Herceg Novi, situated right at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, is celebrated as the city of sunshine, stone stairways, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. While most visitors focus their stay on the coastal promenades, historic fortresses, and beaches, the true highlight of this region lies just behind the shoreline, where the mighty Mount Orjen rises abruptly above the sea. Combining coastal sea breezes with high-mountain scenery, this area makes for an exceptional day-trip driving destination.
Exploring Herceg Novi and its mountainous hinterland via public transport is highly restricted, as local buses only operate along the coastal highway with no transit reaching the mountain villages or lookouts. Renting a reliable and capable vehicle from our fleet allows you to travel from the sea waves to dense beech forests and crisp mountain air over 1,000 meters above sea level in just 30 minutes.
Your driving adventure begins in the historic heart of Herceg Novi. The town features distinct architecture and a rich heritage guarded by three formidable fortresses: Forte Mare, Kanli Kula, and Španjola.
We recommend parking your vehicle in one of the central public parking lots (such as near Dvorana Park or below the main highway) and taking a walk up to Herceg Stjepan Square (Belavista) and the Clock Tower. After exploring the cobblestone streets and enjoying a morning coffee at the Škver marina, you are ready to start your climb into the hinterland.
Driving Tip: Departing the town center toward the mountains involves taking the junction off the M-2 highway toward the Podi neighborhood and Kameno village. Be mindful of steep inclines and sharper turns as you exit the city limits.
As you leave the coastal highway and ascend regional road R-12 toward Mount Orjen, expansive panoramic views open up over the Verige Strait, the Luštica Peninsula, and the open Adriatic Sea.
A short 10-to-15-minute drive from the city brings you to the village of Kameno, perched on a high karst plateau. Known for its traditional stone architecture, the area features historic sites such as the Kotobilj Spring, surrounded by pine woodlands. This is an ideal first stop for photos, offering some of the finest elevated perspectives over the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
Continuing further uphill, the paved road leads through authentic karst landscapes up to the Vrbanj Plateau (1,010 meters above sea level), the central hub of Orjen Nature Park. Access by car is smooth and fully asphalted.
Located on the plateau is Vrbanj Adventure Park, one of the region’s premier outdoor obstacle parks featuring canopy courses for both adults and children. Beyond the adventure park, Vrbanj serves as the trailhead for numerous marked hiking paths leading toward Mount Orjen’s highest peaks (such as Subra and Veliki Kabao). Here, visitors can enjoy forest walks, mountain biking, or a rustic meal at the mountain lodge serving local stews, slow-roasted meats, and artisan cheeses.
Driving from Herceg Novi up to Mount Orjen provides a seamless transition from Mediterranean scenery to alpine terrain, but requires careful driving on mountain roads:
Pacing on Mountain Inclines: Regional road R-12 from Podi toward Kameno and Vrbanj features steady inclines and hairpin turns. Drive at a moderate pace and maintain an appropriate gear to avoid overusing your brakes on the descent back to the coast.
Temperature Drops: Keep in mind that temperatures on the Vrbanj plateau can be 8–10°C cooler than at sea level in Herceg Novi. Always bring a light jacket or extra layers, even during peak summer months.
Refuel Early: Fill your fuel tank at gas stations along the coastal highway in Herceg Novi or Zelenica before heading up, as there are no fueling stations in the mountain villages.
Before setting off on this coast-to-mountain road trip, review our transparent rental conditions to learn more about our comprehensive insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside support. For extra navigation details and vehicle selections, visit our comprehensive FAQ page. Ready to explore Herceg Novi’s mountain hinterland? Visit our booking page to reserve your vehicle today.
A: Yes, the entire road from Herceg Novi through Podi and Kameno up to Vrbanj is fully asphalted, well-maintained, and safe for all standard passenger vehicles.
A: The drive from central Herceg Novi to Vrbanj Adventure Park takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes (covering a distance of about 20 km uphill).
A: No, an SUV or 4x4 is not mandatory. The paved road to Vrbanj is easily accessible in a standard hatchback or sedan. However, renting a compact SUV or a vehicle with a stronger engine offers added comfort and power on steep climbs.
A: Driving through and visiting the Vrbanj plateau in Orjen Nature Park is free. Fees only apply to specific activities, such as entry tickets for Vrbanj Adventure Park or hiring certified mountain guides.