powers. While we do not claim any existing supernatural powers at the lake, we can say that the combination of clear mountain air and beautiful glacial waters definitely made us feel healthier and more in tune with nature. Other glacial lakes include the Visitorsko, Tatarijsko, Ropojansko and Bjelajsko lakes.

Plants of Prokletije

Prokletije National Park contains 1611 distinct species of plant, which means that this national park is home to over 20% of the 8000 species of plants that can be found in the Balkans. This makes Prokletije one of the most biodiverse spots in the entire Balkan Peninsula. Of these plants, over 50 species are considered endemic to the park, and over 100 species can be used for medicinal purposes. Medicinal plants include wild thyme and yarrow, which locals use for steeping delicious, healthy teas. 

Animals of Prokletije

Prokletije National Park is home to several different types of mammal, including deer, chamois, wolf, fox, bear and lynx. The highly endangered Balkan lynx lives within the borders of the park, but only 20-50 members of the species are still believed to exist, making them a very rare subspecies to encounter. With over 130 species of butterflies, Prokletije National Park contains the highest butterfly diversity in all of Europe.

Animals to watch out for include the most venomous snake in Europe–the horned viper. Known in the local language as the “poskok,” or jumping snake, this particular viper can jump up to 50 cm vertically. Thankfully, the poskok is a mostly laid-back snake that only bites when threatened. Another interesting reptile is the Prokletije rock lizard, a shy gray-green lizard that makes its home in and around tall pine trees.

Cultural and historical places at National Park Prokletije

The park is home to many cultural-historical sites that are worth exploring. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, teemed with archaeological sites, fortresses, churches, mosques, settlements, and burial sites.

One of the most famous cultural-historical places in Prokletije National Park is the Redžepagić Tower. This tower was built in the 17th century in Plav. It served as a fortress for the Redžepagić clan to protect themselves from the attacks from the Banjani tribe. The tower has been restored and is protected as a cultural and historical monument of the second category.

Hiking in Prokletije and popular hiking trails

Hiking on Prokletije is definitely the most popular, but also the most interesting activity, and the reasons for that are more than obvious.

When it comes to the most visited trails, mountaineers often choose those that lead to Volušnica and Popadia, which are among the most beautiful peaks, with panoramas that are second to none. The tour is considered to be moderately difficult. Bearing in mind that over 50 peaks have a height of over 2000 m, while 20 of them exceed a height of 2500 m, it is no wonder that every ascent on Prokletija is a challenge, even for the most experienced mountaineers.

The heighest peak in Montenegro

Montenegro’s highest mountain, like those of many other Balkan countries, straddles the border. Zla Kolata at 2534 meters, also the 16th highest peak in Albania, resides within the Prokletije National Park, renowned for its rugged limestone formations. Zla Kolata, alternatively known as Maja Kolata or Kolac, resembles a colossal rocky tooth, characteristic of the area's dramatic landscape.

Hiking trails in Prokletije

Moreover, Prokletije are a favorite among professional alpinists and mountaineers, as a kind of training ground with numerous pointed peaks and obstacles.

Two spacious valleys - Grebaja and Rapojana - show that the relief of Prokletije is not only made up of peaks that tear the sky.

Grebaja is practically the starting point for all hiking trails, while from Rapojana you can start conquering individual peaks. Considering that such an undertaking can be seen as a real adventure, this is especially true for the peaks of Zla Kolata, Očnjak and Carnafili, which are the most difficult to conquer, but once you succeed in it - you will see that it was worth it. Bear in mind that peak you set your sights on, do not start without specific guidance and instructions from one of the experienced local guides.

Peaks of Balkans

Prokletije boasts opportunities for every type of adventure vacationer. With the robust size of the park and the geographic isolation of the area, hikers will be overwhelmed with opportunities to explore breathtaking natural scenery. One of the three starting points for famous Peaks of the Balkans or POB hike is in Plav, Montenegro, at the base of the national park. This “trail” spans three countries (Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania) and hovers among the clouds with elevations of up to 2300m. There are multiple routes that are in use for the POB. It is an adventure worth doing.

The POB has received a lot of attention from media outlets such as National Geographic and other big media outlets. Hikers who prefer a more solitary, rustic thru-hike experience can try hiking the Catun Road. This hike begins with a stay in the adjacent, beautifully rustic Čakor Catun, where hikers can experience true Montenegrin culture and delicious food. Additionally, opportunities for shorter day-long hikes and family-friendly expeditions exist at any katun or farm stay within Prokletije National Park.

The quite ambitious “Peaks of Balkans” trail comprises 192 km. The hike can be started in every of this 3 country: Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. The 10 stages of the trail can be hiked in 10 to 13 days. The level of difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, but requires good physical condition and lot of mountain equipment. If you want to organize Peaks of the Balkans tour, feel free to contact us at info@caelitravel.com.

Legend of the Prokletije Mountains: A tale of tragedy and beauty

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans lies a majestic mountain range shrouded in mystery and legend — the Prokletije Mountains. Translated as the "Accursed Mountains," these towering peaks bear witness to a tale of love, jealousy, and tragic consequences.

Once upon a time, in the humble house at the foot of this striking massif, lived a content husband and his devoted wife, blessed with three sons. Life in their modest wooden dwelling was humble yet harmonious, with the father venturing into the wilderness daily to provide sustenance for his family through hunting. Guided by his skilled hand, the sons learned the art of survival in the untamed wilderness, accompanying their father on his hunts.

Tragedy struck with the untimely demise of the father, yet life continued much as before for the grieving family. Days passed, marked by the anxious anticipation of the sons' return from their hunting expeditions. However, fate took a cruel turn when the brothers encountered a mesmerizing fairy during one of their hunts. Enthralled by her ethereal beauty, they became ensnared in a bitter dispute over her affections, each vying for her favor.

What began as a rivalry fueled by desire ended in heartbreaking tragedy, as the brothers, consumed by jealousy, met their demise at each other's hands. From a distant hill, the fairy watched helplessly, burdened by the knowledge that her allure had led to their downfall. Bereft of a resolution, she retreated behind the peaks of the mountain, leaving behind a scene of sorrow and despair.

Days turned to weeks, and the mother's anguish deepened as her sons failed to return home. Desperate with worry, she scoured the mountains in search of her beloved children, only to discover their lifeless forms intertwined in a tragic embrace. It was then that the fairy emerged from the mist, revealing the grim truth behind the brothers' demise — a consequence of their infatuation with her beauty.

In her anguish and fury, the grieving mother cast her curse upon the fairy, her voice echoing through the valleys and peaks of the mountains. "I curse you! I curse you! I curse you!" she cried, her words carrying the weight of her grief and fury. Thus, according to legend, the Prokletije Mountains earned their name — a somber reminder of the tragic tale that unfolded within their shadowy depths.

Today, as the winds whisper through the craggy peaks and the rivers cascade down their rocky slopes, the legend of the Prokletije Mountains endures, a testament to the enduring power of love, jealousy, and the timeless allure of the Balkan wilderness.

Prokletije area is a testament to the raw beauty of nature and an never ending spirit of exploration. Its rugged peaks, diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage create a feeling that conquers everyone who comes here. Whether you are looking for a physical challenge, a connection with nature or a look into the past, Prekletije is a destination that goes beyond the ordinary and invites discovery.