"Niagara" Falls on the Cijevna River
Vodopad Nijagara
A picturesque waterfall a few kilometres from the centre.
Small but very scenic, the waterfall is most powerful in spring. A nearby restaurant offers a terrace overlooking the cascades.
How to Get There
From Podgorica by taxi or transfer ~16 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~11 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~68 min.
Description
What is it
The “Niagara” Waterfall is a set of cascades on the Cijevna (Cem) River near Tuzi, 7–12 km south of central Podgorica. Low karst ledges spread the flow into a broad fan, most impressive in spring and after rains.
Key features
- Karst riverbank where water seeps into fissures and splits into dozens of streams.
- Strong seasonality – peak flow in spring and after downpours; in summer cascades can nearly dry up.
- Easy access – drive right to the riverbank; a namesake restaurant overlooks the falls.
- The Cijevna canyon once marked the Ottoman border until 1912.
- Close to the city – a quick nature escape within the Podgorica area.
What to see
- A wide rocky bowl with multiple tiers and steps of water.
- Viewpoints by the shore and a bridge over the Cijevna upstream.
- In spring: powerful whitewater; in summer: turquoise pools and gentle channels.
History
The landscape is carved in karst: the river sculpted shelves and channels, creating the cascade “fan”. Historically, the Cijevna canyon marked the southern limit of Montenegrin lands and, until 1912, the frontier with the Ottoman Empire.
As a city “nature postcard”, the spot gained popularity in the late 20th–early 21st centuries with small private facilities and media mentions; in high season it’s a standard stop on Podgorica sightseeing loops.
Practical information
Location: southern Podgorica (Tuzi municipality), on the Cijevna River.
Getting there: from downtown, drive toward Tuzi; before the Cijevna bridge, turn right following signs to Rakića Kuće/“Niagara”; parking by the river and restaurant.
Access: open riverside; viewpoints at the water and restaurant terraces above the cascades.
When to visit: year-round; best March–May and after rain. Summer flows can be low.
Visit duration: 30–60 min for a stroll and photos; up to 2 h with lunch.
Best time: morning or golden hour for softer light and fewer people.
Special notes: wet karst is slippery – wear grippy shoes; keep back from the edge in high water; supervise children.
