Hiking to Stone Village Žlijebi – Orjen Springs and Traditional Lunch

Hiking to Stone Village Žlijebi – Orjen Springs and Traditional Lunch

About 30 minutes above Herceg Novi, the road rises toward the foothills of Mount Orjen, where the landscape shifts into forest, stone terraces, and cooler mountain air. This quieter part of the hinterland offers a simple glimpse into Montenegro’s rural life — grounded, natural, and closely connected to the land.
The trail leads through shaded woodland and passes a natural mountain spring — cold, clear water that locals have relied on for generations. As we continue, the Bay of Kotor opens below in a wide panorama framed by Orjen’s slopes.

Soon, Žlijebi comes into view: a stone village where walls, roofs, and thresholds are built from the surrounding rock. The atmosphere here is calm and steady, with village life shaped by stone, weather, and tradition. Near the settlement stands the Church of St. Nicholas (1550), set on a stone plateau with open views over the valley and surrounding ridges.

At the Sikimić household, tradition feels natural and unforced. You’ll be welcomed with homemade refreshments — elderberry syrup, wild fruit liqueurs, rakija, priganice, and dried figs — shared in a warm, familiar atmosphere. A short walk through the property offers a look at old rural practices: stone-built smokehouses, preserved foods, and techniques passed down through generations.
The day and Hiking to Stone Village Zlijebi ends with a traditional lunch prepared in the same spirit: locally produced cheeses, prosciutto, nettle pesto, seasonal salads, homemade pies, and slow-cooked meat under the sač, served with domestic wines, coffee, and a light dessert. It’s a genuine experience — quiet, generous, and deeply local.

Tour details

• Duration: 5.5–6 hours
• Starting point: Herceg Novi (or another nearby location by arrangement)
• Style: Easy hiking, cultural immersion, rural gastronomy
• Pace: Relaxed and natural
• Walking: Easy trail with uneven terrain; mostly shaded

Included

• Private round-trip transfer
• Professional guide
• Easy hiking experience
• Welcome drinks and traditional snacks
• Full traditional lunch at the Sikimić household

Not Included

• Personal purchases
• Any extra food/drinks beyond what’s included

Requirements

• Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes (stone paths and uneven surfaces)
• Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the season
• A small daypack
• Water (and sun protection in warmer months)
• This hike is easy, but includes uneven terrain and some gentle incline