Mount Ostrog

Mount Ostrog is a monastery and site of pilgrimage in Central Montenegro. == Understand == It is a monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church situated high up against an almost vertical background rock from which there is a beautiful view of the valley. Ostrog monastery is one of the most frequently visited in the Balkans and the most popular pilgrimage place in Montenegro. It represents the meeting place of all confessions: the Orthodox, the Catholics and the Muslims. According to the stories of pilgrims, by praying by his body, many have been cured and helped in lessening the difficulties in their lives. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, who was buried here. It is traditional for pilgrims to walk the 3 km from the lower monastery to the upper monastery barefoot. Before entering the Church of the Presentation to pray before Saint Basil of Ostrog, pilgrims make a donation of clothing, blankets or consumables like soap for the monks. It is a great experience to stay here overnight, e.g. in the Monastery's own hostel. == Get in == === By train === The monastery is not far from the rail line that links Podgorica with Nikšić. Trains are rather infrequent (5 per day, each way), so you should plan accordingly by talking into account the walking time between the station and the monastery. Official timetable is found here. Train ticket from Podgorica is €2.40. Get off at Ostrog station (about 45 minutes from Podgorica) and follow the path that crosses the rail line 200 m away. From there take a left and follow the hiking path with signs "Ostrog" or "ОСТРОГ". The hike is 2 km to the lower monastery and main car park, and 3.5 km to the upper monastery. The hike up is pretty steep but manageable, the path goes through a beautiful forest with plenty of shade. It is fairly steep and rocky for about 1.2km until it joins the road to the lower monastery. The path between the two monasteries is mostly steps cut into the rocks, so steep but less technical. On the way back, if you are fairly fit it should be enough to allow 90 minutes from the upper monastery and 60 minutes from the lower to catch your train. You won't be able to buy a ticket back at Ostrog station, but the train conductor will sell you one on board. === By bus === You can take a bus to Nikšić, they run from Podgorica or from Budva via Podgorica. Tell the driver you are going to the Ostrog Monastery, he will stop in the correct place. From there, you can take a cab for around €10, you can bargain, or hike. It is 8 km of a beautiful walk. It is not difficult as there is a car road, but not recommended when it is very warm. The final part of the way are stone stairs. == Get around == Everything is walkable, but there are shuttles from the main parking near the hostel to the entrance of the monastery. == See and do == The most interesting thing here is the monastery placed at Mount Ostrog. == Buy == All the usual religious items can be bought at the monastery. == Eat == Eating options are few, but surprisingly good. Aprt from regular restaurants, the monastery provides food for the people staying in their hostel. Kolibe (in the town of Bogetici near the bottom of the mountain), ☏ +382 67 88 81 89. Serves tasty Montenegrin dishes in a scenic restaurant overlooking the valley; accommodation is available too. Kafe Restoran Sv Petka Ostrog (in the immediate area of the monastery, hemmed in between shops selling religious nicknacks). It has traditional food, salads, and burgers Restoran Tvrdos (in the immediate area of the monastery, hemmed in between shops selling religious nicknacks). Offers diners a pleasant outdoor seating area and grilled dishes. On a Wednesday afternoon in late September, there was no food on sale at the lower monastery and only vending machines at the upper, so it may be worth bringing some food. == Drink == == Sleep == 1 Ostrog Monastery's Hostel, Bogetići bb, 81400 Niksic, ☏ +382 20811133, +382 20811040, +382 68330336, office@mostrog.me. This is a great way to have an authentic local experience. The monastery has clean single-sex dorms (29 rooms with 210 beds in total). In case of few guests, they will allow couples to use a single dormitory room together. Additionally, food is provided on donation basis. They also have WiFi. €5 per person. Kolibe (in the town of Bogetici near the bottom of the mountain), ☏ +382 67 88 81 89. The motel consists of bungalows i.e. apartments and rooms. There are 5 bungalows and eight rooms. The bungalows were built of wood. They are equipped with: air-conditioner, mini bar, internet, SAT TV. Two bungalows have four beds and three are with five beds. Two triple rooms and six twin rooms are situated above the restaurant. They are equipped with air conditioner and SAT TV. The bathrooms are not in the rooms, but separated in the hall. Also, automobile race, cycling are organized near the motel. Hotel Sokoline (a few km from the bottom of the monastery in the direction of Podgorica), ☏ +382 69 31 86 06. 4-star hotel, rooms with view on the valley. Its restaurant and café of the hotel are open to everyone. It has a beautiful view of the valley and of the monastery from a distance, and good food at reasonable prices. (updated Jun 2022) == Go next == Žabljak – For hiking to the Black Lake Podgorica – As a jump-off point to other destinations along the coast or northeast, e.g. Biogradska Nikšić – As a jump-off point to Kotor, Žabljak or Bosnia