Orjen is a mountain range in Montenegro, rising along the country's border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the highest range of the coastal Dinaric Alps, and its summit reaches 1,895 metres. For visitors to the Montenegrin coast, it offers a striking change of scale: a limestone massif of bare rock, forest and alpine meadow, only a short distance from the sea.
What a visit offers
The main draw is walking. Orjen is known for its hiking trails, which lead through pristine forests and open alpine meadows. Paths of this kind suit anyone who enjoys a full day outdoors, though the terrain is mountainous and visitors should plan their route and pace with care.
Much of the appeal lies in the views. From the higher ground, the Adriatic Sea opens out below, and so does the Bay of Kotor. Seeing the coastline and the water laid out beneath a mountain landscape is one of the range's defining experiences.
Planning your visit
- Setting: Orjen sits on the Montenegrin side of the Dinaric Alps, close to the coast and to the Bay of Kotor.
- Who it suits: Hikers, walkers and anyone interested in mountain scenery and wild, forested landscapes.
- What to bring: Sturdy footwear, water and clothing suitable for mountain weather, which can differ sharply from conditions at sea level.
- Combining it with the coast: A day in the hills can be paired with time on the shore, since the range looks directly over the sea.
