Warning! This route is NOT recommended for the general public! The route is difficult and dangerous! Very good physical fitness and a lot of hiking experience are required!
On May 18, 2025, the Starlight group finally completed the long-anticipated hike along the route Baltina–Bijela Skala–Čugagolina–Mala Rumija–Rumija–Manastir Mikulići.
Although the weather had threatened to ruin our plans with rain in the preceding days, our hike went ahead as planned. Nine people took part, each an experienced hiker. Since the trail is unmarked and runs directly along the ridge—at times very narrow—and with occasional immersion into cloud cover, every member of the group performed excellently. Team spirit and self-belief helped us complete this rather challenging route without incident.
This is a difficult hike and is not recommended for casual walkers.
We began in the village of Baltina (altitude 700 m), which we reached by car. Located in the Bar municipality, Baltina serves as the trailhead and lies near the base of Mala Rumija.
Bijela Skala Pass – Altitude: 900 m
Bijela Skala (White Rock) Pass lies on the Rumija ridge and forms part of the route from Baltina through Čugagolina, Mala Rumija, and Rumija to the Mikulići Monastery. It separates the Adriatic coast from the Skadar Lake basin and is the southern boundary of the Dinaric range in Montenegro.
Čugagolina Peak – Altitude: 1,297 m
Čugagolina is one of the stops on the route. Though detailed information about this peak is scarce, it offers value to hikers seeking to explore lesser-known parts of the Rumija range.
Mala Rumija – Altitude: 1,468 m
Mala Rumija is a peak in the Dinaric Alps of Montenegro. Its prominence is 36 meters. It offers stunning views and is a key point on the way to the summit of Rumija.
Rumija – Altitude: 1,594 m
Rumija is the highest point of the hike and marks the natural barrier between the Adriatic coast and the Skadar Lake basin. It is the southernmost mountain in Montenegro and one of its most prominent, rising directly above the town of Bar.
Manastir Mikulići – Altitude: approx. 900 m
The final destination is the Mikulići Monastery, which offers breathtaking views of both the Adriatic Sea and Skadar Lake. It is an important spiritual location and resting point for pilgrims.
Flora in May
In May, the mountain slopes bloom with plants such as sage (Salvia) and broom (Genista). You can also find orchids, tulips, elecampane, wild strawberries, forget-me-nots, bellflowers, thyme, and Serbian ramonda (Ramonda serbica, also called the phoenix flower).
Mount Rumija: Legends and Traditions
Rumija (1594 m) is one of the most revered mountains in southern Montenegro. According to legend, before the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century, a church dedicated to the Holy Trinity stood on its summit. It was destroyed around 1571. Since then, a tradition developed: each pilgrim would carry a stone to the summit as a sign of repentance. It was believed that when enough stones were gathered, the church would be restored.
In 2005, thanks to the efforts of local resident Milo Dragović and with the help of the Army of Serbia and Montenegro, a new metal church was airlifted to the summit. Later, it was clad in stones carried by pilgrims. The full story can be found on the website Montenegrin Tales.
Rumija (Montenegrin: Rumija; Albanian: Rumi) rises above Bar and acts as a natural Dinaric barrier. With its height of 1594 m (5230 ft), it is one of the most commanding southern mountains in Montenegro.
Manastir Mikulići: The Monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh
At the foot of Rumija, in the village of Velji Mikulići, lies the women’s monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Founded in 2009 by Russian nuns and consecrated by Metropolitan Amfilohije, the monastery sits at about 1000 m above sea level. It is the starting point for many pilgrims climbing Rumija.
The monastery holds relics of saints and offers a place for spiritual retreat and prayer. The nuns preserve Orthodox monastic traditions and maintain ties with Russian religious heritage.
Interesting Facts
- Interfaith Tradition: Until 2005, the annual Pentecost pilgrimage to the top of Rumija united Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Muslims. After the new church was installed, the tradition became primarily Orthodox, prompting discussions on preserving interfaith unity.
- Prince Jovan Vladimir: Saint Jovan Vladimir, ruler of Duklja, is considered a patron saint of Montenegro. Legends tell of his cross being carried annually to Rumija’s summit on Trinity Sunday.
The route from Baltina over Bijela Skala Pass, the peaks of Čugagolina, Mala Rumija, and Rumija to the Mikulići Monastery is more than a physical ascent — it is a spiritual pilgrimage that connects visitors to the deep history and culture of Montenegro.
This hike offers a rare combination of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance, making it a rewarding experience for nature and history enthusiasts alike.
