On April 20, 2025, our Starlight group hiked along the route Sutorman Pass – White Rocks Pass – Sutorman Pass. The route is combined: part of the way, about 3 km, we did by car, and you also need to get to Sutorman Pass by car. A group of 13 people decided to visit the surroundings – a new church near the pass, as well as Fort Sutorman.
Sutorman Pass is located on the Rumija mountain range, which separates the Adriatic coast from the internal borders of Montenegro. Until 1878, this was the border between Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire. In 1862, the Ottoman administration was built here to control the pass and protect against black raids. Fort Sutorman is one of the fortifications built by the Turks in the 19th century to protect against blacks. It is located near the pass and is an interesting historical site. Next, we had to examine the dirt road, which was blocked by a huge rock that had fallen just recently. Then we went on foot, and our number decreased to 12 people. Having reached a well-marked path, we briskly moved towards the White Rocks pass, enjoying the singing of birds and the variety of flowers growing in abundance along the way – mountain tulips, daffodils, muscari, several types of orchids.
On our way, we periodically came across additional blocks and devices for storing water, but the water in them did not look drinkable. Then we reached an absolutely beautiful pond, full of frogs, around which absolutely friendly horses with a foal were grazing. The frogs organized a magical concert for us during the rest stop. Our next path lies through a huge pasture, ideal for playing golf. The group planned to look into a cave, which was near our route. Some of the participants did this and were completely delighted with the view of the caves and the bats living in it. Finally, we reached the White Rocks Pass. Quite tired, we made a long-term stop. After the stop, it was decided to split up: the majority of the group began the descent from the pass to Stari Bar, attracted by the garnet beer, the smaller part had to return to the car, which was left on the Sutorman Pass. And how could it be otherwise – along the way, to hide a trophy for the lucky ones who can solve our next quest.
We returned to the car already at sunset, contemplating the Skadar Lake, the Adriatic Sea and the Njegos Mausoleum on Mount Lovcen. Skadar Lake, which we observed along the way, is the largest on the Balkan Peninsula. It is located on the border of Montenegro and Albania and is known for its rich biodiversity, including more than 280 species of birds, such as the Dalmatian pelican. The lake is recognized as a Ramsar site and is the basis for the wintering of more than 150,000 birds annually. The Mausoleum of Njegos on Mount Lovcen is the burial place of Petar II Petrović-Nogos, an outstanding Montenegrin poet and ruler. The mausoleum was built in 1974 and is a cultural monument of Montenegro.
In addition, the most persistent and inquisitive participants of the hike visited a cave, which is located near the trail. The guys were absolutely delighted with the cave, especially with the bat that lives there. See the photos of the cave in the Gallery.
Overall, we really enjoyed the hike. Our hike along the Sutorman – White Rocks – Sutorman route was not only a physical challenge – we walked more than 20 km, but also a journey through the history and nature of Montenegro. We explored these ancient fortresses, enjoyed the beauty of the mountain landscapes and discovered new corners of this amazing country.
