Kolasin

Kolašin is a small municipality in central Montenegro, situated at 954 metres above sea level in the Morača river valley. Nestled at the foot of the Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountain ranges, Kolašin is one of the country's primary centres for mountain tourism. The town of around 2,700 people has evolved into a year-round destination, combining winter skiing with summer hiking, and serving as the nearest base for Biogradska Gora National Park, one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests.

The municipality's landscape is defined by dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain peaks that rise above 2,000 metres. The Tara and Morača rivers flow through the area, carving deep gorges and providing opportunities for rafting and fishing. Kolašin's altitude gives it clean mountain air and the status of a recognised "air spa," making it a popular retreat for those seeking relief from coastal heat and urban congestion.

Kolašin benefits from excellent accessibility compared to other Montenegrin mountain destinations. The Belgrade–Bar railway passes through the town, and the road from Podgorica reaches Kolašin in about an hour via the dramatic Platije Canyon. The development of resort infrastructure, including the Bianca Resort & Spa, has positioned Kolašin as a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding national parks and mountain ranges.

Kolašin is a genuine year-round destination. Winter (December–March) brings reliable snow for skiing at the Jezerine ski centre, which operates lifts to 1,950 metres. Temperatures regularly drop well below freezing, and the town becomes a lively ski resort with transport services running from hotels to the slopes.

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the best months for hiking, with wildflowers on the alpine meadows in spring and crisp, clear conditions in autumn. Summer (July–August) is pleasant at altitude, offering a cool alternative to the coast, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. The Morača Mountains and Bjelasica are best explored from late spring through early autumn, with winter requiring full alpine equipment.

Kolašin is compact, and the town centre is easily navigable on foot. For reaching ski centres, national parks, and mountain trailheads, transport options are limited but manageable. The ski centre on Jezerine operates its own shuttle buses from town during the ski season.

By rail, the Belgrade–Bar line connects Kolašin to Podgorica (to the south) and to Mojkovac and the northern hinterland. By road, Podgorica is about 80 km and one hour's drive via the M-2 highway through Platije Canyon. The Serbian border is roughly two hours to the north. Taxis are available in town but should be arranged in advance for longer trips. Biogradska Gora National Park is 17 km from Kolašin and accessible by car or with hired transport.

• Kolasin – the municipal seat and mountain resort town, serving as the base for skiing, hiking, and access to the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Biogradska Gora National Park – 17 km from Kolašin, one of Europe's last primeval forests, with Biogradsko Lake at its centre and hiking trails through ancient woodland.

Kolašin's cuisine is rooted in Montenegrin mountain traditions, with hearty, warming dishes suited to the climate. Kačamak — a rich dish of cornmeal, potatoes, and kajmak (a creamy dairy spread) — is the regional speciality and a must-try. Grilled meats, cured meats (especially Njeguški pršut from nearby villages), and slow-cooked stews feature prominently on menus.

The national restaurant Savardak, located 3 km from the centre toward the Jezerine ski resort, is a well-regarded spot for traditional Montenegrin food including kačamak. Bambi bakery on the main square offers affordable burek, kevapi, and pastries. Local trout, caught from nearby mountain rivers, is another highlight. Dining options in Kolašin are modest but genuine, with family-run restaurants and bakeries providing filling, inexpensive meals.

Kolašin's cultural life is closely tied to its mountain setting and traditional pastoral heritage. The town hosts seasonal events connected to winter sports and summer mountain culture, though it does not have the large-scale festival calendar of Montenegro's coastal towns.

The surrounding region preserves traditions of mountain pastoralism, including katun culture — the summer migration of livestock herders to high-altitude pastures. Visitors may encounter traditional wooden shepherd huts (katuns) on mountain hikes. The local hunting and fishing association reflects the area's long relationship with the natural environment. The Botanic Garden established by biologist Danijel Vincek showcases hundreds of plant species from Durmitor, Bjelasica, Prokletije, and Sinjajevina, serving both scientific and educational purposes.

• Skiing at the Jezerine ski centre – Kolašin's main winter attraction, with lifts reaching 1,950 metres and well-maintained slopes suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.
• Hiking in the Morača Mountains – a network of routes from the town lead to summits above 2,000 metres, including Kapetanovo jezero to Lastva (4 hours, 555 m elevation gain) and the multi-summit traverse to Veliki Zebalac.
• Visiting Biogradska Gora National Park – walk through one of Europe's last primeval forests and picnic on the shores of Biogradsko Lake, just 17 km from town.
• Rafting the Tara River – raft from Kolašin to Mojkovac along roughly 15 km of the Tara river gorge, with springtime providing the most intense water levels.
• Riding the Belgrade–Bar railway through the mountains – one of Europe's most scenic rail journeys passes directly through Kolašin, crossing viaducts and tunnels through the Montenegrin highlands.