Montenegro's north is a different country from its coast — a high plateau of black pine forests, glacial lakes, and a canyon that drops deeper than the Grand Canyon. Getting there on your own schedule, in your own car, is the only way to do the journey justice.
The Route in Brief
The Tara Canyon and Durmitor National Park both sit near the town of Žabljak, roughly 1,500 metres above sea level. From the main coastal resorts the driving distance is about 160–180 km, but the altitude gain and mountain bends mean the journey takes around two and a half to three hours without stops — longer if you linger, which you will.
There are two practical routes north depending on where you start.
From Budva or Kotor: via Podgorica
The most travelled option is to head inland through the Sozina tunnel (a modest toll applies) to Podgorica, then take the E65/M4 north through Kolašin. This road follows the Morača Canyon for much of its length — dramatic in its own right — before climbing onto the Durmitor plateau. The toll tunnel saves roughly 20 minutes compared to the coastal switchbacks over Lovćen.
From Kotor or Herceg Novi: ferry shortcut
If you are starting from the northern part of the Bay of Kotor, the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry cuts across the bay and saves a 30-minute drive around it. After the ferry, pick up the road toward Podgorica and continue as above.
Podgorica to Žabljak
From Podgorica, allow about two hours to Žabljak. The road through Kolašin and up into the mountains is well-maintained, scenic, and progressively quieter the further north you go. The last stretch climbs sharply — you will notice the temperature dropping and the pines closing in.
What Kind of Car Do You Need
For this trip in summer, a well-maintained compact car with decent ground clearance is genuinely sufficient for the main roads. The E65 and the approach to Žabljak are paved and in good condition.
That said, an SUV earns its keep the moment you deviate from the main road. The track down to the Tara river itself, some viewpoints inside the national park, and any side excursion toward Piva Canyon or Pivsko jezero involve unpaved or narrow sections where extra clearance is welcome. If you are planning to explore beyond Žabljak — or visiting in spring when snow can linger — an SUV is the safer choice.
Winter is a separate consideration. Snow chains or winter tyres are legally required in certain conditions in Montenegro. See the winter driving guide for specifics before travelling between October and April.
Browse the full Montrent fleet to compare options, or filter by SUV class if ground clearance is a priority.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
The concrete arch bridge over the Tara river is one of the most photographed structures in the Balkans. Built in 1940, it spans about 365 metres and stands roughly 172 metres above the river — numbers that mean more once you are standing on it looking down. There is a small car park on the eastern approach; stop here and walk out onto the bridge.
For those who want more than the view, bungee jumping from the bridge is offered seasonally by local operators. If that is not your style, the canyon itself is accessible by a rough road from the bridge down to the river, where a small beach and some rafting put-in points sit at the base of the gorge.
Durmitor National Park
The park covers around 390 square kilometres of karst plateau, glacial lakes, and peaks above 2,500 metres. A national park entrance fee is payable at the gate; check the current rate on arrival.
Black Lake (Crno jezero)
The most visited spot in the park is Black Lake, a short walk or drive from Žabljak's centre. The trail around the lake takes about an hour and is easy underfoot in summer. The larger of the two lake basins reflects the surrounding forest and Meded peak in still weather — it is a genuinely striking scene without being overrun.
Žabljak town
The town is small but functional — fuel stations, supermarkets, accommodation in all categories, and several restaurants serving Montenegrin highland food (lamb, smoked meats, kajmak). Fill up the tank here before heading into the park; petrol stops thin out quickly once you leave town.
Sedlo Pass and the peaks
The road through Sedlo Pass (about 1,907 m) runs across the plateau and gives access to viewpoints over the main massif. In clear weather the panorama covers a large part of northern Montenegro. The road is paved but narrow in places; oncoming vehicles require slow, patient passing.
Mountain Driving Tips
A few practical points for drivers who are not accustomed to Balkan mountain roads:
- Use low gears on long descents. Engine braking protects your brakes on the extended downhill sections between the plateau and the coast.
- Overtaking requires patience. Mountain roads have limited visibility around bends. Wait for a marked overtaking zone.
- Fuel up before the climb. There are petrol stations in Kolašin; after that, options are limited until Žabljak.
- Check weather before departure. Mountain fog and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. An early morning start gives you cleaner conditions and better light for photography.
- Wildlife on the road. Deer and other animals cross at dusk and dawn, particularly on the quieter northern sections.
For a broader primer on road rules, signage, and speed limits, the driving in Montenegro guide is a good starting reference.
Combining It with Other Stops
The northern route rewards an unhurried two- or three-day trip rather than a rushed day return. A natural itinerary pairs Durmitor with a night in Žabljak, then continues west to the Piva Canyon and Plužine before looping back south via Nikšić. Alternatively, combine the drive north with the coastal scenery covered in the Montenegro coast road trip for a fuller circuit of the country.
If you are building a longer itinerary, the Montenegro 7-day road trip guide maps out a full circuit that includes both the coast and the north.
For pick-up options, Montrent has locations near both the coast and Podgorica — so you can begin the trip wherever it suits your schedule. Browse available cars and book the right vehicle before the trip rather than on the day. The north of Montenegro is worth the preparation.