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Bjelasica
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Explore Bjelasica in Montenegro for primeval forests, glacial lakes, high pastures, ski slopes and mountain culture around Kolašin.

Bjelasica is a broad, green mountain region in north-eastern Montenegro, stretching between the Morača and Lim valleys and associated chiefly with Kolašin, Mojkovac, Berane, Andrijevica and Bijelo Polje. Rather than a single town or administrative district, it is a landscape of rounded summits, high pastures, glacial lakes and dense woodland. Its highest point, Crna glava, reaches 2,139 metres, while the mountain’s open slopes create a gentler impression than the sharper limestone ranges elsewhere in Montenegro.
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The region’s defining natural feature is Biogradska Gora National Park, one of Europe’s remaining primeval forest areas. Its centrepiece, Biogradsko Lake, lies among old beech, fir and spruce trees, with marked paths leading through the forest and around the lakeshore. Further into the mountains are the remote Šiško and Pešića lakes, high pastures and katuns, the seasonal shepherd settlements that reflect a long tradition of summer grazing. Conditions vary considerably with altitude: valleys may be warm in summer, while exposed ridges can remain cool and changeable.
Kolašin is the principal visitor base on the western side of Bjelasica. It combines a small mountain-town centre with access to the Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 ski areas, whose higher slopes are also used for hiking during the warmer months. Mojkovac provides another practical gateway, particularly for travellers approaching through the Tara valley, while Berane and Andrijevica connect the eastern side of the mountain to the Lim valley. These centres have distinct settings, and distances between trailheads can make a car useful.
Bjelasica’s character is shaped by both conservation and pastoral life. Walking routes pass through forests, meadows and karst-free uplands where cattle and sheep may still be grazed seasonally. The mountain is also important for birds, mammals and plant life, although sightings of wildlife should never be assumed. Local food tends towards hearty mountain cooking: dairy products, potatoes, polenta-like kačamak, beans, mushrooms, smoked meat and preserves. In Kolašin and surrounding villages, visitors can find contemporary interpretations alongside traditional fare.
The region rewards a slower itinerary. A visit may combine a forest walk at Biogradsko Lake with a day on the higher Bjelasica trails, a winter stay near Kolašin’s ski slopes, or a drive through the valleys towards Berane and Mojkovac. Weather, trail conditions and access can change quickly, particularly above the tree line, so Bjelasica is best approached as a mountain landscape rather than a collection of easily connected attractions.

When is the best time to visit Bjelasica?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January190
February380
March790
April12100
May17110
June (best)2090
July (best)2280
August (best)2180
September1990
October13100
November7110
December3100

Getting to and around Bjelasica

How to get there

Kolašin and Mojkovac are the most practical western gateways to Bjelasica, reached by road from Podgorica through the Morača valley and from the north via the Tara corridor. Kolašin has a railway station on Montenegro’s north-south line, although onward travel to mountain trailheads requires road transport. Podgorica Airport is outside Bjelasica and is the principal air gateway; Tivat Airport is farther away and involves a longer onward journey. Berane, Andrijevica and Bijelo Polje provide access to eastern and northern approaches.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching dispersed trailheads, Biogradska Gora access points, village roads and the Kolašin ski areas, particularly outside the main town. Trains and intercity buses serve parts of the surrounding valleys, but they do not provide comprehensive access to high mountain routes. Local taxis or pre-arranged transfers can bridge the gap between stations, accommodation and trailheads. Walking and cycling are rewarding within individual areas, but the steep terrain and distances between valleys make long cross-region journeys demanding.

Destinations in Bjelasica

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Bjelasica

Bjelasica’s attractions are concentrated in its forests, uplands and valleys rather than in a dense chain of built monuments. Biogradska Gora National Park is the region’s principal nature destination, with Biogradsko Lake, old-growth woodland and paths through a protected ecosystem. More demanding routes lead towards Šiško Lake, Pešića Lake and the upper pastures, where broad ridges and seasonal katuns provide a very different setting from the shaded forest. Around Kolašin, the Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 ski areas offer winter skiing and access to higher mountain terrain in summer, subject to conditions and operating arrangements. Mojkovac and the Tara valley form a useful eastern approach, while Berane, Andrijevica and Bijelo Polje introduce the agricultural and pastoral character of Bjelasica’s opposite slopes. Visitors can combine hiking, snow sports, cycling on suitable roads, wildlife observation and visits to working rural communities. The appeal lies in the contrast between accessible lakeside walks and more strenuous routes where navigation, weather and transport require preparation.

