Herceg-Novi: Hiking Trails and Historic Fortresses

In Herceg-Novi, trails leading into the Orjen hinterland meet fortresses, museums and views over the Bay of Kotor. This makes the town an appealing destination for different kinds of trips: you can focus on marked hiking trails or explore the history of the town and its buildings. Events and an adventure park add to the range of options.

Hiking trails between the town and Orjen

Orjen Nature Park lies in the hinterland of Herceg-Novi, on Mount Orjen. Its extensive network of marked trails ranges from easy walking paths to routes for experienced mountaineers. One route runs via Herceg Novi, Kameno and Borići to the “Za Vratlom” mountain lodge: it connects Herceg Novi with Orjen and serves as an access route to the Orjen–Lovćen–Rumija national long-distance trail.

Another hiking option is the Tatar bašta–Sušćepan–Ratiševina–Mokrine trail. It connects villages in the hinterland and churches with viewpoints, and is suitable for walking and easy mountain hiking. This distinction may help with your planning: the route via Kameno leads to Orjen and the long-distance trail; the other connects villages and churches with viewpoints.

The nature park is accessible via the Herceg Novi–Trebinje road. From the center of Herceg Novi, it can be reached on foot via a marked trail in less than two hours. Reasons for protecting Orjen include its many endemic plant species, including the munika pine. The area thus combines hiking opportunities with distinctive plant life.

Fortresses and views of the bay

Kanli Kula is a monumental fortress in the old town of Herceg Novi. The Ottomans built it in 1539. Today, the fortress hosts the Herceg Novi Film Festival, the Guitar Art Fest and the Operosa Festival, as well as pop and classical concerts and folklore performances. The Clock Tower, built in 1667 by order of Sultan Mahmud, forms the entrance to the old town.

Forte Mare is right on the coast and guarded the town’s access from the sea. From the fortress, you can look out over the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, the town harbor, Igalo and the old town. Španjola Fortress, on Bajer Hill, offers another view of the bay entrance: it stands at an elevation of about 170 meters. Together, the three fortresses represent different historical associations and vantage points.

Museums, Ivo Andrić and Savina Monastery

The Mirko Komnenović City Museum opened in 1953 and preserves historical, archaeological, ethnological and icon collections. A botanical garden with rare plants surrounds the museum, and offers a view of the sea. A visit thus combines the collections with a green setting and a scenic outlook.

The house of Nobel Prize laureate Ivo Andrić was built between 1962 and 1963. Andrić lived there with his wife Milica Babić from 1963 to 1968. The house features the permanent exhibition “Andrić’s New Paths, Faces, Landscapes”; the courtyard was adapted for cultural events. The dates of the building’s construction and Andrić’s residence also place the house in the context of his time in Herceg-Novi.

The Savina Monastery complex lies two kilometers east of Herceg Novi, amid Mediterranean vegetation. It comprises two churches, a monastery building with a treasury, and the Church of St. Sava on a nearby hill. Items kept there include a crystal cross of St. Sava from the 13th century and a Gospel from the 17th century. From the viewpoint at the church, the view extends as far as Lovćen.

Events and activities

The Mimosa Festival is a traditional event founded in 1969. Held in February and March, it includes masked balls, carnival events and concerts. There are also numerous programs for children, arts and sports; the festival also includes a fish and wine festival. If events are an important part of your trip planning, check the dates for your travel period.

If you’re looking for another activity alongside the town’s history and hiking trails, Vrbanj Adventure Park is located in the hinterland. It was built at an elevation of 1,100 meters in a beech forest and covers 7,000 square meters. Its 44 elements are spread across four courses, with a 200-meter zip-line course making up the fifth. The courses range from options for children aged six and over to those for experienced users. Eight certified instructors are available to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Kamenari, Sasovići, Žanjica, Kameno, Đenovići, Lipci, Klinci, Žvinje, Sušćepan, Sutorina, Baošići, Herceg Novi, Igalo, Gornji Morinj, Bijela, Kumbor, Zelenika.

Go to the main travel overview: Montenegro.