I’ve always loved the idea of exchanging my time and skills for experiences that connect me with nature and local people. That’s how I foundVučje Tourist Center, in Montenegro, and I decided to spend some time there as a volunteer.
Where it is
Vučje is located about 20 km from Nikšić, in a mountainous region over 1,300 meters above sea level. As soon as I arrived, I felt the fresh forest air and the tranquility of the place. Each season has its own charm: in summer, green trails seem to never end; in winter, the landscape is covered in snow and the mountain transforms into a ski resort.
The Tourist Center
The Vučje Tourist Center is not just a hotel or restaurant. It’s a space that blends tradition, nature, and hospitality in a very authentic way. I found it incredible that the place is pet friendly and bike friendly, which shows the concern in receiving different types of travelers.
The rooms are extremely cozy and comfortable. All have private bathrooms, central heating, and internet access, which makes a difference on colder days. For me, it was the perfect balance between being surrounded by nature and having a cozy space to relax.
My work as a volunteer
During my time in Vučje, I participated in a variety of activities. Some of them included:
- Help with external activities, such as maintaining and cleaning the space. Being outdoors, working with my own hands, was one of the most rewarding parts.
- Collaborate on events,recording in photos and videos for social networks the activities carried out.
- Provide support in the restaurant and bar, helping to organize and present tables, polishing cutlery, washing glasses and helping to serve visitors.
- Collecting dead wood from the forest,In addition to being used to keep the space warm during the winter, I learned the importance of managing dead trees responsibly to avoid future accidents.
What I liked most was the variety; every day had something new, which made the experience always interesting. But it’s worth noting that the required activities will depend on the time of year and the location’s schedule. In short, you’re trading five hours of daily work for accommodation and all meals included, which, by the way, are delicious.
In addition to volunteer work, I had a lot of free time to relax, walk in the surrounding mountains, admire the sunset in the company of Vučje’s dogs, and go horse riding, which was particularly memorable, as I hadn’t done it for several years.
In Nikšić you can visit several cool places on foot, such as:
– Trebjesa Park, in the city center, which is surrounded by tall trees, providing plenty of green space right in the middle of the city and with a light walk, you reach the peak and have a magnificent view of the city.
– Next to the park there is the Orthodox Temple of Saint Vasilije of Ostrog, is a highly revered pilgrimage destination with a very beautiful location and view of the city.
– The ruins of Bedem, an ancient fortress with a privileged location and 360-degree view of the city, which transports you to the 17th century.
– Lake Krupac, is a bit further away; you can take a walk of about an hour from the center or take the bus. It has a rocky stretch, and I highly recommend swimming as soon as you arrive to cool off. You can also explore the surroundings amidst the local trees. The sunset here is also a spectacle in itself.
– About Slansko Lake is another fascinating place you can admire from the road if you’re heading to the Montenegro coast. It’s a bit further than Lake Krupac, but it’s well worth the trip.
The advantage is that Nikšić is located right in the center of Montenegro, making it easy to get anywhere. Depending on what you like to do, there’s the Dormitor National Park with its stunning mountains, or the coastline, which combines the magic of ancient towns, hills with churches and fortresses, and the sea breeze.
What I learned
Living in Vučje has taught me several things:
- Contact with nature:being able to walk the trails, breathe the fresh mountain air, enjoy the silence and watch the stars at night was transformative.
- Cultural exchange:I met local people and travelers from different countries, and this always enriches the journey.
- New skills:from practical things, such as space maintenance and conscious resource management, and making plum jam.
Challenges
That’s precisely what makes the experience authentic. Working in a mountain environment can be physically exhausting without proper fitness. The local language is very different, but nothing that can’t be solved with a translation app or simply communicating through gestures (which particularly helps you integrate more with the locals). But each challenge instilled resilience and a sense of achievement at the end of the day.
Why I recommend it
If you’re looking for a different experience, away from the typical tourist trap, I highly recommend volunteering in Vučje. It’s an opportunity to experience Montenegrin culture up close, help with a project that values nature, and, at the same time, rediscover yourself.
Conclusion
Volunteering at Vučje was an experience that defined my travel journey. I take with me not only the incredible mountain landscapes, but also the lessons learned, the people, the encounters, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. If you want to have the same experience as me in Vuče or explore other similar places around the world, I recommend using the Worldpackers app. Through it, you have the security of a team ready to help you, volunteer details and photos, reviews from other travelers, and you can also connect with more experienced travelers who can guide you on your journey. In addition, you’ll receive exclusive content that prepares you for your first volunteering experience abroad.
See more details and apply to volunteer here at Vučje Tourist Center and use the coupon MINHAJORNADA to get $10 off your annual subscription.
Who am I?
Instagram:@umajornadapelomundo
My name is Diego Garcia – Backpacker, UX Designer, adventurous and naturally curious. I’ve explored the world in a simple way, hitchhiking, seeking authentic experiences that connect me with people, places, and purpose. I believe that every trip is an opportunity to learn something new about the world and myself.