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Best landmarks in Bjelasica

Biogradsko Lake is Bjelasica’s most recognisable natural landmark, a dark, forest-framed body of water whose surroundings express the mountain’s glacial and wooded character. The ancient forest of Biogradska Gora gives the lake its wider significance: it is not simply a scenic viewpoint but part of one of Montenegro’s most important protected ecosystems. Crna glava, rising to 2,139 metres, is the mountain’s highest summit and a defining point on the high Bjelasica skyline, although access is a serious mountain outing rather than a casual excursion. Šiško and Pešića lakes form other notable high-altitude landmarks, reached by routes through open pasture and rugged upland terrain. On the western side, the ski slopes above Kolašin have become modern markers of the region’s developing tourism landscape, contrasting with older katun settlements and traditional grazing grounds. In the valleys, the Tara and Lim corridors frame the mountain geographically and help explain the historical importance of Kolašin, Mojkovac, Berane and Andrijevica as points of passage.

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Explore Bjelasica on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Bjelasica

Food in Bjelasica reflects the cool mountain climate, pastoral economy and hearty cooking of northern Montenegro. Around Kolašin, Mojkovac and the valley settlements, menus commonly draw on potatoes, beans, cabbage, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, smoked meats and dairy products. Kačamak, a substantial dish made with maize or wheat flour and often served with cheese or kajmak, is strongly associated with mountain cooking, while homemade breads, pies, yoghurt and preserves are important parts of the local table. Trout and river fish may appear in restaurants near suitable waterways, but the region’s strongest culinary identity remains its farm and pasture produce. Traditional restaurants and rural households often offer portions intended for sharing, while cafés in Kolašin provide lighter meals and pastries. Farmers’ stalls and small producers may sell cheese, honey, herbal products and jams, although availability changes with the season. Visitors should ask which ingredients are local rather than assuming every dish is specific to Bjelasica.

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Best bars in Bjelasica

Evening life in Bjelasica is centred on Kolašin, where cafés, hotel bars and informal restaurants provide the most dependable places for a drink after skiing or walking. The town’s social rhythm is more relaxed than that of Montenegro’s coastal resorts, with conversation, coffee, local spirits and occasional live music more prominent than a large nightclub scene. Mojkovac, Berane and the smaller valley settlements offer a modest selection of cafés and traditional bars, while rural accommodation tends to encourage quiet evenings rather than late-night entertainment. During the winter season and holiday periods, the ski-area hotels and Kolašin venues can be busier, but schedules and events change. Craft-beer, wine and cocktails are available in some urban establishments, alongside Montenegro’s nationally distributed drinks. In remote parts of Bjelasica, plan to finish dinner or return to accommodation early, since evening transport and services are limited.

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Best nightclubs in Bjelasica

Evening life in Bjelasica is centred on Kolašin, where cafés, hotel bars and informal restaurants provide the most dependable places for a drink after skiing or walking. The town’s social rhythm is more relaxed than that of Montenegro’s coastal resorts, with conversation, coffee, local spirits and occasional live music more prominent than a large nightclub scene. Mojkovac, Berane and the smaller valley settlements offer a modest selection of cafés and traditional bars, while rural accommodation tends to encourage quiet evenings rather than late-night entertainment. During the winter season and holiday periods, the ski-area hotels and Kolašin venues can be busier, but schedules and events change. Craft-beer, wine and cocktails are available in some urban establishments, alongside Montenegro’s nationally distributed drinks. In remote parts of Bjelasica, plan to finish dinner or return to accommodation early, since evening transport and services are limited.

