Biogradska Gora National Park, Montenegro: A Guide
Biogradska Gora, a national park since 1952, protects around 54 km² in Montenegro's Bjelasica mountains and one of Europe's last primeval forests. The glacial Biograd Lake lies at its heart. Current fees and hours need an official source; for missing details, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
## What is Biogradska Gora National Park?
Biogradska Gora was proclaimed a national park in 1952 and added to UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1977. It sits in northeastern Montenegro, between the Tara and Lim rivers, within the Bjelasica mountains, covering about 54 km². It is the most northeasterly of the country's five national parks. In 1878, when Kolašin was freed from Ottoman rule, the forest was presented to King Nikola I and protected as 'Branik Kralja Nikole'. Some current details need an official source; for missing ones, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
## The primeval forest and Biograd Lake
At the park's core lies a virgin forest of about 16 km², with trees more than five hundred years old, counted among the oldest in Europe. Beech, sycamore maple and ash dominate. The glacial Biograd Lake is the park's largest glacial lake; of six glacial lakes in total, five sit at 1,820 metres. For the lake's exact depth and surface measurements you need an official source; for missing details, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
## The Bjelasica mountains and hiking trails
The Bjelasica range is volcanic in origin, so unlike Montenegro's limestone karst peaks it shows soft, rounded shapes. Its highest point is Crna Glava at 2,139 metres. The park suits marked trails, climbs to summits above 2,000 metres and mountain biking; a long mountain route links both ranges into a multi-day trek. For the current state of individual trails you need an official source; for missing details, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
## Kolašin as a base: getting there
At 954 metres, Kolašin is a mountain-tourism hub at the foot of the Bjelasica and Sinjajevina ranges. The Belgrade–Bar railway runs through the town, and it is about an hour by car from Podgorica through the Platije canyon. Kolašin lies roughly 17 km from the park entrance and hosts the Jezerine ski centre in winter. For up-to-date hotel and transport schedules you need an official source; for missing details, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
## Visiting the park: entrance, fees and season
The park entrance sits on the Mojkovac–Kolašin road, about 5 km from Mojkovac and roughly 17 km from Kolašin. There is a restaurant by the lake, but food options inside the park are otherwise limited. Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Summer suits hiking and cycling, winter suits skiing. Current admission fees, opening hours and lodging prices can change and should be checked with an official source; for missing details, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
FAQ
Is Biogradska Gora worth visiting?
Yes; the park brings together one of Europe's last primeval forests, trees over five hundred years old and the glacial Biograd Lake. For hiking and photography it is a rewarding stop. Whatever depends on personal expectations, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
When and how do you get to Biogradska Gora?
The park entrance is on the Mojkovac–Kolašin road, about 17 km from Kolašin and 5 km from Mojkovac. You reach Kolašin via the Belgrade–Bar railway or by car from Podgorica. Summer suits hiking and winter suits skiing; for exact times, the honest answer is: I don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)