Trek through the rolling green ridges of Mount Bjelasica, experience the virgin forest of Biogradska Gora, and retreat to authentic, traditional eco-katuns.
One of the greatest ways to experience the Montenegrin mountains is to visit Mount Bjelasica. Dropping by the sites in Bjelasica and Biogradska Gora will offer you a one-of-a-kind look at the natural beauty of Montenegro. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of a mountain homestay (Katun) and venture into the world-renowned Biogradska Gora, home to one of Europe’s few remaining rainforests.
As a relief with several soft and layered surfaces, a mountain’s highest points are grassy and rounded, free of sharp rocks, and easily accessible, and this is because the mountain was formed by volcanic eruptions. The abundance of springs, watercourses, and lakes in Bjelasica is the outcome of its geology. The belt, which contains a large amount of non-transparent green forage, is an important resource for livestock development.
Kolašin & Kolašin – or in agreement (Google Map)
Mondays and Thursdays, or by agreement for the group
Meet your hiking guide at the train station in Kolašin (or as agreed) for the trek that will take place today, Kolašin–Vranjak (1750 m). This hiking trail is one of the most beautiful and attractive routes connecting the city of Kolašin with Bjelasica. The trail leads from the urban center, through panoramic viewpoints and mountain passes, all the way to a traditional eco-cottage at high altitude.
Detailed route description:
Kolašin
The route starts in the very center of Kolašin (often near the train or bus station). The trail immediately crosses the river and begins to gently ascend through a mixture of gravel roads and forest trails.
Šljivovica
The first significant waypoint. This part of the route winds uphill through gentle terrain, offering beautiful panoramic views of the valley, the town of Kolašin and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Ključevi peak – 1,934 m
The trail continues with a constant climb toward the ridge and Ključevi Peak. It passes through rich alpine meadows full of mountain flowers. From the very top and ridge, there is a spectacular, open view of the entire Bjelasica massif, Sinjajevina and Komova.
Klisura
A pass and transitional part of the trail that leads through mountain hollows and katun areas. The terrain here becomes flatter and easier to walk, characteristic of the true Montenegrin katun culture.
Vranjak Eko Katun – 1,750 m
The endpoint of this route is the beautiful, authentic Vranjak Eko Katun. It is located in the very heart of Bjelasica, just below the mountain peaks, and is an ideal place for rest, dinner with traditional Montenegrin specialities, and an overnight stay in wooden huts.
Centre of Kolašin town
Basic route information:
Starting point: Kolašin
Highest point: Ključevi Peak (1,934 m)
Trail length: About 15 kilometers (depending on the route chosen).
Total duration: Between 5 and 6 hours of active walking (depending on pace and breaks)
Total ascent: Approximately 1,000 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Medium (technically easy, but requires good physical fitness due to constant ascent.)
Included activities:
Guided trekking tour Kolašin – Vranjak
Optional activities:
Without optional activities
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Mount Bjelasica
Tourist-standard accommodation on a full-board basis in a hut at Eco Katun Vranjak, or similar
Meals: No breakfast. Take your lunch box with you. Dinner included (Drinks NOT included)
Useful tips:
Water on the trail
There are not many sources of drinking water on the climb itself, so be sure to bring at least 2 litres of water per person.
Equipment
Standard hiking shoes (deep shoes/boots) are required due to the grassy and rocky terrain. Bringing protection from the sun is mandatory on the open parts of the trail.
Weather
The weather on Bjelasica can change quickly. Even during the summer months, always have a windbreaker or raincoat with you, as well as a warmer layer of clothing.
Marking and navigation
The trail has standard red-and-white hiking markings. However, the large number of intersections with old gravel roads and cattle tracks makes the use of a GPS device or offline hiking applications necessary.
Special information: Please separate from your luggage in a small backpack (rucksack) belongings that you will carry with you on today’s trekking. Your luggage will be picked up by the staff of your accommodation at the train station and transferred to your accommodation, where you will pick it up after the trekking. Don’t forget to put a lunchbox and a bottle of water in your backpack. Thanks in advance!
Wake up to roosters and bleating sheep in Katun Vranjak. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in the middle of the mountains, then enjoy this beautiful, dynamic tour of Bjelasica with your trekking guide, exploring the mountain’s most stunning areas. The trail connects the picturesque Vranjak katun, the highest peak of Bjelasica, Crna Glava (2139 m), and the hidden Pešića Lake.
Detailed route description:
Ascent from Vranjak to Zekova Glava
The route starts at the Vranjak Eco Katun. From there, a marked hiking trail leads over the peak of Troglav (2,072 m) and towards Zekova Glava (2,117 m). This part of the trail is relatively gentle and offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains (Komovi, Sinjajevina, Prokletije).
