Traveling through Montenegro in a Campervan – Our Highlights
This summer, we set off with our campervan to explore Montenegro, and we were absolutely blown away by how stunning the country is and how incredibly welcoming its people are. In this post, you'll find tons of helpful information for a road trip through this small Balkan nation. We’ll show you what to experience and what not to miss!
Table of Contents
1. General Information about Montenegro
Montenegro borders Croatia, Serbia, Albania, and the Adriatic Sea to the west. The country is famous for its breathtaking coastline with long sandy beaches, picturesque bays, historic coastal towns, and stunning mountain landscapes.
Entry Requirements
To travel to Montenegro, you’ll need a valid passport or ID card. With your passport, you can stay visa-free in Montenegro for 90 days.
Currency
Montenegro's official currency is the Euro (€), even though it’s not an EU member. All transactions are made in Euros, making it convenient for tourists. However, always carry cash, as not everywhere accepts cards.
Sights
Montenegro is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. One of the most famous tourist attractions is the Bay of Kotor. Additionally, Budva is a popular coastal town with a picturesque old town and beautiful sandy beaches. The old town is surrounded by medieval city walls and features historic buildings, narrow alleys, restaurants, and shops.
The Lovćen National Park extends over the Lovćen mountains and boasts breathtaking landscapes, definitely worth a visit as well.
Safety
Montenegro is generally considered a safe travel destination. The crime rate is relatively low compared to other European countries, and tourists can feel secure in most areas.
Road Conditions
Road conditions in Montenegro vary depending on the region and type of road. Generally, major routes like highways and main roads are well-maintained and in good condition. The A1 highway, which connects the coastal city of Bar with the Serbian border, is a modern, multi-lane highway, similar to what you're used to in Germany.
However, in rural areas and mountainous regions, the road conditions can be significantly worse. You’ll encounter winding roads, narrow passes, and sometimes insufficient signage. Off the main roads, potholes and uneven surfaces are common, so it’s essential to drive carefully and stay alert.
The narrow roads can be particularly challenging when driving a larger motorhome. We tackled the Kotor Pass with our motorhome, and while we managed, it involved quite a few tricky maneuvers. Next time, we’ll likely skip that route to avoid the hassle!
2. Our Montenegro Highlight: Campervan Journey to Kotor
Kotor is a beautiful coastal town nestled in a fjord-like bay surrounded by majestic mountains. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and narrow, winding streets make it a must-visit.
Kotor is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming narrow streets, and historical landmarks.
One of the main attractions in Kotor is the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by ancient walls, it offers a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, squares, and picturesque buildings.
The most iconic landmark in Kotor is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a Roman Catholic cathedral from the 12th century. Inside, you can admire stunning frescoes and sculptures.
For panoramic views of Kotor and its surroundings, you can climb the city walls. The hike takes about an hour, but the breathtaking view of the bay and town below is well worth the effort.
Another highlight is the Kotor Pass, a winding mountain road that leads to the Njegos Mausoleum. However, you should only attempt this pass if you're a confident driver and have a smaller vehicle, as it's extremely narrow and barely fits two cars at once.
We got quite a workout with our motorhome and had to reverse multiple times to navigate the tight turns!
3. Our Montenegro Highlight: Campervan to the Njegos Mausoleum
The Njegos Mausoleum is an impressive monument located on Mount Lovćen. It was built in honor of the famous Montenegrin poet and statesman Petar II Petrović-Njegoš in the 1970s.
This spectacular structure consists of two parts: the entrance building and the dome with Njegoš’s burial site. The entrance building features black marble walls and includes an exhibition of historical artifacts, paintings, and books about Njegoš’s life and works.
To reach the mausoleum itself, you must climb a staircase of 461 steps that winds through a narrow rock gorge. The climb is a bit challenging, but you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and the Bay of Kotor.
The Njegos Mausoleum is not only a significant historical and cultural monument but also a symbol of Montenegrin identity and the nation’s pride in its history and culture.
For us, the view from the platform was absolutely stunning – the climb is definitely worth it!
Campervan Parking near the Njegos Mausoleum
Fortunately, there is a free campervan parking spot near the Njegos Mausoleum. There’s even a portable toilet (Dixi) and, best of all, absolute tranquility and an incredible view!
You can find the parking spot on Google Maps under the name "Premier Spot."
