There are probably few places on earth that, in relation to their total area, have as many protected areas as Montenegro. National parks occupy one thirteenth, or 7,7 percent of the area. However, a large part of the local population does not even know what is hidden in these areas of extraordinary natural diversity and beauty and an equally rich cultural and historical heritage.
Why do we know so little about this wealth?
How many people will count for you how many monasteries and fortresses there are on Lake Skadar, all of which crowned heads left their mark, that the first printed letter in the Slovenian south was printed there on the edge of the lake, in Obod, and much more. And let's not even talk about the colorful birds.
NP Lovćen, Photo: "Vijesti" Archive
Many have only learned from an advertisement that the Tara bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower, and they will only hear about where and how the water of the Black Lake flows if they ask a good geography professor.
How many of us will count the stairs of Lovcen going to pay homage to the great poet or just find out that Biogradska gora has not been protected since the day before yesterday, but the last sovereign from the Petrović family, Prince Nikola, declared that area off-limits more than a century ago, in which even today a quarter of the area is a rainforest reserve.
The youngest national park, Prokletije, has yet to be talked about. So far, most people would have thought that the pictures of the virtuous Prokleti and the slopes that lie beneath them were created in the Alps rather than in our neighborhood.
Why do we go to our national parks a little, and mostly to take pictures next to famous places, set up a barbecue and leave packaging. Our lack of habit of going to nature for its own sake is to blame for that, as well as the price of tickets and everything that should be paid in those protected areas.
Damn, Photo: Damira Kalač
Picking blackberries is also paid
If a man decided to visit our national parks in a few days, let's say a week, and try the most interesting ones on offer, he would need at least as much as for one attractive arrangement in Turkey or Greece.
Entrance fees are: one euro in Prokletije, two in Lovcen, three in Biogradska gora and Durmitor, and four in NP Skaradrsko jezero. And once you've already entered the park, you'd have to pay a lot more if you want to try it.
Zminje jezero, Durmitor, Photo: Damira Kalač
Only a few prices, for the sake of illustration. Parking for a passenger car for the day costs two euros, for a caravan three or if you prefer a bungalow 40 euros.
You also have an alternative - pay three or five euros, depending on the size, and pitch the tent. Renting a bicycle for the day costs seven euros, and those who want to cross the park in an SUV will pay 20 euros for each jeep. If, like the majority of the population, you do not know the relief of the parks and you need a guide, his company will cost you 100 euros per day (eight hours). Sometimes it's cold in the forest or you feel like grilling, so you have to light a fire, for burning in organized places, I guess it's forbidden in other places, you need a "permit" of five euros.
Those who are willing to disturb their adrenaline and senses will have to shell out a decent amount for that. Depending on the tour, rafting on Tara costs up to 300 euros. You will pay 20 euros for each day of fishing on the Black Lake or the Tear of Europe. Since Lake Skadar is one of the most picturesque bird habitats on the Old Continent, you should definitely visit the famous ornithological reserve Pančevo oko. An organized visit to that reserve for three to five people costs 280 euros.
Biograd Lake, Photo: "Vijesti" Archive
At the end of the price list and something that is least expected. A permit for picking and collecting forest fruits, mushrooms, medicinal and aromatic plants costs five euros for the day, ten times more for the year, so if you want a handful of strawberries or blueberries or a bouquet of St. John's wort, keep the price list in mind.
Of course, entrance to and walking around national parks everywhere in the world is paid for, and much more expensive than in our country, but the prices could be much more affordable, at least for the neighbors of the parks, that is, for the local population, even with the obligation not to do business for "let it be clean".
In the printed edition of "Vijesti" for June 22, read:
- The director of NP says that national parks are for the national economy
- National Park Durmitor offers guests little - there is no place to drink water on the Black Lake
- Entrance to Lovćen National Park is free, but the rest is not cheap
- ON Lake Skadar, private individuals profit
- On Biogradska Gora, food and drinks are affordable, and active vacations are popular
Bonus video:
