VIA HABSBURG WELCOMES HERCEG NOVI AS ITS FIRST MEMBER IN THE BALKANS

The western Montenegrin town, located on the picturesque Adriatic coast at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, now marks the southernmost point of Via Habsbur

With a ceremonial event, the town of Herceg Novi was officially admitted as a member of Via Habsburg and is now part of this Council of Europe–certified Cultural Route.

At the ceremony held at the Forte Mare fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Castellan and President of Via Habsburg HR Mag. Reinhold Sahl presented the official Via Habsburg plaques to Stevan Katić, President of the Municipality ( Opština ) of Herceg Novi. The plaques were then prominently installed on the exterior façades of emblematic buildings throughout the city.

In his address, President Sahl emphasized that the city’s rich cultural heritage is particularly evident in its multiethnic and multi‑denominational character.

Herceg Novi has a most intriguing history: founded in the 14th century by Tvrtko I, ruler of Bosnia from the House of Kotromanić, it was conquered by the Ottomans in the following century. At the end of the 17th century, the city was taken over by the Republic of Venice.

As a result of the Congress of Vienna (1814/15), Dalmatia - including the Bay of Kotor - became part of the Austrian Empire. From 1867 onward, Kotor was progressively developed into one of the most heavily fortified naval ports of the Austro‑Hungarian Monarchy. Crown Prince Rudolf, too, wrote of the region’s unique flora and fauna, referring to it as his “homeland.”

Stevan Katić also spoke of the special character of Herceg Novi:

“We are unique in many respects. Participation in this project will enable Herceg Novi to offer a high‑quality tourism product, better promote cultural heritage and other potentials, attract tourists and adventurers, and make the city even more attractive. It is an honor for us to present a piece of history to the world and to be recognized from the very beginning as a modern brand.”

We are delighted by the inclusion of Herceg Novi in Via Habsburg and by the extensive coverage in Montenegrin media. We warmly invite all interested visitors to explore our newest member enjoy the Adriatic coast, the architectural and cultural heritage, the exciting hiking trails, and, last but not least, the warm hospitality.

Let’s go to Montenegro!