Descent to Pešić Lake
From the peak of Zekova Glava, the trail descends northeast, leading directly to Pešić Lake. The lake is located in a picturesque cove between Zekova Glava and Crna Glava and is a perfect place to take a break and swim.
Conquering Crna Glava (2,139 m)
From Pešić Lake, the climb to the highest peak of Bjelasica, Crna Glava, begins. The climb is not technically demanding, and from the very top there is a fantastic view of the Biogradska Gora National Park and its rainforest.
Return to Vranjak
From Crna Glava, a trek along the ridge path leads to Zekova Glava and then continues along forest roads and paths all the way to the Vranjak katun. Free activities, dinner and overnight.
Basic route information:
Starting point: Eko katun Vranjak (1,750 m)
Highest point: Crna Glava (2,139 m)
Trail length: The circular route is between 11 and 16 km long (depending on the route chosen).
Total duration: 4 to 6 hours of easy walking
Difficulty of the trail: Moderately demanding, requires basic fitnes
Included activities:
Guided trekking tour Vranjak – Crna Glava – Pešića Lake
Optional activities:
Horseback riding on Bjelasica – from 45 €
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Mount Bjelasica
Tourist-standard accommodation on FB basis in a hut room at Katun Vranjak or similar
Meals: Breakfast, dinner and a lunch box (trek) are included. (Drinks NOT included)
Useful tips:
Water on the trail
An excellent source of water can be found near the Vranjak Eko Katun as well as the springs of the Biograd River below Zekova glava.
Equipment
Bring layered clothing and a windbreaker, as the weather on the ridge is changeable. Furthermore, protection from the sun is mandatory on the open parts of the trail.
After an early breakfast, the hiking route from Vranjak Eko Katun to Biogradsko Lake is a panoramic trail that leads through the heart of the Biogradska Gora National Park. The trail stretches through mountain pastures and spectacular viewpoints, transitioning into a forest belt and a famous rainforest. It is 15 to 18 kilometers (depending on the selected peaks) long and leads through ancient forests and mountain pastures, typically taking about 5-6 hours to complete.
Detailed route description:
Ascent from Vranjak along Bjelasica ridge (1 to 2 hours)
The trail starts at the Vranjak Eco-cottage and leads to the higher passes of Bjelasica. Climb peak Troglava (2,072 m), from where you can enjoy a view of the Biogradska Gora valley.
Descent to the mountain lakes (2 hours)
From the plateau, the trail descends into picturesque areas and mountain lakes.
Entry into the rainforest and arrival at the lake (2 hours)
Taking the forest road, the trail leads through the dense, ancient rainforest of the Biogradska gora National Park all the way to the very shore of the glacial Biogradsko Lake
Basic route information:
Starting point: Eko katun Vranjak (1,750 m)
Destination: Biogradsko Lake (1,094 m)
Highest point: Troglava (2,072 m)
Trail length: ~15–18 km (depending on whether you visit the peaks)
Total duration: 5 to 6 hours
Total ascent/descent: Significant descent (approx. 800 m elevation difference)
Difficulty: Easy trekking, requires basic fitnes
Included activities:
Guided trekking Vranjak – Biograd lake (Kolašin)
Optional activities:
The train journey from Kolašin to Podgorica
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Without accommodation today
Meals: Breakfast and lunch box (trek) included, dinner not included. (Drinks NOT included)
Useful tips:
Water on the trail
Be sure to bring water in your backpack. Refill your water at the Troglava Restaurant until you arrive at the lake. You’ll find where you can visit the restaurant within the Biogradska Gora NP visitor center.
Equipment
Bring appropriate hiking shoes and walking poles (due to the longer descent) and layered clothing and a windbreaker, as the weather on the ridge is changeable. Sun protection, as the wind exposes the peaks.
Special information: A person from your accommodation (or our guide) will give over your luggage at the train station (or as agreed). Please check that your luggage is complete and undamaged when you pick it up. If you notice anything, report it on the spot.
A pleasant continuation of your journey!
Additional information: If you haven’t had enough yet, why not join our “Active break on Montenegrin coast from Podgorica” or “Explore the Montenegrin Coast from Podgorica” tour which runs along the coast to the Bay of Kotor, all the way to Bar and Ulcinj. Alternatively, our “Exciting activities on Montenegrin mountains from Kolašin” tour goes further north to Mount Durmitor and the shores of Black Lake, ending again in Podgorica. Dates often coincide with the end of your tour.
Notable: Train journey from Kolšin to Podgorica, about 72km/1h 15mins