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Best shops in Bjelasica

Shopping in Bjelasica is practical and locally oriented rather than centred on large retail districts. Kolašin has the broadest choice of small shops, cafés, outdoor equipment and locally produced food, while Mojkovac, Berane, Andrijevica and Bijelo Polje serve their surrounding communities with everyday markets and independent retailers. Visitors may find mountain cheeses, honey, jams, dried herbs, preserves and smoked products through reputable local sellers, with selection varying by season and producer. Rural households and roadside stalls should be approached respectfully, and food should be bought from clean, established sources. Craft traditions are more visible in small-scale handmade goods than in formal souvenir centres; textiles, woollen items, woodwork and regional food products can make more meaningful purchases than generic trinkets. The larger towns are also useful for buying walking supplies before heading into the mountains. Because stock and market activity change, allow time to browse local shops rather than relying on a fixed list of stores or permanent market events.

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Bjelasica essentials

Currency and Payment
Bjelasica uses the euro (EUR), as does Montenegro nationally. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in Kolašin, Mojkovac and larger accommodation businesses, but smaller rural establishments, mountain services and informal produce sellers may prefer cash. Carry euros in smaller denominations when travelling beyond the towns, and do not assume that card coverage or reliable mobile connectivity will be available in remote mountain areas.
Safety
The main concerns are ordinary road and personal-security precautions, changing mountain weather, slippery paths, ticks, sun exposure and getting lost on less clearly marked routes. Snow and ice can affect access well beyond the town centres during winter. Keep clear of unstable edges near lakes and streams, use appropriate footwear, and avoid setting out alone on remote routes without informing someone of your plans. Mountain wildlife is generally elusive; food should nevertheless be stored sensibly outdoors.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number in Montenegro is 112, which can connect callers with the relevant emergency services; police can also be reached on 122, the fire service on 123 and ambulance services on 124. Mobile coverage may be intermittent in mountain valleys and on higher slopes, so download maps and share an itinerary before setting out. For a serious outdoor incident, provide the nearest trail, lake, road, landmark or settlement and do not move an injured person unless remaining in place presents a greater danger.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked paths, private fields, grazing areas and the quiet of seasonal katuns; ask before photographing people, homes or working animals. Take litter away, keep dogs under control and never remove plants, stones or other natural material from protected areas. At rural homes or traditional restaurants, patience and a modest approach are appreciated. Tipping is not a strict regional obligation, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is customary. Observe any national-park restrictions on fires, camping and swimming.
Local Tips
Ask accommodation providers about current road and trail conditions before heading towards high lakes or remote pastures, as maps may not reflect recent weather damage. The clearest itineraries usually focus on one side of the mountain at a time rather than attempting several distant trailheads in one day. Try local dairy products, kačamak and mountain preserves in Kolašin or nearby villages, and allow time for the valleys as well as the high viewpoints.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloZdravo[zdrah-voh]
GoodbyeDoviđenja[doh-vee-jen-yah]
YesDa[dah]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeMolim/ Nema na čemu[moh-leem/ neh-mah nah cheh-moo]
Thank youHvala[hvah-lah]
Excuse me/SorryIzvinite[eez-vee-nee-teh]
How are you?Kako ste?[kah-koh steh]
Fine. And you?Dobro. A vi?[doh-broh. ah vee]
Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?[dah lee goh-vor-ee-teh ehn-gles-kee]
I don't understandNe razumem[neh rah-zoo-mehm]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHteo bih da vidim meni, molim[hteh-oh beekh dah vee-deem meh-nee, moh-leem]
I don't eat meatNe jedem meso[neh yeh-dem meh-soh]
Cheers!Živeli![zhee-veh-lee]
I would like to pay, pleaseHteo bih da platim, molim[hteh-oh beekh dah plah-teem, moh-leem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Upomoć![oo-poh-mohch]
Go away!Idi! [ee-dee]
Call the Police!Pozovite policiju![poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora![poh-zoh-vee-teh dok-toh-rah]
I'm lostIzgubio sam se[eez-goo-bee-oh sahm seh]
I'm illBolestan sam[boh-leh-stahn sahm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Hteo bih da kupim...[hteh-oh beekh dah koo-peem]
I'm just lookingSamo gledam[sah-moh gled-am]
How much is it?Koliko košta?[koh-lee-koh koh-shtah]
That's too expensiveTo je preskupo[toh yeh preh-skoo-poh]
Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?[moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Koliko je sati?[koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
It's one o'clockJedan je čas[yeh-dahn yeh chahs]
Half past (10)Pola (10)[poh-lah (10)]
MorningJutro[yoo-troh]
AfternoonPosle podne[poh-sleh pohd-neh]
EveningVeče[veh-cheh]
YesterdayJuče[yoo-cheh]
TodayDanas[dah-nahs]
TomorrowSutra[soo-trah]
1Jedan[yeh-dahn]
2Dva[dva]
3Tri[tree]
4Četiri[cheh-tee-ree]
5Pet[peht]
6Šest[shest]
7Sedam[seh-dahm]
8Osam[oh-sahm]
9Devet[deh-vet]
10Deset[deh-set]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gde je...?[gdeh yeh]
What's the address?Koja je adresa?[koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?[moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?[kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (do ...)[yeh-dnah kahr-tah (doh ...)]

