fbpx

Countries

Montenegro

No. Stages

5 stages

Length & Elevation

369 km / 6.000 m

Paved

94%

Unpaved:

6%

Trans Dinarica in Montenegro

Traveling to Montenegro is all about its seductive coast, beautiful mountains, the Tara Canyon, Trnovačko Lake, and UNESCO sites scattered throughout the country, making your bike trip a feast for the senses. This adventure travel superstar is also a perfect place for hiking and mountaineering. For those in the know, and those who are about to ride the Trans Dinarica, this beautiful country is also an ideal spot for some of the best cycling in Europe.

The cycling in Montenegro is generally incredible. Good and quiet asphalt roads along with unpaved sections that include farm roads and gravel cycling routes provide a wonderful way to cycle beneath Montenegro’s peaks, along its rivers, and to the largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar. Travelers on bicycles will find their encounters with locals filled with warmth and hospitality. Exploration by bicycle will have adventurers feeling as if they have intimately discovered a new world and culture.

Montenegro’s section of the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route is as epic as one might expect. The route crosses the border from Bosnia and Herzegovina along the Tara River. The Tara River Canyon is the world’s second deepest — after the Grand Canyon in the United States. From there the route traverses the UNESCO-inscribed Durmitor National Park before heading south deep into the Prokletije Mountains near the Albanian border.

As you move south, the route gives you options. Cyclists can either head into Albania and into the “Albanian Alps” or pedal towards the capital city of Podgorica to get a whole new perspective on the country. If one chooses this course, the Trans Dinarica takes you to Lake Skadar and Skadar Lake National Park.

 

Highlights along the Trans Dinarica in Montenegro:

  1. Take a plunge in the Tara River Canyon.
  2. Enjoy the UNESCO-inscribed Durmitor National Park.
  3. Cycle beneath the jagged peaks in Prokletije National Park.
  4. Eat and drink well in the capital city of Podgorica.
  5. Visit the largest lake in the Balkans: Skadar Lake National Park.

Map of Trans Dinarica in Montenegro

Video about Trans Dinarica in Montenegro

Ready to get navigation/information pack?

Navigation Pack
Expand all stages

Main Route of Trans Dinarica in Montenegro

Stage 1: Šćepan polje - Trsa

DistanceDistance: 34 km
DistanceElevation: 1.310 m
DistancePaved: 100%
DistanceUnpaved: 0%

The first cycling stage into Montenegro from Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fairly easygoing ride to give cyclists a chance for a light day while also continuing to pedal toward one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Trans Dinarica Cycle Route. This day begins from Šćepan Polje, along the border, and ends in the town of Trsa, east of the Piva River, which turns into the Piva Lake, and near the western edge of the UNESCO-inscribed Durmitor National Park.

Today’s bike ride, which is all asphalt, starts with a steady climb for about 16.5 kilometers and then turns into a fairly level, but rolling, ride for approximately 20 kilometers until the stage’s end in Trsa. In Trsa, you’ll find traditional Katuns (mountain houses) and a small town framed by the Dinaric Alps.


Stage 2: Trsa - Žabljak

DistanceDistance: 40 km
DistanceElevation: 870 m
DistancePaved: 99%
DistanceUnpaved: 1%

This stage on your Montenegro cycling tour on Trans Dinarica is one of the most visually stunning of the entire 5,000-plus-kilometer route. Leaving from Trsa you will immediately be riding on great asphalt among tall peaks.  

Taking the southern route under the 2,523-meter Bobotov Kuk, the tallest peak along the Durmitor Massif, from Trsa to Žabljak, cyclists will tackle multiple climbs that average about 6% grade. The payoff is immediately obvious. Not only is the scene around you more magnificent with every hilltop, but there are designated view points to rest, take pictures, and absorb the magnificence of Durmitor National Park.

Two highlights along the way are the 2,393-meter Mount Prutaš, which rises right next to the road, and the Sedlo Pass, in the heart of the national park. After the pass, cyclists are rewarded with 20 kilometers of descent and easy riding into the town of Žabljak, the final destination.


Stage 3: Žabljak - Kolašin

DistanceDistance: 70 km
DistanceElevation: 1.060 m
DistancePaved: 78%
DistanceUnpaved: 22%

The ski resort town of Žabljak is an excellent place to take a break for a day to do some shopping, make any necessary repairs, explore Durmitor National Park, have a few nice meals, and get a good night or two of sleep. The town, which has cafes, accommodations, tourism operators, bars, and restaurants is quickly being discovered by adventure travelers.