4. Our Montenegro Highlight: Campervan to the Tara Bridge
The Tara Bridge, also known as the Đurđevića-Tara Bridge, is an impressive structure in northern Montenegro, spanning the deepest canyon in Europe, the Tara Canyon. The bridge is located near Durmitor National Park and is one of the country's most famous landmarks.
The Tara Canyon is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and its stunning rock formations, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the bridge.
The Tara Bridge was built in the 1930s and was an engineering marvel at the time. Named after the engineer Lazar Jauković Đurđević, who oversaw its construction, it is made of reinforced concrete.
At about 365 meters in length and around 172 meters high, this giant is truly a sight to behold and should definitely be included in your Montenegro travel itinerary.
In the area around the Tara Bridge, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as rafting on the Tara River, hiking in the surrounding mountains, or exploring the charming villages in the region.
Campsites near the Tara Bridge
If you’re traveling by campervan, we have the perfect campsite recommendation for you. Not far from the bridge is a lovely, family-run campsite with a stunning view of the bridge.
You’ll be warmly welcomed here, and you can enjoy homemade fruit brandy with the owners.
The campsite’s name is "Kljajević Orchad" – you’ll love the hospitality of the couple who run it!
5. Highlight: Pavlova Strana Viewpoint
If you're traveling through Montenegro, a stop at Pavlova Strana Viewpoint is a must. From here, you’ll have a truly breathtaking view of Lake Skadar and the incredibly beautiful surrounding nature.
As with many roads in Montenegro, the drive to the viewpoint is quite winding, so take your time and only drive during daylight.
We rented a kayak in the area and explored the national park from the water, which we highly recommend. You can also join guided tours, where you’ll learn lots of interesting information about the area.
Campsites near Pavlova Strana Viewpoint
Luckily, there’s a small campsite near the viewpoint where you can stay if you want to spend a few days in the area (which we highly recommend).
6. Our Montenegro Highlight: Biogradska National Park
Biogradska Gora National Park is one of Montenegro's best-known national parks, located in the central part of the country. It covers an area of about 54 square kilometers. Its untouched nature, dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife will captivate you!
The best time to visit Biogradska National Park is in the morning, as there are fewer visitors, and you’ll have the park almost to yourself.
In general, we found the park not to be overcrowded, but maybe we were just lucky.
Campsites in Biogradska National Park
There is a campsite inside the park near the visitor center, where you can stay overnight. The campsite has showers, toilets, and some nice fire pits for grilling.
7. Montenegrin Cuisine – Dishes You Must Try!
Of course, no trip is complete without great food! Montenegrin cuisine is diverse and influenced by Mediterranean, Balkan, and Oriental flavors.
Here are some local delicacies you should try during your stay:
Ćevapi: Small, spicy beef sausages often served with onions and ajvar
Njeguški pršut i sir: Air-dried ham and cheese from the Njeguši region. The ham is tender and lightly salted, while the cheese has a very intense flavor. This dish is often ordered as a starter platter
Pljeskavica: Large minced meat patties often stuffed with cheese and served with sides like fries or ajvar. You’ll find this dish in almost every restaurant
Kačamak: A traditional dish made from cornmeal mixed with potatoes and cheese, often served as a side with meat dishes
Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, stewed in tomato sauce
Pita: A type of pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Popular versions include burek (meat or cheese) and zeljanica (spinach and cheese)
Riblji paprikaš: A stew with various types of fish
8. Costs: How Much Does a Vacation in Montenegro Cost?
Before you hit the road in your camper, it’s useful to know roughly how much your trip to Montenegro will cost. We've listed the expenses from our stay, and here’s a little spoiler: Montenegro is a very affordable travel destination.
Fuel: Approx. €1.50 per liter (diesel)
Eating out at a restaurant: €10 - €15 per person
Entrance fee to Njegos Mausoleum: €8 per person
Entrance to Biogradska National Park: €4 per person
Kayak rental (full day): €15
Campsite accommodation: €15 - €20 per night
Beer (0.5 liters): Around €1.50
Would you like more information about our road trip through the Balkans? Check out our post: 10 Days in the Balkans: Our Route and All Costs.
For more insights into our travels, feel free to visit our Instagram accounts: tom_rbg_ and anna_mser. If you have any questions about our routes, don't hesitate to reach out to us through these channels!
