thetrainfamilyMontenegro’s second-largest city, Niksic, is a place brimming with opportunities waiting to be discovered. While it wasn’t initially on our itinerary, we decided to pay Niksic a visit after learning about the picturesque train ride to the city and the lovely bathing lake close to its center. As avid nature enthusiasts, our goal was to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty, even though our mode of transportation is trains rather than renting a car during our journey.
Podgorica to Niksic by train
The train journey from Podgorica to Niksic takes just over an hour, covering approximately 50 km through the stunning mountains. The tickets to the ride can only be bought at the country and not online.
The ride was scenic, and if we had not been impressed by Europe’s most beautiful train route from Uzice to Podgorica just a few days earlier, we would have been left in awe.
Getting around in Niksic
Upon arriving at Niksic, our initial impression wasn’t the most captivating. The small train station and the surrounding area didn’t seem particularly exciting. Our first task was to figure out how to reach our apartment, so we ventured to the bus station. The attendant’s limited English led to a comical exchange of head-shaking and the word “taxi.” Even a kiosk attendant endorsed the idea of taking a taxi. Coming from a place where taxis are considered a luxury, we were initially skeptical. However, our skepticism quickly faded when we discovered that the 2.2 km taxi ride to our Airbnb appartment only cost 1.75 Euros!
Lake Krupac
The following day, we set out to experience Lake Krupac. A 4 km (and 3 Euro) taxi ride took us to the entrance of the lakeside area. The location boasted a restaurant, a bar, an ice cream stand, and a café with public restroom facilities. Shade-providing trees near the lake were important to us, and Lake Krupac did not disappoint. With its stunning mountain views, clear velvety freshwater, and strategically placed trees, it was an ideal spot for a serene day of swimming and relaxation. Near the beach is a camp site and a big, new playground.
Exploring the city center of Niksic
Our positive experience continued as we explored the city itself. We visited the following places:
Bedem Fortress, built upon the remnants of a Roman fort, later reconstructed by the Ottomans in 1700-1705. The fortress now hosts cultural events. Although intriguing, it became evident that the place had untapped potential. Graffiti covered the old stone walls, and broken glass scattered around indicated that the location doubled as a party spot.
A short distance from the city center, we encountered a “spomenik,” a memorial commemorating patriots and anti-fascists shot by the Germans during World War II. The brutalist-style monument was thought-provoking.
on our walk from the Spomenik, we came to the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog, whose interor we unfortunately could not admired due to an ongoing wedding ceremony.
We spent a considerable amount of time at the nearby cemetery, where graves adorned with red stars, hammers, and sickles, as well as statues of partisans with rifles, told the story of the city’s history. Nearby, we accidental discovered the Lapidarium, an arrangement of tombstones from the 13th to 15th centuries, which added yet another historical depth to our visit.
In the heart of the city, we strolled down the pedestrian street to the central square, featuring the statue of King Nikola on horseback and the statue of a famous partisan.
We glimpsed the House of the Revolution. The construction of the building began during the Yugoslav era, but it was never finished. It is now partially demolished and a remaining part is a café.
Niksic, with its 90% Orthodox Christian population, revealed only a few traces of its Muslim heritage. The sole reminder was the city’s small mosque from 1804.
Is Niksic worth a visit?
Despite the language barrier, the city’s residents were incredibly friendly and hospitable. We were even invited to share food and drinks at an outdoor gathering, we passed by just outside the city center.
Niksic is a hidden treasure in Montenegro that’s well worth a visit. From the stunning lake to the city’s historical sites, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, Niksic has something unique to offer to every traveler passing through these parts.
