Biogradska Gora National Park offers many exceptional activities, places to see and things to do.
If you love nature, no matter what activities you prefer, Bjelasica Mountain and Biogradska Gora National Park has something for everyone.
In this article, we bring out, what in our experience of numerous visits and in-depth explorations of the national park, we consider a must see.
The most popular symbol of the Biogradska Gora National Park is Biogradsko Lake, which is located in the heart of the rainforest at an altitude of 1094m, making it the largest glacial lake on the mountain of Bjelasica. Being one of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, this area has one of the last three large virgin rainforests in Europe.
The forest covers an area of 1,600 hectares, representing a biological treasury, where the existence of 86 tree species, some of which are over 400 years old, has been confirmed so far.
❐ In 1878, King Nicholas I ordered that the lake and the area around it, due to its unique beauty, be strictly guarded, so that this area was popularly known as the “Kraljev Zabran” (eng. King’s Ban). Apart from Biogradska gora, there are only two other rainforests in Europe: Perućica in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bjeloveška pušća in Poland.
A visit to the lake itself with a recommended 3.5-kilometer (approx 1h) walk along the shores of the lake, exploring the beauty of the virgin forest is a must have experience.
A visit to the Bjelasica mountain and the Biogradska Gora National Park would not be complete without conquering the largest peaks of this stunning mountain of volcanic origin.
A hiking trail starting from Katun Vranjak and touring the most beautiful parts of Bjelasica Mountain, including the peak of Zekova Glava (2117m) and Crna Glava (2139m), and the glacial Pesica Lake is the best of what Bjelasica Mountain has to offer.
Enjoy a medium demanding hiking tour, and at the end of the day, refresh yourself with homemade food in the beautiful surroundings of Katun Vranjak.
❐ We truly recommend a medium-demanding hiking tour, lasting 6-8 hours, starting from the Katun Vranjak region, and through Troglava, Zekova Glava peak, Pesica Jezero and Crna Glava, covers the most beautiful trails that Bjeasica mountain offers.
The best way to experience the beauties of Bjelasica mountain and understand the tradition, culture and way of life of Montenegrin nomads is to spend the night in one of the traditional “Katuns” (eng. summer pastures).
“Katuni” are a reflection of the centuries-old way of life of local nomads, and provide a window into the history of the evolution of the way of life and coexistence of man and nature.
Spend the night in one of Katun, and enjoy the clear skies and countless stars.
❐ Located at an altitude of about 1800m, Katun Vranjak is an ideal place for summer vacation. Apart from the fact that Katun offers an excellent choice of accommodation and local food, it is an ideal starting point for many activities on the Bjelasica mountain.
For adventurers who are not fans of hiking or mountain biking, definitely the best way to explore every corner of Bjelasica Mountain is with an SUV.
Throughout history, the Bjelasica mountain has been rich in life, and due to its grassy valleys and glades, it has always been a top place for the development of livestock. As such, today it is well connected by macadam roads, which represent an excellent potential for fans of touring this mountain with off-road vehicles.
The old macadam road that connects Kolašin, via Vranjak and “Svatovsko Groblje” with Biograd Lake, offers one of the best off-road experiences in Montenegro.
❐ Half day or full day experience of exploring the hidden parts of Bjelasica Mountain with off-road vehicles is certainly one of the best experiences in this part of Montenegro.
Due to its endless green valleys and glades, Bjelasica is a paradise for horses and true lovers of these sophisticated animals.
Whether you are a beginner or a solid connoisseur of riding techniques, a tour of the Bjelasica mountain on the backs of these noble animals is definitely one of the best experiences you can have.
Bjelasica offers endless green areas, rolling hills, beautiful panoramas and clean air, and it’s up to you to decide to come and make friends with these beautiful animals.
❐ Traditionally on the mountain Bjelasica horseback riding is part of the culture. Therefore, in the past, every house had a pair of horses that were used for various purposes. Today, many locals offer the option of riding and enjoying the local beauty of the Bjelasica mountain.
Lake Biograd is the most popular of all the glacial lakes of the Bjelasica mountain. One of the reasons for its popularity lies in the fact that its easier to access, because it can be reached by car.
However, the two lakes that you must see on mountain Bjelasica are Pešića and Uruslovačko Lake. They are most easily reached by hiking tour from the direction of Katun Vranjak and both are located at the foot of the peaks Zekova and Crna Glava.
❐ Three to four hours of hiking from Katun Vranjak or with an off-road ride to the very top of Zekova Glava, a visit to one of the most beautiful glacial lakes of the Bjelasica mountain is a magical experience. From the top of Zekova Glava to the lake and back you do not need more than 1.30 hours of easy walking.
