Montenegro got another national park in 2009 – Prokletije. The Prokletije mountains are located in the southernmost part of the Dinaric Alps, more than 40 miles from Skadar Lake, settled along the Montenegro – Albania border. There are three national parks in Prokletije—this one in Montenegro and 2 in Albania.

This grandiose mountain massif, with its beauty and uniqueness attracts attention of all visitors, especially tourists. Relief is jagged, with numerous peaks, gorges, steep slopes, alps-like river valleys and other natural phenomena. There are several zones in National Park Prokletije: Karanfilsko-Bjelicki (most rugged part of the area, with numerous peaks over 2,000 meters above sea level); Visitorsko; Zona Bogicevica; Zona Bora and Kofiljace; Stratacko-Zavojska zone.

Glacial lakes, large and small streams, springs and wells of drinking and mineral water, rivers, underground aquifers and mountain ponds will leave you breathless.

Prokletije National Park
Prokletije National Park

Importance

On the park’s territory, there are over 1,700 species of plants, representing half the flora of Montenegro, or something around 1/5 of the total Balkan flora. Abstract 40 typical plant communities. Also, the Prokletije National Park is a habitat for several endemic species. Rabbits, wolves, brown bears, lynx, wild boar, chamois and deer can all be seen in the Prokletije National Park.

Due to its complete non-contamination, rivers and lakes are rich in various kinds of animals (fish, amphibians and reptiles) as well as plant species.

Flora

The vegetation of the Prokletije is among the richest on the Balkan Peninsula and one of the main central European regions for flora. Around 1611 wild plants have been described, 50 flora species are endemic, sub-endemic and endangered. The southern edge of mountains have a sub-Mediterranean character.

Because of its altitude and its favored habitat, the range is one of the centers of arctic-alpine flora on the Balkan Peninsula. Out of 77 arctic-alpine species of former glacial flora on the Balkan Peninsula, a little over 50 species can be found in the Prokletije National Park.

Grebaje Valley, Prokletije
Grebaje Valley, Prokletije

The flora in the rocky areas of the Prokletije is particularly noteworthy, because they are rare rich and endemic species, including the Tertiary relic Amphoricarpos neumayeri. Many species of flora are either endemic or are mainly found in the Prokletije.

Cultural monuments

Many facilities are declared as monument,s due to their architectural, artistic and historical values. In Blue – old mosque from the fifteenth century and Redžepagića tower; in the village, there’s a church dedicated to St. Brezojevica; trinity from the twelfth century and the school building; in Gusinje – Vizier mosque from the eighteenth century, the tower and the church of St. Balic. George.

The traditional architecture of the area has been preserved in the form of residential houses, which were made of wood, a combination of wood and stone or only of stone.

Recreational activities

As well as in other national parks, Prokletije NP offers an unforgettable active holiday. From hiking to mountain climbing, Prokletije will amaze you with its unspoiled nature and beauty. Small places at the foot of the Prokletije offer a unique atmosphere and hospitality.

What you should not miss are: and Ali-Pasha Springs. These are two MUST VISIT places.

Lake Plav, Montenegro North
Lake Plav, Montenegro North

History of the park

Prokletije National Park has a rich cultural and historical past. In this region many civilizations and cultures have left traces. This is evidenced by the numerous sites, fortresses, churches, mosques, settlements, cemeteries, traditional architecture, beliefs, customs, ethnological motives, costumes and folklore.

The remains of settlements date from the Palaeolithic, Copper and Bronze ages, from the time of the Illyrians and the Roman Empire. From the Middle Ages, encouraged the remains of religious buildings and defences in and out of the Turks were: the rule is encouraged by many monuments oriental effects are. Significant remains from the prehistoric considered drawings carved into the rock on the hill Vizier chin and on a rock near Grbaje. Many facilities are due to their architectural, artistic and historical value declared monuments.

This area is characterised by an extremely valuable ethnographic wealth, which is reflected in the variety of folk costumes, original music, folklore, customs, and there are many home-made products and handicrafts.

Grebaje Valley, Prokletije
Grebaje Valley, Prokletije

Transport/Approach

The best way to visit the Prokletije National Park, if you do not have your own vehicle, is to use the Rent-a-Car service. Also, there are regular bus lines that you can use.

Finally, some Travel agencies offer a tour to the National Park Prokletije, which is also one of the ways that you can visit and enjoy this amazing place.

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