Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BJELASICA MASSIF
The Bjelasica massif dominates northeastern Montenegro with 10 grand peaks higher than 2000m. The unfortu-
nately named Crna Glava (Black Head) is the highest at 2139m.
Any preconception you may have of Montenegro's mountains as grey and barren will be shattered as the
snows recede and reveal virgin forest (within the protected environs of Biogradska Gora National Park) and
meadows teeming with wildflowers. In the higher pastures you'll find
katuns,
round thatched structures that
have been used for centuries by seminomadic shepherds when they bring their flocks here in summer. It's a
much more forgiving environment than the Orjen, Lovćen or Durmitor ranges and therefore easier to explore.
Trails are accessed from the towns that encircle the mountain: Kolašin, Mojkovac, Bijelo Polje, Berane and
Andrijevica. The best times for hiking are at the end of summer and in autumn when the forests are a mash of
colours. Be prepared for sudden drops in temperature and storms. Local tourist offices should be able to provide
you with maps, information, advice and contacts for guides. Otherwise, talk to one of the agencies specialising
in adventure holidays.
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Biogradska Gora National Park Биоградска Гора
Nestled within the Bjelasica mountain range, this pretty national park has as its heart
1600 hectares of virgin woodland - one of Europe's last three remaining primeval forests.
King Nikola is to thank for its survival; on a visit in 1878 he was so taken by the beauty
of
Lake Biograd
(Biogradsko jezero) that the locals gifted him the land and he ordered it to
be preserved.
The main entrance to the park is between Kolašin and Mojkovac on the Podgor-
ica-Belgrade highway. After paying a €2 entry fee you can drive the further 4km to the
lake. It really is exquisitely pretty and oh-so-green. If you're knowledgeable about such
things, you'll be able to spot beech, fir, juniper, white ash, maple and elm trees. Occa-
sional tour buses pull in, but a 10-minute stroll should shake the masses and quickly re-
turn you to tranquillity.
Most of the busloads head directly to
Restoran Biogradsko Jezero
(mains €5.70-9)
. It has a
wonderful terrace where you can steal glimpses of the lake through the trees as you tuck
into a traditional lamb or veal dish.
You can hire rowboats (€8 per hour) and buy fishing permits (€20 per day) from the
park office
( 020-865 625;
www.nparkovi.me
; campsite per small tent/large tent/caravan €3/5/10, cabin €20;
7.30am-8.30pm)
by the car park. Nearby there's a campsite and a cluster of 12 small window-
