DMC Montenegro – The world’s greatest in one little country
Montenegro is a land right out of a fantasy world. Rolling green mountains abruptly taper off to a glistening coast lined with beautiful beaches, interspersed with rocky coves, harbours and inlets all dotted with the odd ancient ruin. With a total surface area of 13,000 sq kms and a 300km-long coastline, there are plenty of places to visit and activities that can be arranged by your local DMC. Montenegro is full of surprises, and it’s not in the least bit surprising to learn that it’s one of the fastest growing tourist and incentive destinations in the world.
There is such an abundance of mountain ranges it’s almost as if the mountains themselves are fighting for the best spots, especially along the coast where soaring peaks plummet into the cool blue of the Adriatic Sea. Ancient ruins hug mountainsides, and cool lakes and rivers shimmer in the valleys below. There are five national parks scattered throughout the country. It boasts Southern Europe’s largest lake, the world’s highest mausoleum and a breathtaking canyon that is the second largest in the world and deepest in Europe. Not bad for such a little place.
Add to that a people who have earned a reputation for being one of the most genuinely welcoming and friendly, and you almost have the world’s greatest location.
Montenegro is the smallest of the former Yugoslav republics, but still packed with diversity. Being historically at the crossroads between east and west, the resulting blend of cultures has left its indelible mark on the land. When the Roman Empire split in two Montenegro was on the cusp. People came from all around, and left behind a legacy of ornate Catholic and Orthodox churches, exquisite Roman architecture and beautiful mosques.
The largest lake in Europe
Straddling the border with Albania, Lake Skadar is the largest and most dramatic lake on the Balkan Peninsula. The Lake Skadar National Park is one of contrasts. It’s only 7kms from the sea, but enshrouded by lush, verdant forested mountains soaring above meadows of water lilies, and seemingly protecting island monasteries. According to legend, the lake was created by the tears of a pixie. It is home to about 264 different bird species, and a popular destination for outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling and mountain climbing; a perfect spot for a team-building incentive.
Tara River Canyon
In the northern part of the country, close to the Bosnian border, lies the Tara River Canyon. It’s the longest canyon in Europe and the second longest in the world, after the Grand Canyon. At 1,300 metres, it’s also the deepest in the world. This is the perfect location for an adventure incentive, including rafting and kayaking this breathtaking gorge.
The World’s Highest Mausoleum
Head a bit inland from Kotor and you’ll come to the Lovcen National Park, whose centrepiece is the imposing Mount Lovcen. This stunning limestone mountain range is part of the Dinaric Alps, which rises dramatically out of the sea. It is sparsely covered with green conifer trees, and legend has it that the country’s name was given when the ancient Venetians sailed past as the light hit from an angle that rendered the whole mountain black. (Montenegro – Black Mountain)
Visitors come from the whole world over to scale this mountain, but not just because of its beauty and stunning views, but chiefly because one of its peaks, Jezerski Vrh (Lake Summit), is the final resting place for the greatest and most beloved of Montenegrin kings, Petar Petrovic Njegos.
It was the King’s wish to be buried here, as he regularly hiked this mountain to be alone and contemplate the many difficult questions and decisions he had to make as king. Although he died in 1851, his remains were not moved to the mountain peak until 1925, when construction of a magnificent mausoleum was begun. Due to various political upheavals, especially during the communist era, it wasn’t completed until 1974 and at 1,660m became the one of the world’s highest mausolea’s. It seems that King Petar also has a guardian angel watching over him because during WW2 the Italian army tried multiple times to blast his tomb to smithereens, but failed every time to hit it.
The best local knowledge
Liberty Adriatic’s DMC Montenegro knows exactly how best to ensure you follow in the footsteps of the kings and the locals, and can show you the greatest places and sights that this wonderful little country has to offer. For an incentive, meeting, or tailor-made program that will take to you all of these spots and many more in the time you have available, our local knowledge puts us ahead of the rest.
