Untouched natural landscapes, fresh air, the view from the Njegoš Mausoleum plateau of the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, and high mountain peaks are just a fraction of the reasons why many never forget the Lovćen National Park (NP).
Because of this, tourists from different parts of the world visited the park, and according to the director, Kate Varagic and security guard Lazar Radović, the cultural and historical heritage of Lovćen fascinates all visitors. In one day on Lovćen, they claim, you can experience up to three seasons. They emphasize, however, that the beauty of Lovćen should be taken care of and invested in its preservation.
Varagić recalls that Lovćen received national park status in 1952 and adds that she took on the leadership position "unexpectedly".
"At the end of last September, because NP Lovćen had no manager in the sense of a director for two years. The park was in a difficult state in terms of administrative operations and affairs, but in the last seven months that segment has been significantly improved. Tourists come to us from different parts of the world, for example from the Isle of Man, which I personally have never heard of. There are visitors from Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom... Tourists are delighted with nature, and we can influence its preservation."
However, although tourists are mostly delighted with the Lovćen National Park, problems and complaints still exist, claims Varagić.
"Tourists have complaints about the signage and marking of trails. Some trails are not well marked. They also say that the regional road is not ideally marked," she said.
Varagić notes that investments must be made in natural resources, which "must not be taken for granted." He also claims that it is wrong for domestic visitors to complain about the three-euro ticket price.
"Our biggest income comes from ticket sales. However, that money doesn't go into our pockets, but is invested in the park. Our citizens don't understand that. They always protest against the entrance fee to the park. Three euros is a lot for them. A foreigner never causes a problem, because they have probably experienced other countries and national parks. Entering this NP is worth those three euros. Our people cause a problem at the toll booths. If three euros is too expensive for them, they have the option of buying an annual ticket for almost 14 euros. A negligible amount, really. That's a nice birthday present...", said Varagić, adding that the local population of NP "Lovćen" does not pay the entrance fee, "but rather that the employees at the booth know that they live there."
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Adam Čunar and his partner were interrupted by "Vijesti" reporters while they were birdwatching. Originally from England, they said with a wide, sincere smile that they had only been in Montenegro for three days.
When asked what they like most, they do not hide that they are there for the nature and the landscape.
"Filled with very clean and fresh air. We really like that there is no waste in the national parks. It's great that we are here, we have no regrets," said Čunara, adding that "in addition to Lovćen, they also visited the 'Skarad Lake' National Park."
Recalling that he comes from England, Čunara claims that Montenegrin and English culture and attitudes towards nature are different.
"We visited English national parks, of which there are many. Being in nature and loving it, and having no difficulty touring it, makes us very happy and fulfilled. I must emphasize that Montenegrin national parks are more dramatic than English ones. In England, there are not many settlements and interesting structures in national parks," said Čunara.
The Frenchwoman said that Montenegro's mountainous terrain is ideal for hiking and numerous challenges. Jacque BrigitteShe does not hide the fact that she has visited several Montenegrin national parks, and that "Montenegro is a truly wonderful country."
"I visited the Biogradska Gora National Park, I'm currently on Lovćen, as you can see. I didn't miss Durmitor either. I really like this part around the Njegoš Mausoleum. I'm especially happy that there are plenty of hiking trails. I'm a big fan of hiking and have been doing it for 15 years. I've visited many hiking trails around the world," said Brigitte.
She said that she came from France, and that her sister especially liked Njegoš's mausoleum.
"I've been to other national parks in Europe. I've visited Slovakian, Slovenian, Bulgarian and, of course, French ones. Lovćen NP is very special. The view is stunning," she said.
There are exactly 461 steps leading up to the architectural masterpiece that is Njegoš's Mausoleum on Jezerski Vrh. However, on this "exhausting journey", the reporters of "Vijesti" were not alone. The murmur of elementary school students from Budva filled the spacious hallways, and the fatigue from the hike and the high altitude was quickly overcome.
NJEGOS' MAUSOLEUM AS KRYPTONITE
Even the Italian did not hide his fascination with Njegoš's mausoleum Dario MingardiAs he told reporters, he wants to present Montenegro through a series of vlogs on social networks.
"The panorama and nature of the Lovćen National Park are truly wonderful. This is, by the way, the first national park I have visited here. I come from Italy and have been here for almost a week. I want to visit many cities and parts of Montenegro," he said.
He also claims to have visited many national parks in Europe.
"But one of my favorites is the Aosta National Park. The Njegoš Mausoleum truly captivated me, as did the view of the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar... The only thing I don't like is the changeable weather," said Mingardi.
At the entrance to Njegoš's Mausoleum, between two caryatids, the responsible security guards greet and instruct visitors with a warm smile and a lot of patience. One of them, Lazar Radović, said that there are many more foreigners on Lovćen than local residents.
The attendance at the mausoleum is much better than last year, but, as he claims, it all depends on the season.
"Visits also depend a lot on the weather. If the weather is nice and sunny, the attendance is high. Rain really creates a big problem. Tourist comments are really positive. The only problem we have is the cleanliness around the road and the access. There are a few places that need constant attention when it comes to waste...", he said.
Record number of visits
Varagić told "Vijesti" that the Lovćen National Park is recording an increase in visits and revenue, pointing out that expenses for the first quarter "increased by only one percent."
"From January 1 to May 11 last year, the number of visitors was 13.959. During the same period this year, 25.780 visitors visited NP Lovćen, which means that almost double the growth is recorded. As for income for that period last year, it amounted to 43.571 euros. This year, it is 79.203 euros. I just have to emphasize that from May 1 to 16 last year, we earned 21.601 euros, and there were 6.953 visitors. This year, for that period, we have 39.624 euros, or 13.024 visitors," said Varagić, adding that almost 2.000 children visited NP "Lovćen" in March.
They will renovate the Visitor Center at Ivanova Korita by the end of 2026.
Varagić points out that the "PACON 2" project is currently being implemented, which Lovćen NP is working on with the National Parks of Montenegro, the Royal Capital of Cetinje, and the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds (CZIP).
"That project is drawing funds that are being used for the reconstruction of the Visitor Center at Ivanova Korita. It is not in a good condition, and the works are awaiting tender procedures. The works should be completed by the middle of next year," she said.
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