The first part of the stage is relatively easy and follows a pleasant asphalt road. After the route leaves the R18 road, the Trans Dinarica demands more work from you: first with a steep asphalt climb, and then with a longer section on not-so-perfect gravel road. Those with fully loaded bikes will probably have to get off the bike at times. On the stretch from the picturesque St. Archangel Michael Church to the serpentine descent into the valley of the Ropušica river, you will cycle along a dreamy mountain plateau, exposed to incredible views, but also to mountain weather conditions. After descending into the valley towards the village of Gornje Lipovo, you can again expect some civilization and possibilities for accommodation. This part of the stage is especially challenging if you tackle it in the opposite direction – from Kolašin towards Žabljak.

Today’s stage along the Trans Dinarica bike trail in Montenegro takes cyclists to another incredible ski resort town: Kolašin. Sitting on the banks of the Tara River with the Kolašinska River running through it, Kolašin is a beautiful spot to stay while investigating the 56.5-square-kilometer Biogradska Gora National Park, which is on UNESCO’s tentative list.


Stage 4: Kolašin - Štavna

DistanceDistance: 32 km
DistanceElevation: 910 m
DistancePaved: 100%
DistanceUnpaved: 0%

Today’s stage along Montenegro’s section of the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route leaves from the ski resort town of Kolašin. Kolašin sits on the banks of the Tara River with the Kolašinska River running through it. This town is also a perfect headquarters for investigating the 56.5-square-kilometer Biogradska Gora National Park.

The ride today will be dominated by a steady climb. For approximately the first 10 kilometers, the road will follow the Tara River. At the village of Mateševo, the angle of the road and the river will change. From here, the route will follow the Drcka River and will tilt gradually up for the rest of the climb. 

The stage’s terminus will leave cyclists at the beautiful and remote Etno Selo Štavna, where cozy mountain huts are surrounded by peaks. Adventuring travelers here will feel the area’s embrace through its inviting landscape, great food, and hospitality as beautiful as they will experience along the route. 


Stage 5: Štavna - Gusinje

DistanceDistance: 55 km
DistanceElevation: 630 m
DistancePaved: 83%
DistanceUnpaved: 17%

One of the aspects that draw cyclists to travel the Balkans is its diversity … and the Trans Dinarica is nothing if not diverse both culturally and geographically. Fans of this diversity will not be disappointed as they leave from the remote Etno Selo Štavna, where cozy mountain huts are surrounded by peaks. Adventurers will feel the area’s embrace through its inviting landscape, great food, and hospitality as beautiful as they will experience along the route. 

Two stages away from the Albanian border, the beginning of this day is defined by its rapid descent in the first 15 kilometers, which rolls across a combination of paved and unpaved roads. (If the gravel descent proves too challenging, consider taking the all-asphalt alternative.) Riders will soon pass through the small and pleasant town of Andrijevica. The route parallels the western side of the Lim River before crossing to the river’s eastern bank. The trail takes back to the western side at the village of Murino and continues for the next 10 kilometers until Lake Plav, Montenegro’s biggest glacial lake and one of the region’s highlights.

From Plav, the Trans Dinarica travels along a road with moderate traffic through villages. The path maintains an elevation of around 925 meters with mountains soaring to the south and National Park Prokletije just within reach. The stage’s end leaves riders in Gusinje, at the confluence of staggeringly stunning river valleys.


Expand all stages

Secondary routes of Trans Dinarica in Montenegro

Stage 6: Kolašin - Podgorica

DistanceDistance: 75 km
DistanceElevation: 800
DistancePaved: 99%
DistanceUnpaved: 1%

This “alternate” bike stage on the Trans Dinarica from the town of Kolašin in Montenegro to Podgorica is perhaps reason enough to consider this cycling route. This section provides a scenic and convenient way to access the Montenegrin capital straight away, while also enjoying great cycling. 

The bike trail first passes through the village of Mateševo, where this and the route head into the Prokletije Mountains and then the Albanian Alps divide. You’ll turn west. About a third of the way into the ride — at approximately the 25-kilometer mark — you will pass the village of Veruša. From here, the route heads straight through the peaks of Dinaric Alps and passes by Komovi Nature Park.

Soon after, the route follows the Mala Rijeka (Little River) as it continues its steady descent toward its final stop: Podgorica. Among the highlights is the fantastic bridge across the Mala Rijeka — the highest railway bridge in Europe and the second in the world (200m). Soon after, the Mala Rijeka merges with the Morača River, where the route is cradled by the show-stopping Morača Canyon. 

The traffic picks up a bit as the route stays on excellent asphalt entering Podgorica. As a welcome to the capital, find one of the many restaurants in the city and toast your fellow riders on a stage well ridden.

