Discover Montenegro - Foreword

Many myths, legends, and unexplained theories surround the origin of the mysterious name “Crna Gora” (Black Mountain). There are mountains—mostly, in fact—but none of them are really black; they are more gray and green, and they also appear extremely inviting.

Lord Byron, an 18th-century British poet, wrote about Montenegro: “When the pearls of nature were sown, this country received a handful of them.”

The official advertising slogans could not sound more cosmopolitan, inviting, and descriptive: “Pearl of the Adriatic” or “Wild Beauty”—these few words say almost everything about the small state. Montenegro is a landscape jewel almost without blemish, a country full of contradictions and contrasts, with rough edges, yet certainly one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.

It is a country of records, superlatives, and extremes. Europe's southernmost fjord and deepest gorge, as well as one of the continent's oldest primeval forests, are located here. It has the largest share of the Balkans' largest inland lake and boasts the longest beach on the Adriatic. It is home to Europe's largest bird sanctuary and has the highest rainfall. The almost 300-kilometer-long coastal landscape with the unique Bay of Kotor, with its countless beautiful bathing bays framed by rugged cliffs and long sandy beaches, is certainly one of the most atmospheric and fascinating in the world.

Nowhere else on the Adriatic is the sea a deeper blue and the water as crystal clear as here. But you won't find solitude here, because historic cities and lively towns, whose fabulous architecture has been shaped by wealthy merchants, captains, and sailors over the centuries, line the bustling stretches of coastline in front of the impressive cliffs of the coastal mountains. Five national parks, each as different as can be, protect an incredibly rich and, in some cases, rare flora and fauna across an area of 126,250 hectares. The forests are home to wild brown bears and deer, which are rarely seen. A fantastic and truly magnificent high mountain range with bizarre limestone formations, the cleanest mountain rivers, idyllic and secluded glacial and mountain lakes, impressive gorges and canyons is unparalleled. Montenegro is a great hiking and climbing paradise and has one of the most extensive networks of marked trails that a country of this size can boast. It was not a difficult decision for UNESCO to award its valuable designation twice.

So much beauty and individuality requires space, and the small country gains this through its altitude, as none in Europe is higher on average. Over two-thirds of the country's surface area is above 1,000 meters. In a country where the paths mostly lead upwards, many of the significant cultural monuments are found on the vast high plateaus or peaks of the countless mountains and mountain ranges.

This small Western Balkan country has one of the most fascinating and eventful histories in Southern Europe. Its historical past stretches back thousands of years. Some areas were already settled in the pre-Christian era, and all the major powers, influential tribes, and peoples left behind impressive evidence of their time. The country had to go through a long and bitter history of development before all religions and peoples could live together here without conflict. The circumstances of the past made Montenegro's population something very special—as did their country.

The people here are unique and rugged, yet full of character. They possess a rough and wild pride, are obsessed with a pronounced desire for freedom, and at the same time radiate enormous kindness. Montenegrins value and revere their ancient customs, which they vehemently pass on. Ancient rites have been preserved to this day, especially in the mountain regions. The people there still live as they did a hundred or two hundred years ago. This is in stark contrast to the modern and contemporary hustle and bustle of the capital and the coastal region. At the same time, these people are characterized by a typically southern European way of life. They are not only extremely cheerful, cosmopolitan, and sociable, but also exceptionally warm and almost unmatched in their friendliness and helpfulness toward strangers.

Unfortunately, however, Montenegro does not only have achievements to boast about. It is one of the poorest countries in Europe in terms of economic figures. Despite independence and reforms, the traces of its political past continue to be felt in the present day, and corruption and nepotism are still omnipresent and dominate everyday domestic politics. It should be mentioned that the tiny former Yugoslav state also has a long history of tourism. As early as the 1970s and 1980s, the Balkan country was a popular destination for Western Europeans, although tourism at that time was limited to the coastal regions. Unlike the still unspoiled mountain regions, the country can no longer be described as an insider tip. Natural disasters, wars, and ultimately the process of self-discovery set Montenegro back decades in its tourism development. Much has been achieved in the meantime, and the country's tourist future is secure. The small state is taking great strides toward a brilliant career. With its resources, Montenegro has incredible potential to become a top destination among the travel countries of the Western Balkans. The government's targeted support and strict control to keep tourism development within reasonable limits and protect Montenegro's diverse landscape and nature are a prerequisite. Now is still the ideal time to discover and get to know this extraordinary and wonderful corner of the world before mass tourism and package holidaymakers completely take it over.

The Serbian poet Nenadović aptly said: “I am amazed that the sun sets here. You won't find such beauty anywhere else.”