Niksic is a fascinating city in Montenegró with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery. Whether interested in history, nature, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, Nikšić has something for everyone. It has a population of around 70,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the country after the capital, Podgorica.
This city has a lot to offer, but visitors often skip it, continuing further to the country’s coast. But it should be found in your must-visit places when visiting Montenegro. These are our suggestions for a one—day itinerary for Nikšić.
Have a rich breakfast at Caffe Piazza
To prepare for a day full of fun activities, we suggest you have a plentiful breakfast before you go. Cafe Piazza is a cozy café serving various breakfast dishes, including croissants, sandwiches, and omelets. They also serve delicious coffee and freshly squeezed juice. Two beautiful terraces, one in the background, a sheltered garden and one terrace that look out at the main street are a favorite location of the citizens and visitors of Nikšić.
Climb the Onogošt Fortress – Town’s Ramparts
After charging your batteries, you can start your day by climbing the Onogošt Fortress atop a hill overlooking the town. This is one of the region’s most important historical monuments and is believed to have been built during the Roman era, around the 4th century A.D. The Fortress played an important role in defending the area against invading armies throughout history. Local rulers also used the Fortress as a residence during the medieval period
Nowadays, Onogošt Fortress is a popular tourist attraction open to the public for exploration. Visitors can climb to the top of the Fortress and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Fortress also hosts cultural events and concerts during the summer months. And during September, a rock festival called “Bedem Fest” is organized at the location.
Learn about the cultural heritage of the city.
After the Fortress, you can continue your tour by learning more about the town’s history. Start with the castle of King Nikola, which is the trademark of the valuable cultural heritage of Niksic and Montenegro. This representative building was built for the needs of the Montenegrin court in 1890.
After the First World War, the castle was a primary school and then a high school until 1957, when it became the City Museum. Since then, the building has housed the Native Museum, City Library, Gallery, and Archives. The museum is of the native-complex type. Its special value is the archaeological collection from the prehistoric site Red Rock. Those exhibits refer to the period between 180,000 years and the first millennium B.C. Apart from this are collections related to antiquity, the Middle Ages, wars of liberation, and an ethnological collection.
The City’s Museum in Nikšić is an important cultural institution in Montenegro and a must-visit site for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about the rich and diverse history of Nikšić and the surrounding area.
The working hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Explore the biggest estavelle in the Balkans – Gornjepoljski vir – Gornjepolje Spring
If you’re up for spicing up your adventure, you can go to Gornje Polje, where you will encounter a miracle of nature.
Gornjepoljski Vir (gor-nye-pol-ski veer ) is a natural spring, the hidden gem of Niksic and the whole of Montenegro. Proclaimed a natural monument, many citizens do not even know about its existence.
Gornjepoljski vir is an estavelle, a hydrological object that functions as a spring and an abyss, depending on how much water reaches it from its hinterland. According to its dimensions, this is the largest estavelle in the Dinarides. It is circular, with a diameter of almost 100 m and a depth of about 70 m. During the summer, it functions as an abyss (water from Sušica sinks into it) when there are reduced inflows from its hinterland. During the rest of the year, it is a spring providing water to river Sušica.
The estavelle is in a remote and unspoiled area, surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountains. The water flows out of the rocks at a constant temperature. The water is believed to be rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.
Visitors to Gornjepoljski Vir can enjoy hiking, exploring the surrounding wilderness, and indulging in refreshing scenery. The site is about 12 kilometers from the city center and can be easily reached by car.
Spend your afternoon at Trebjesa Park Forest.
After an extensive morning, rest in the green scenery of the Trebjesa. Trebjesa park forest is a beautiful and expansive forest that covers an area of approximately 1500 hectares and is known for its scenic beauty.
The forest is situated on Mount Trebjesa, rising to a height of 1,225 meters above sea level. It is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities, with several trails and paths leading through the forest and up to the mountain peak. The trails vary in difficulty, from easy walks to challenging hikes, and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to hiking, Trebjesa park forest is also a popular spot for picnics and family outings. Seated picnic areas within the forest and various playgrounds and recreational facilities exist.
One of the unique features of Trebjesa park forest is the Nikšić Brewery, which is located within the forest and produces some of Montenegro’s most popular beers – Nikšićko Beer. Visitors to the brewery can tour the facilities, learn about the brewing process, and sample some of the brewery’s products.
Overall, Trebjesa park forest is a beautiful and tranquil destination that offers its visitors a range of activities and experiences.
Enjoy your coffee time at City Square.
From Trebjesa, you can climb down directly to the city center. City Square is one of the most popular gathering places in the city, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Historic buildings surround the square, including the City Hall and the National Theatre of Nikšic. The square is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a hub of activity and commerce.
We recommend Propaganda Bar, Oktoberfest Beer House, and NK Pub. All these cafe bars are located at the city square, offering a nice view of the surroundings.
Finish off your day with a dinner
After a day full of activities, finish your day with a delicious dinner at Hotel Onogošt. The hotel’s main restaurant serves traditional Montenegrin dishes and international cuisine. Some popular dishes include grilled meats, fish dishes, and pasta. They also have a good selection of local and international wines. The hotel is close to the city center, within walking distance.
Conclusion
With its geographical location, pleasant climate, natural beauty, and cultural and historical monuments, the Niksic in Montenegró is an interesting and attractive area that has a lot to offer tourists with an interesting and rich tradition. And while for many, it is just a stopover on the way to the coast or the north of the country, Niksic certainly deserves an important place on the tourist map of Montenegró.
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