Lake Biograd
Biogradsko jezero
A mirror-like glacial lake at the park’s heart.
Low shores and dark water reflect the forest edge and Bjelasica peaks. A short loop path circles the lake for an easy walk.
How to Get There
From Kolašin by taxi or transfer ~16 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~98 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~133 min.
Description
What is it
Biogradsko Lake is the largest mountain lake in Montenegro, set on the western slope of Bjelasica within Biogradska Gora National Park, about 16 km northeast of Kolašin. It is of glacial origin, formed behind a moraine dam in the Biogradska River valley.
Key features
- Classic glacial, moraine-dammed lake of the Bjelasica range.
- High-water parameters: length ~875 m, width ~410 m, max depth 12 m, area ~0.27 km² – the country’s largest mountain lake.
- Marked seasonal drawdown – in dry periods the level may drop by ~6 m, reshaping the shoreline.
- Inflows from the Biogradska River (~8 km) and Bendovac stream; outflow via the Jezerštica to the Tara.
- Winter ice cover often lasts 30–60 days – unusually long for the Adriatic region.
What to see
- A forest-edge loop with boardwalk sections and interpretive panels.
- A small pier for rental rowboats and calm viewpoints along the south/east shores.
- Mirror-like reflections of old-growth beech forest in clear water.
History
The lake formed after Pleistocene deglaciation: a glacier descending the Biogradska valley from high cirques left large moraines that dammed the trough and impounded water. Its hydrology is shaped by tributary inflows, the Jezerštica outflow, and a known bottom sinkhole that can affect levels.
In modern times light visitor infrastructure and an educational path were added along the shore. Conservation notes highlight that outflow incision and karstic sinks periodically influence water stability, which is considered in current protection regimes.
Practical information
Location: Biogradska Gora National Park, 16 km NE of Kolašin; ~4 km from the Kolašin–Mojkovac highway.
Getting there: follow signs from E65/E80 to Biogradsko jezero/NP Biogradska gora; continue on internal park roads to the lake car park.
Access: entry via the park gate; by the shore you’ll find a loop trail, boardwalks and a small pier; facilities are basic.
When to visit: year-round; in winter expect possible ice cover for 30–60 days and limited boardwalk access.
Visit duration: 1–2 hours for the lake circuit; longer if combined with nearby viewpoints.
Best time: late spring to autumn for walks; foliage peaks September–October.
Special notes: shoreline is exposed – bring sun protection/umbrella; water level and trail conditions vary seasonally; follow protected-area rules.
