10 places to explore in Montenegro.

10 things to see in Montenegro.

10 Things to see in Niksic.

Please note that, for obvious reasons, many of these pictures are not mine, but the original location IS given in full - if this breaks copyright conditions, please let me know and I will take them down immediately.

Zupci
1
Zupci - This line of jagged peaks looking like teeth (the name means teeth) is seemingly impossible to climb, while most of the surrounding peaks are very accessible. The peak of Bandijerna is very close (which is worth a climb), but apart from the lowest "tooth", the other peaks of Zupci require climbing equipment, as far as I could make out. However, they are very photogenic.
2
Mt. Zla Kolata - Although I have climbed a couple of times in the Prokletije Mountains, they were relatively tame ascents, so I am looking forward to climbing Montenegro's highest peak, right on the Albanian border (2534m). The area is full of very rugged peaks many of which are more than 1km in elevation change. Also, there are many guesthouses in convenient locations for attacking these mountains. Unfortunately the last time I ventured there, during an otherwise dry summer, it rained almost every day. Picture from http://images.summitpost.org/original/141302.jpg
Zla Kolata
Nevidio Canyon
3
Nevidio canyon - until surprisingly recently this canyon had not been fully explored. Even now, it is only passable through the waters of the River Komarnica. The most famous view of this canyon is of the entrance to the canyon, with its bridge high above the river. The picture shown is a few hundred metres beyond the entrance, before it became dangerous. The tour of the entire canyon is recommended only with a guide and is possible only with ropes and wetsuit.
4
Surdup is a little-known canyon (now dry most of the time, as far as I am aware) leading from the Krnovo Plain down towards the village of Praga. I could not find any good pictures of this place. The walk through the canyon would involve taking two cars and parking at opposite ends of the canyon and this small amount of logistics seems to be beyond me so far! Generally Krnovo is a great starting point for more gentle hikes, and the windfarm has increased accessibility by car.
Surdup, Krnovo
Subra Amphitheatre
5
Subra Amphitheatre - an intriguing natural amphitheatre in the Orjen range, in an area which has the highest precipitation in Europe, but where there are very little access to water. Natural dangers include posionous snakes, lightning strikes and the aforementioned lack of water. While I have climbed to the highest peak of Orjen, accessed from Crkvice, and have climbed one of the seaward peaks, this peak remains out of easy range for a daytrip. Picture from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5649230
6
Grlja gorge - a very narrow canyon hidden in the far corner of Montenegro near the Albanian border, not far from Gusinje. The canyon is irregularly shaped along its length generally without straight sides down. This is definitely a trip only to be experienced with a good guide and mountaineering equipment. Half-way along it is a waterfall, and there are several naturally formed rock bridges along it. I have explored some of the area around here, but never this canyon itself. Picture from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/16359582
Grlja Gorge
Kom Mountains
7
Kom Mountains (Komovi) - I must admit to not knowing much about these mountains, nor having seen much of them. I drove through them once from Andrijevica to Kolašin, but I don't really know which part to go to. Any advice? One of the problems is that, being based in Nikšić, they are just out of range for daytrips. Picture from www.planinarskogorica.co.me/nnnn/Komovi7.jpg
8
Piva Mountains with the remote mountain Lake Trnovac beside Mt. Maglić in the Piva region of Montenegro near its border with Bosnia & Herzegovina are a really magical place. Having planned for the last 12 years to go there, I finally managed it, and it didn't disappoint in the slightest. However, be prepared for a climb in excess of 1,000m. The trailhead for the most interesting part is near the village of Mratinje, in the settlement of Ćalasani, which is where the road ends.
Lake Trnovac & Mt.Maglic
Doclea
9
Doclea (Duklja) - an ancient archaeological site just a stone's throw from Podgorica, with partially restored Roman architecture. In the course of my professional work, I have read a lot of literature about this place and seen some underwhelming pictures of stone columns strewn around overgrown grassland. However, because of its historical importance, it is at least worth a look. Picture from http://www.montenegro.travel/scms/media.php/12848/Diklja%20%20001.jpg
10
Bablji zub - Grandmother's tooth, the name means, not to be confused with Babin zub, the highest peak of Mt. Maganik. This is part of the high plateau of Sinjajevina, although often designated part of the Morača Mountains. I have made two attempts to find a path up the southern face of this mountain, without success (there is a marked path from the north, but this is more convenient when coming from Podgorica, rather than Nikšić).
Bablji zub