Kolašin in Summer: Why Visit a Ski Town When There's No Snow

Kolašin is a mountain town at 954 m altitude that most travelers associate with skiing. But from June to September, it becomes one of the most comfortable bases for hiking, rafting, and exploring northern Montenegro. While the coast bakes at 35 °C with overcrowded beaches, Kolašin offers a steady 15–25 °C, clean mountain air, and virtually no crowds.

• Summer temperatures – daytime 20–25 °C, nights 10–15 °C. No air conditioning needed – it's 10–15 °C cooler than Podgorica
• Main draw – Biogradska Gora National Park, one of Europe's last three primeval forests, a 10-minute drive from town
• Activity season – mid-May to October: hiking, jeep safaris, rafting on the Tara Canyon, horseback riding, cycling
• Accommodation 30–40% cheaper than in Budva or Kotor during the same period
• Getting there from Podgorica – 70 km, about 50 minutes by car or ~1.5 hours by train/bus
• A car is recommended – public transport exists but doesn't reach the national park or mountain trailheads
• Food – some of the best in the country: kačamak, lamb under sač, fresh trout, wild blueberry desserts. Average lunch: €8–15

In winter, Kolašin is a ski destination – with caveats. Kolasin 1600 Ski Resort has no snow cannons, meaning no natural snowfall equals no skiing. In summer, however, the town fully opens up: all hiking trails are accessible, mountain huts and katuns (shepherd cottages) operate, Biogradska Gora offers boating and kayaking on the lake, and riverside restaurants serve freshly caught trout.

Summer also brings a cultural calendar – a tango festival, open-air concerts, and sporting events. The town comes alive without becoming overwhelmed.

Biogradska Gora National Park is the main attraction. Trees here are over 500 years old, and the glacial Biogradsko Lake at 1,094 m is surrounded by virgin forest that has never been logged. Despite its compact size, biodiversity is remarkable: over 2,000 plant species, 150 bird species, 86 tree species.

Essential information:

(Updated: March 2026)

The easy loop around the lake suits families – the path is flat, shaded, with information boards and benches. For experienced hikers, trails lead to Bjelasica peaks and remote glacial lakes (Ursulovačko, Pešića).

There are no cafés or shops inside the park. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Mobile signal may drop in the deeper forest.

The Bjelasica range offers gentle green slopes, wide alpine meadows, and six glacial lakes. You can hike up, take a 4x4, or ride the cable car at Kolasin 1450 Ski Resort, which operates in summer too. The summit panorama stretches to the peaks of Komovi and Prokletije.

Best months for hiking: mid-June through mid-September. Routes range from easy 2–3 hour walks to multi-day treks.

The Tara Canyon is Europe's deepest canyon (up to 1,300 m). Rafting season runs May to October, and it's one of Montenegro's most popular activities. The standard route covers 18 km in 2–3 hours and suits beginners. Cost: from €50–70 per person in a group, including transfers and lunch.

Organized tours depart from Kolašin as well as from coastal towns. A full-day trip from Kotor includes transfers, rafting, lunch, and a stop at Djurdjevic Tara Bridge – budget from €80–134 per person.

The lesser-known Mrtvica Canyon lies on the Kolašin–Mateševo road. A hiking trail follows the river through narrow rock passages and caves. Moderate difficulty, roughly 12 km.

Jeep tours across Bjelasica to panoramic viewpoints and mountain-hut lunches are also available for those who prefer off-road exploration.

Kolašin makes a convenient base for exploring all of northern Montenegro.

A drive to Tara Canyon and Djurdjevic Tara Bridge covers about 70 km one way, through mountain passes with panoramic views. Nearby: Durmitor National Park and Žabljak.

Morača Monastery – a 13th-century Orthodox monastery in the scenic Morača River gorge, just 30 km south of Kolašin. Remarkable medieval frescoes, complete tranquility, and mountain scenery make it one of the most photogenic spots in the country.

A food trip to Gornje Lipovo village showcases northern Montenegrin cuisine: kačamak (cornmeal porridge with kajmak), lamb under sač, homemade cheese. A full lunch costs €10–15 – roughly half of coastal prices.

For flexibility, renting a car is the best option. Localrent operates locally with competitive rates.

For those without a car or who prefer guided logistics, tours with transfers from the coast are available.

One of the highest-rated options is North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour – from €84 per person (group tour), rated 4.9 with 413 reviews. Covers the Tara Canyon, Durmitor, and Ostrog Monastery in a single day.

