A network of marked trails, ranging from easy walking paths to routes for experienced mountaineers, defines the natural side of Herceg-Novi. By contrast, the cityscape is dominated by fortresses, a clock tower and museums. Orjen trails, coastal views and historic sites offer different perspectives on the destination.

Hiking in the Hinterland of Herceg-Novi

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

The Tatar bašta–Sušćepan–Ratiševina–Mokrine trail connects villages in the hinterland and churches with viewpoints. It is suitable for walking and easy hiking. Another option is the trail to Veliki Kabao, at 1,894 metres. It is considered one of the most attractive and less challenging routes in Orjen, as well as Montenegro’s oldest purpose-built hiking trail.

Two details are useful for getting to the nature park: it is connected by the Herceg Novi–Trebinje road, and it can be reached on foot from the centre of Herceg Novi via a marked trail in less than two hours. The Vrbanj Adventure Park is also located in the beech forest of the hinterland, at an altitude of 1,100 metres. Its 7,000 square metres contain 44 elements across four courses, with a 200-metre zip-line course as a fifth. The courses cater to everyone from children aged six and up to experienced users, and eight certified instructors are available to visitors.

Fortresses and Views of the Bay

Forte Mare stands right on the coast and guarded the town’s entrance from the sea. From the fortress, the view extends to the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, the town harbour, Igalo and the Old Town. Španjola Fortress offers a different landmark: it stands on Bajer Hill at an altitude of about 170 metres and also overlooks the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.

Kanli Kula, a monumental fortress built by the Ottomans in 1539, stands in the Old Town. It hosts the Herceg Novi Film Festival, the Guitar Art Fest and the Operosa Festival, as well as pop and classical concerts and folk performances. The clock tower marks the entrance to the Old Town. It was built in 1667 on the orders of Sultan Mahmud. The fortress, clock tower and coastal view each offer their own point of reference for the town’s history.

Museums, a Monastery and Events

The Mirko Komnenović City Museum opened in 1953 and preserves historical, archaeological and ethnological collections, as well as a collection of icons. It is surrounded by a botanical garden with rare plants and offers views of the sea. History and landscape come together here in a single museum visit.

Ivo Andrić’s house was built between 1962 and 1963; the Nobel laureate lived there with his wife, Milica Babić, from 1963 to 1968. The house contains the permanent exhibition “Andrić’s New Paths, Faces, Landscapes”. The courtyard has been adapted for cultural events. The house’s story therefore encompasses both the years Andrić lived there and its present-day role as the home of a permanent exhibition.

The Savina complex lies two kilometres east of Herceg Novi, in a landscape of Mediterranean vegetation. It comprises two churches and a monastery building with a treasury, as well as the Church of Saint Sava on a nearby hill. From its viewpoint, the view extends as far as Lovćen. The treasury preserves, among other objects, a 13th-century crystal cross of Saint Sava and a 17th-century Gospel book.

The events calendar has its own tradition, too: the Mimosa Festival is a traditional event in Herceg-Novi, founded in 1969. In February and March, it features masked balls, carnival events, concerts and numerous children’s, arts and sports programmes. The festival also includes a fish and wine festival.

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

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