 


Stage 7: Podgorica - Shkodër (Albania)

DistanceDistance: 62 km
DistanceElevation: 420 m
DistancePaved: 100%
DistanceUnpaved: 0%

The Montenegro bike tour of Trans Dinarica continues its alternative path to and through Podgorica, the Montenegrin capital, with a relaxed ride south along the shore of Lake Shkodër and across the border into Albania. This stage’s path rolls over gradual ascents and descents on completely paved surfaces.

For the first four kilometers after exiting Podgorica, there is a new, nice bike path. It goes to the bridge over the Cijevna River. From here, one can peek into the river’s extremely narrow canyon. Cyclists will then follow around four kilometers of a straight stretch with more traffic. At the village of Tuzi the stage turns onto a quiet side road with very good asphalt, that slowly climbs towards border crossing. Once over the border, the route pedals about halfway along Lake Shkodër past the village of Koplik.  

The day ends in the dynamic and adventure-loving town of Shkodër, the unofficial capital of northern Albania. It is certainly worth spending a day or two here to refuel, restock, and to take in loads of cultural offerings such as the Marubi National Museum of Photography.

 


Do you support sustainable travel?

Support Sustainability

Useful information about logistics in Montenegro

  • Capital: Podgorica
  • Language: Serbian (English and Russian are often spoken in touristic cities)
  • Currency: Euro (prepare yourself to have enough cash – it’s not always possible to pay with credit card)
  • Driving side: right
  • Calling code: +382
  • Emergency numbers: Police: 122, Firefighters: 123, Ambulance: 124, Help at sea: 129, Unique European emergency number: 112
  • The biggest towns close to Trans Dinarica: Žabljak, Mojkovac, Berane
  • Airports: Podgorica, Tivat, and Tirana (Albania)
  • Buses in Montenegro
  • Trains in Montenegro
  • Taxis in the capital: PG Taxi 19704, Naš Taxi 19709, E Taxi 19789, Lider 19775
  • Ferry/catamaran: Budva- Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Bar- Bari (Italy)
  • Popular cruise locations: Skadar Lake National Park and Bay of Kotor
  • National tourist organization

Montenegro is a hidden gem for cycling enthusiasts, particularly those looking to explore the stunning Trans Dinarica route. To get to Montenegro, tourists can fly into the country via Podgorica or Tivat airports, or opt for Tirana, Albania, which is a viable alternative. Upon arrival, renting a car or utilizing local transport services can help you reach key towns close to the Trans Dinarica route, such as Žabljak, Mojkovac, and Berane. These towns serve as excellent starting points for your cycling adventure. For those arriving by sea, there are convenient ferry and catamaran connections, such as the Budva to Dubrovnik (Croatia) route, and the Bar to Bari (Italy) route. Montenegro’s stunning landscapes aren’t limited to its inland routes; popular cruise locations like Skadar Lake National Park and the Bay of Kotor offer breathtaking scenery and opportunities for relaxation after your cycling excursions. Whether you arrive by air, land, or sea, Montenegro promises a memorable experience.

Getting around by land:

While buses are a common mode of transport, their punctuality can be quite unreliable, especially during the high tourist season in summer. The southern part of the country often experiences traffic jams, leading to delays. Despite this, buses remain a viable option for budget travelers who can afford a bit of flexibility in their schedules.

Taxis present a more dependable alternative, especially in the capital city of Podgorica and the northern regions. In these areas, taxis are relatively affordable, providing a convenient means of transport for tourists. However, in the coastal part of Montenegro, taxi services tend to be more expensive due to higher demand during the tourist season. Nonetheless, for short trips or when punctuality is crucial, taxis are a practical solution.

For those interested in train travel, Montenegro offers a scenic yet often unpredictable experience. The train network connects Podgorica to several key locations. The coastal town of Bar can be reached via a train that makes a stop in the charming fishing village of Virpazar. In the north, the train route extends to Bijelo Polje, with stops in Mojkovac, providing access to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Another route from Podgorica heads to Nikšić, stopping in Danilovgrad. Though the trains are not always on schedule, they are an economical way to travel and offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Montenegro, making the journey itself a memorable part of the adventure.

Ready to get navigation/information pack?

Navigation Pack

You might also like ...

Feeling overwhelmed with travel planning?

Leave this time-consuming and stressful task to professional tour operator companies that we suggest and just enjoy the tour.

Ask a professional

Supported by

This web page was produced by Good Place and is developed with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the regional Economic Development, Governance and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project.
The contents are responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Trans Dinarica