Biogradska Gora National Park

What is this place

Biogradska Gora National Park is Montenegro’s smallest national park on Mt. Bjelasica between the Lim and Tara rivers, near Kolasin. It protects one of Europe’s last primeval forests and a cluster of glacial lakes.

Key features

• Area ~54–56.5 km² (sources vary); national park since 1952.
• Primeval forest – about 1,600 ha under strict protection, with beeches up to ~500 years old and 40–60 m tall.
• Highest point – Crna Glava 2,139 m, the summit of Bjelasica.
• Six glacial lakes; the easiest is Lake Biograd with a 3.5–3.6 km boardwalk loop and interpretive panels.
• Since 1977 part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere network; noted for rich biodiversity.

What to see

• Lake Biograd with wooden boardwalks and a seasonal rowing pier.
• Bendovac viewpoint above the lake and traditional mountain shepherds’ hamlets (katuns).
• Old-growth beech stands and diverse birdlife along forest trails.

History

In 1878, after the liberation of Kolašin, part of the forest was gifted to Prince Nikola and placed under protection as a royal reserve, which helped preserve the primeval woodland and glacial landforms.

The area was proclaimed a national park in 1952. Trails and viewpoints were added over the decades, while traditional katuns and cultural features remain around the park’s edges.

Since 1977, Biogradska Gora has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, confirming the global value of its primeval forest and high-mountain ecosystems.

Practical information

Location: NE Montenegro, Bjelasica range; main gate at Lake Biograd, ~20–25 min from Kolasin.

Getting there: via E65/E80 (Podgorica–Kolašin), then signed turn-off to Biogradsko jezero/NP Biogradska gora; good forest roads lead to trailheads.

Access: entry via ticket booth by the lake; facilities include a visitor centre, boardwalks and seasonal rowboat rental.

Visiting hours: year-round; winter access depends on snow.

Visit duration: 1–1.5 h for the lake loop; 3–5 h to Bendovac; full day for higher-lake hikes.

Best time: May–October for hiking; autumn foliage peaks September–October.

Notes: mountain weather changes fast; bring waterproof boots and layers; respect boardwalks and strict-protection forest zones.