✓ History

Crkvice Austro-Hungarian Plateau Tour

Ride from the hills above Herceg Novi to Crkvice, the forgotten Austro-Hungarian garrison town high on the karst below Mount Orjen.

About this tour

The Crkvice Quad Tour from Herceg Novi starts in Kameno, a village in the hills above Herceg Novi, and climbs into the karst world of the Krivošije region below Mount Orjen. The destination is Crkvice, a high plateau at about 1,100 m that tells one of the most surprising stories in Montenegro.

In the 19th century Austria-Hungary turned Crkvice into a major military base guarding the Bay of Kotor. More than 150 buildings were built here, including barracks, the forts Kom and Stražnik, a bakery, a hotel and even a cinema, and up to 10,000 people once lived on the plateau. Today the settlement is almost empty, and the stone ruins stand quietly among meadows and forest. Crkvice is also known as the wettest inhabited place in Europe.

The ride follows old military roads and gravel tracks with plenty of stops for photos and for the stories of the plateau. It is a great half-day adventure for anyone staying in Herceg Novi, Igalo or elsewhere on the western side of Boka Bay.

Austro-Hungarian garrison
Plateau at about 1,100 m
Old military roads
Mountain photo stops

Itinerary

Times are approximate. The pace, the stops and the exact route are adjusted to the group and to the weather and trail conditions on the day.

00:00

Meeting point & safety briefing

Meet your guide in Kameno, get your helmet and a short introduction to your quad.

00:15

Into the hills

Leave the coast behind and climb mountain roads through the villages above Herceg Novi.

00:50

Krivošije karst

Ride across the rocky plateaux of Krivošije with views towards Orjen.

01:20

Crkvice plateau

Explore the Austro-Hungarian barracks and ruins of the old garrison town.

02:10

Viewpoints on the way back

Stops at the best viewpoints on the ride back towards the bay.

03:00

Back in Kameno

Return to the meeting point.

What our riders say

Peter N.

★★★★★

“An incredible place. We had no idea a whole Austro-Hungarian town was hidden up in the mountains. Great guide and stories.”

Ana R.

★★★★★

“Beautiful ride, fresh mountain air and fascinating ruins. The perfect break from the beach in Herceg Novi.”

Jonas W.

★★★★★

“Well organised and safe. The views over the karst were amazing and the pace was just right for us.”

Frequently asked questions

A high plateau below Mount Orjen where Austria-Hungary built a large military base in the 19th century, with barracks, forts and even a cinema. Today it is almost uninhabited.

In Kameno, a village above Herceg Novi. Your guide confirms the exact meeting point after booking.

About 3 hours including stops. The exact time depends on the group and the conditions on the day.

Yes. The pace is adjusted to the group and every tour starts with a short introduction to the quad.

Closed shoes, long trousers and a light jacket, because it is cooler in the mountains than on the coast. Helmets are provided.

The driver must be at least 18 and hold a valid car (category B) driving licence. Passengers do not need a licence.

Price on request per quad

Tour details

  • DurationAbout 3 hours
  • DistanceAbout 45 km
  • RouteKameno – Crkvice
  • StartKameno, above Herceg Novi
  • VehiclesQuad
  • Tour typeHistory & mountains
  • Driver18+ with car licence
  • PriceOn request

What’s included

  • Quad
  • Helmet
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Fuel
  • Short driving introduction
  • Photo stops

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothes & closed shoes
  • A light jacket for the mountains
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen & water
  • Driving licence (driver)
  • Camera or phone

Need help?

Questions about the route, vehicles, dates or groups? We reply fast on WhatsApp.