History of Bjelasica

Early settlement and pastoral landscapes

The valleys and lower slopes around Bjelasica have supported human settlement for centuries, while the higher mountain was used seasonally for grazing. Its rounded uplands and accessible pastures encouraged transhumance, in which households moved livestock to summer katuns and returned to lower settlements in colder months. Although much of the high mountain remains sparsely inhabited, paths, hay meadows, enclosures and occasional shepherd huts reveal how pastoral activity shaped the landscape long before modern tourism.

Medieval trade around the mountain valleys

Bjelasica stood between important medieval routes linking the interior of the Balkans with the Lim and Morača valleys. The mining and trading settlement of Brskovo, near present-day Mojkovac at the edge of the Bjelasica area, became particularly important in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries under the Serbian medieval state. Its activity connected nearby communities to wider commercial networks, while the surrounding mountains supplied pasture, timber and routes across difficult terrain.

Ottoman-era frontier communities

From the late medieval period onwards, the valleys around Bjelasica were affected by the expansion and administration of the Ottoman Empire, although control and settlement patterns varied across the mountain’s different sides. The Lim valley, Morača corridor and settlements near present-day Berane and Bijelo Polje became part of a shifting frontier zone. Local communities maintained farming and pastoral practices while adapting to changing political authorities, taxation systems and regional trade routes.

Montenegrin expansion and nineteenth-century change

The later nineteenth century brought major political changes to the region as Montenegro expanded and consolidated its position in the north and east. Berane and surrounding districts were drawn into the modern Montenegrin state after the Balkan political settlements of the period. These changes altered administration, borders and military priorities, but they did not eliminate the seasonal movement of livestock or the close economic links between valley villages and Bjelasica’s high pastures.

Protection of Biogradska Gora

Biogradska Gora gained formal protection in 1878, when King Nikola designated the forest near Biogradsko Lake as a reserve after the area came under Montenegrin control. Its old-growth woodland subsequently became one of the most important protected natural areas in the country. The area received national-park status in 1952, helping preserve a forest ecosystem of exceptional age and continuity while also establishing a foundation for nature-based tourism on Bjelasica.

Roads, railways and the rise of mountain tourism

Modern transport gradually connected the Bjelasica valleys with Montenegro’s capital, the Adriatic coast and Serbia. The railway through the Tara and Lim corridors strengthened the position of Kolašin and Mojkovac, while improved roads made the forests and ski slopes more accessible. In the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Kolašin developed as a centre for winter sports and summer recreation. Tourism now supplements, rather than entirely replaces, pastoralism, forestry and small-scale agriculture.

Bjelasica in Photos

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Discover the hidden gems of Bjelasica, Montenegro with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Whether you're planning to visit the breathtaking Biogradska Gora National Park, explore the historic sites of Kolašin, or delight in local Montenegrin cuisine at renowned restaurants like Konoba Luna, Evendo has got you covered. Imagine having detailed descriptions, stunning images, and local tips right at your fingertips. The app provides you with essential information on must-see landmarks, such as Lake Biograd and Crna Glava, as well as insider advice on the best bars, nightclubs, and shops.

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