Visiting Kolasin
As the gateway to Biogradska Gora National Park, Kolasin is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer serves as the prime season for hiking. Explore the rugged Bjelasica massif and its collection of glacial lakes. When winter hits, the area draws skiers to the Kolasin 1450 and Kolasin 1600 resorts.
A protected natural sanctuary
The Biogradska Gora National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and a designated Unesco Biosphere Reserve. It protects one of Europe's last primary forests, where the landscape has remained untouched by human activity. According to Unesco, the reserve is home to 86 endemic tree and shrub species, over 700 types of mushrooms, 200 bird species, and roughly 38 mammal varieties. For an entry fee of 3 EUR (about $3.25), you can hike the perimeter of the scenic Biograd Lake or rent a boat to row across its calm waters.
Back in town, head to the main square, Trg Boraca, which is lined with traditional restaurants. Try a local staple called Kačamak, a hearty dish designed for cold weather. It consists of a thick mash of potatoes and cereal flour mixed with kajmak, a rich, tangy cream cheese. You can also take a quiet walk through the Dulovine Botanical Garden to see its collection of local flora and medicinal plants. The region's history is shaped by past conflicts between Ottoman forces and the Montenegrin Christian community, a legacy visible at the Moraca Monastery, founded in 1252 by the Serbian king Stefan Nemanjic.
An adrenaline-filled destination
Northern Montenegro is built for adventure. If hiking isn't enough, you can find local agencies offering bike rentals or tours by jeep and quad bike. Rafting and canyoning are also available in the Moraca River, which flows right past town.
Following the river is also the best way to reach the Mrtvica Canyon. You can traverse the 8-kilometer canyon via a trail carved directly into the rock by the Yugoslav army, leading you up to 1,100 meters deep into the gorge. During the spring, the river swells with runoff from numerous waterfalls, and small beaches emerge along the banks.
When to go
The best time depends on your goals. Northern Montenegro is a year-round destination, whether you are looking for winter sports or summer trekking. Because Kolasin sits at an altitude of 900 meters, the weather stays relatively cool even in the middle of summer.
How to get there
Most travelers arrive by plane at the airport in Podgorica, the country's capital. From there, Kolasin is an hour and a half drive away via a highway that offers excellent mountain views. The Kolasin train station is also a stop on the rail line connecting Belgrade in Serbia to the coastal city of Bar in southern Montenegro.
A few steps from the historic town of Kolasin, you will discover beautiful mountains and hikes overlooking pristine lakes. So yes, get lost in its vast mountainous expanses that give rise to blueberry forests.
But also take the time to discover the town, its architecture which is sometimes a bit "robust," but above all, set out to discover the traditions, the katuns, typical houses, or the local songs and dances that will allow you to encounter the soul of Northern Montenegro.
Kolasin is also a ski resort. A big change for this calm and gentle town that will soon see many tourists enjoying the joys of winter sports. I personally haven't tested it, but why not...
Don't hesitate any longer, for me, it is a must-see stop in Montenegro.