Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
In Southern Montenegro right on the border of Albania, the jagged Accursed Mountains offer incredible views and hiking opportunities. Prokletije National Park in Montenegro is likely the easiest place to access the mountains and this growing adventure destination is absolutely worth a visit.
In this guide we’ll outline what you need to know to plan your visit based on our own experience spending a few days here in the summer of 2024.
While this is a more remote destination compared to Durmitor National Park in the North of Montenegro, it is growing in popularity and there are more places to stay and better marked trails than just a few years ago.
Despite this, we were struck by the wildness of this corner of Montenegro.
Check out our Complete Itinerary for a week in Montenegro.
Overview of Prokletije National Park
When to Visit Prokletije National Park:The best time is during the summer month of July, August, or September although we were there in early July and June was also mostly snow free. Temperature are much cooler than the coast and comfortable in the summer.
Entrance Fee: 3 EUR per person per day (in 2024)
Signage: We found the main trails well marked, but make sure you have downloaded maps before heading off into these mountains!
Border Crossings and Permits: You can easily hike right into another country. If you hike across the border into Albania and return the same day, you don’t need to secure a border permit, but if you plan to spend the night, you will need to get a permit. Read this guide about cross-border procedures.
Map of Prokletije National Park
Things to do in Prokletije National Park
The best things to do in the park is to hike and explore the incredible mountain scenery. Below I share some of the top hikes in the area. In addition to hiking a few other ways to enjoy the park include:
Drive To the Most Scenic Parts of the Park
Visit Ropojana Valley
A glacial valley known for its crystal-clear rivers and majestic rock formations, Ropojana Valley is perfect for a scenic walk or an introductory hike. You can also explore small natural springs, including the famous Eye of the Lake, a turquoise spring resembling an eye.
Explore Grbaja Valley
This valley is a gateway to some of the park’s best trails. Surrounded by towering peaks, it’s a favorite among photographers and nature lovers for its awe-inspiring landscapes. It’s also a fantastic starting point for more challenging hikes like the trek to Volušnica or Talijanka peaks and where we stayed during out visit.
Visit Ali Pasha’s Springs
Near the village of Vusanje, these springs create a peaceful setting with clear blue waters flowing from underground. It’s a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing after a day of hiking.
Take a Dip in the Glacial Lakes
There are several glacial lakes in the park, such as Lake Plav and Lake Hrid, known for their crystal-clear waters. The lakes offer a refreshing dip after a day of hiking and are surrounded by incredible scenery – but be ready for very cold swim!
Mountain Biking Through the Park
Several trails in Prokletije are ideal for mountain biking, but note that these trails aren’t for beginners!
Climbing
Grbaja Valley is the most popular climbing area in Prokletije, known for its scenic backdrop of sharp ridgelines. Climbers can tackle classic climbs here, like the Talijanka and Karanfil peaks, which feature vertical walls and exposed routes. We spoke to a few people who were climbing here and the rock faces are challenging and tall.
Experience Traditional Montenegrin Cuisine
Stop by small mountain lodges or village homes offering local dishes, such as lamb cooked over an open fire or local cheese made from sheep’s milk.
Hiking Trails
The most popular thing to do in Prokletije National Park and what we did during our visit was hiking. Most of the trails in the area are challenging, steep and exposed. Here is an overview of some of the best hikes in the Accursed Mountains of Montenegro.
The Volusnica Loop Hike
If you only have time for one hike – do this hike. This is a moderate hike that takse you up into the mountains above Skala.
Most of the trail traverses a ridge and you have epic view after epic view. This trail passes into and out of Albania and takes just a few hours to complete.
See details of hiking the Volusnica Loop Trail.
Walking up the Grebaje Valley
From the main area in Skala/Grebaje, follow the easy trail up the valley. This is actually a dirt road for part of it and a few people may drive past to different campsites up the valley, but this pretty path wanders through meadows and forests right at the base of the cliffs.
This is a nice little walk to start or end the day.
The Peaks of the Balkans Trail
If you’re looking for something a little longer, try the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. This transnational trail spans 192 kilometers across Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo, offering incredible views of the Accursed Mountains. The trail passes through remote villages and untouched landscapes, making it perfect for seasoned hikers.
Climb Maja Jezerce (2,694 m)
As the highest peak in the Accursed Mountains, Maja Jezerce offers an challenge with breathtaking views from the summit. We didn’t climb this mountain but met a few people who were attempting it. Reaching the top requires experience in high-altitude hiking, but the rewarding views over Albania and Montenegro are worth it.
There are MANY other trails in the area. The best way to plan your hike is to speak to locals. Most of these trails are very steep and challenging (such at the Kissing Cats Trail).
How to Get to Prokletije National Park
The easiest way to get to Prokletije National park is to rent a car. We rented a car for our full week in Montenegro and many of the places to explore are best reached by car, especially the further you get from the coast.
By Air
- Nearest Major Airports: The closest international airports to Prokletije are:
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) in Montenegro, approximately 3–4 hours away by car.
- Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Albania, around 4–5 hours away by car.
- Pristina International Airport (PRN) in Kosovo, around 3.5–5 hours away by car.
- Renting a car from one of the nearby airports (Podgorica, Tirana, or Pristina) is the most convenient option. The park’s mountainous terrain and rural location make driving ideal for flexibility.
- From Tirana (Albania): Drive north on SH1 towards Shkodra, then take SH20 and cross the border into Montenegro near Gusinje. Check border crossing availability, as it can vary seasonally.
- From Pristina (Kosovo): Drive via Route R110 to Peja and then towards Gjakova, crossing into Montenegro near Plav, which is close to the park.
- From Podgorica (Montenegro): Take Route E80 or E65 towards Gusinje, the main entry town for Prokletije. The drive is scenic but has narrow mountain roads, so be prepared for a slow pace in some areas.
Where to Stay
In our opinion, the best place to stay in Prokletije National Park is right in the Grebaje Valley. The views here are spectacular and you are right in the heart of the mountains and you can hike right from your lodging.
We stayed in Bungalows Prokletije. This is a nice budget option with clean bungalows. There is a family size that we booked for our kids that sleeps 3 people.
There are several other bungalows and hotels in the area and there were several being built when we visiting.
It’s also possible to stay in Vusanje or Gusinje.
We found the booking.com had the biggest variety of options for places to stay.
Where to Eat
If you are staying in the Grebaje Valley, there are several places to eat right there. These small restaurants serve traditional food and there is a new restaurant or two that serves pizza. The best part of the places to eat in Prokletije is that every place has an incredible view!