For adventure seekers: Full-day Tara River White Water Rafting Tour from Kotor – from €134 per person, rated 4.9 with 244 reviews. Full-day experience including transport, equipment, and lunch.

Kolašin sits on the Podgorica–Belgrade highway and the Bar–Belgrade railway line.

(Updated: March 2026)

The Podgorica–Kolašin train passes through the stunning Morača River gorge – one of the most scenic railway routes in the Balkans. Three daily departures.

Buses run daily with several departures. The Kolašin bus station is compact and centrally located.

No public transport reaches the national park or mountain trailheads – you need a car or organized tour. Roads are mountainous but paved and well-maintained.

Airport transfers can be booked through KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups.

Kolašin is compact, and most hotels are within walking distance of the center. Summer rates are significantly lower than winter.

(Updated: March 2026)

Check visa requirements for your nationality before traveling. Montenegro uses the euro, and international cards are widely accepted.

Best options in Kolašin:

• Swissôtel Resort Kolasin (or book on Trip.com)
• Wulfenia Hotel & Spa (or book on Trip.com)
• Bianca Resort & Spa (or book on Trip.com)
• Modern Mountain II (or book on Trip.com)
• Modern Mountain II Central
• Wood cabin Kolasin

Northern Montenegrin cuisine is a destination in itself. Kolašin is known for dishes that the coast either doesn't serve or doesn't do justice to:

Kačamak (cornmeal porridge with kajmak) – €5–7. The signature dish of the region, every restaurant has its own recipe. Lamb under sač – €10–15 per portion. Slow-cooked for 5+ hours under a dome, the meat literally falls apart. Best ordered in advance. Trout – €8–12. Many riverside restaurants catch fish from their own pond right before your eyes. Wild blueberries – in summer, Bjelasica yields wild blueberries. Desserts, jams, and blueberry rakija are local specialties.

An average lunch for two costs €20–30 – roughly 30–40% less than equivalent coastal restaurants.

The best restaurants are located outside the center, along the Tara and Morača rivers. Many travelers specifically drive from coastal towns just for a mountain-restaurant lunch.

Summer in Kolašin isn't for beach seekers. It's ideal for:

Hikers and active travelers – from gentle walks to serious mountain treks. Families with children – cool climate, safe lakeside trails, no noise or crowds. Those escaping the coastal heat – a perfect 2–3 day base between beach weeks. Food enthusiasts – northern cuisine, mountain restaurants, blueberry season. Budget travelers – noticeably lower prices than the coast with high service quality.

1. Is it worth visiting Kolašin in summer without snow?

Yes – summer is when Kolašin truly comes alive. All hiking trails and mountain huts are only accessible in the warm season (June–September). Ski lifts operate as viewpoints. Biogradska Gora is at its most impressive with a green forest, the lake, and kayaking.

2. How do I get there without a car?

Buses and trains from Podgorica run daily, tickets from €3. But for reaching the national park and mountain trails, a car is essential. Rental through Localrent starts from €25–35 per day.

3. How many days should I plan for Kolašin?

2–3 days is ideal. One day for Biogradska Gora, one for hiking or rafting, one for food and surroundings. If also visiting Durmitor National Park, add 1–2 more days.

4. What's the weather like in Kolašin in summer?

Daytime 20–25 °C, nights 10–15 °C. Brief afternoon showers are possible. A jacket and rain cover in your backpack are essential. It can be windy at altitude.

5. Does mobile coverage work in the mountains?

In Kolašin itself, coverage is stable. In Biogradska Gora National Park, signal may drop in dense forest. Mountain trail coverage is patchy – download offline maps before heading out. More details in our article: Mobile Internet in Montenegro's Mountains: Does Coverage Reach Durmitor and the North?.

• Active Tours in Montenegro: Hiking, Rafting, and Canyons
• Durmitor Mountains and Black Lake: Tours into the Heart of Montenegro's Nature
• Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know
• Accommodation in Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in Montenegro: Where to Stay, Prices and What to Expect
• Montenegro in June: Weather, Beaches, Prices and What to Do
• Ski Resorts in Montenegro: Where to Go and How to Get There

• National Parks of Montenegro – prices and services
• Visit Montenegro – Biogradska Gora
• Busticket4.me – bus routes
• Pravda Montenegro – Biogradska Gora 2026 opening