Kolašin in the middle of the Bjelasica Mountains in Montenegro attracts visitors with chair lifts and ski slopes in winter and spectacular hikes in the Mrtvica Gorge or in the Biogradska Gora National Park in summer.
Kolašin is located in the heart of Montenegro in the midst of the Bjelasica Mountains at the headwaters of the mighty Tara River and is well on its way to becoming a renowned winter sports destination.
While not as famous as Žabljak in the Durmitor National Park, Kolašin still boasts one of Montenegro's most distinguished hotels - Hotel Bjelasica - chairlifts and a few tows, which will be further developed in the future. Accessibility is also somewhat better than at Žabljak.
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Journey to Kolašin
The city can be reached by car via the E65 and E80, as well as by train from Belgrade to Bar. The nearest airport is at Podgorica and is about 80km away, by car it takes about one and a half hours.
In summer, holidaymakers appreciate the pleasant climate in the mountains of Montenegro, which is a welcome change after a few hot days at the beach. Situated at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres, Kolašin also plays a role as a climatic health resort.
Origin of Kolašin
Kolašin was founded by the Turks in the 17th century and became part of Montenegro in 1878 following the decision of the Congress of Berlin. During the Second World War, Kolašin was captured 23 times in three years and destroyed almost to the ground. Apart from a few war memorials, the town does not offer much in the way of sights, but in summer it is a perfect base for excursions into the beautiful nature of the surrounding area.
Manastir Morača
The Morača Monastery was founded in 1252 and is one of the few medieval monuments in Montenegro that have been completely preserved to this day. The frescoes are younger than the monastery itself; unfortunately, the originals have not withstood wind and weather.
In addition to the paintings created by the great masters of the time, the artfully laid floor between the vestibule and the main nave also deserves a second look. The monastery's surroundings are characterised by whispering streams and a rushing waterfall that plunges 33m into the depths.
Mrtvica gorge
A few kilometres downstream, the mountain river Mrtvica reaches the Morača. This is also the end of the spectacular Mrtvica Gorge, through which the river flows for almost 14km from its source.
Although not quite as impressive as the Tara Gorge, which is up to 3,000 m deep, the Kanjon Mrtvica can still boast 1,000 m high walls. The bridge that spans the gorge is remarkable. It is not used for traffic, but was built in 1858 by Prince Danilo in memory of his mother Kristijna.
Tip: The Mrtvica gorge can be hiked from its mouth into the Morača to the village of Velje Duboko. However, the scenically spectacular route covers 12.5km and 600 metres in altitude and is populated by all kinds of creatures, including some snakes. Guided tours of the gorge are offered in Kolašin by Vila Jelka.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Kolašin is the ideal starting point for excursions to the Biogradska Gora National Park, which is home to one of the last primeval forests in Europe. A turnoff into the national park leads a little north of Kolašin through the Tara Valley to the park administration's hut on the banks of the fantastically beautiful Biogradsko Jezero.
