The Bjelasica region is one of the most beautiful parts of Montenegro. It has green mountains, clear lakes, and national parks like Biogradska Gora. You can also visit small towns such as Kolašin and Mojkovac. Our Bjelasica road trip guide will show you the best places to stop, what to see, and how to enjoy the drive. To begin your journey, you should rent a car in Podgorica. With your own car, your trip will be more comfortable and easier.
Bjelasica is one of the greenest mountain ranges in Montenegro. It spreads 630 square kilometers, with rolling peaks, thick forests, and scenic lakes. If you’re exploring the Bjelasica region by car, you’ll find peace, nature, and panoramic views in every direction.
Bjelasica is not like other mountains in the country. It was formed by volcanic activity, which created soft hills and wide green meadows instead of sharp cliffs. The mountain reaches over 2,000 meters at its highest points. Unlike rocky areas, the land here is smooth and good for hiking or off-road driving. You’ll see rich forests, wildflowers, and many clean water springs across the range.
There are six glacial lakes in the Bjelasica region. The most famous is Biogradsko Lake, found inside the national park. Other lakes include Pešića, Ursulovačko, Šiško, and Ševarina. Each one has clear blue or emerald green water, surrounded by pine trees, meadows, and mountain views. These lakes are often part of jeep or hiking tours.
Bjelasica has something to offer in all seasons. In summer, the meadows are green, the air is fresh, and trails are open. In winter, the area becomes a ski destination, especially around the Kolašin 1450 and 1600 ski centers. The snowy forests, frozen lakes, and peaceful villages make winter road trips just as rewarding.
Getting to Bjelasica is easy if you’re driving. Many travelers begin their road trip to Bjelasica from Podgorica's capital city, which is 1 hour and 20 minutes away. You can book a car online and pick it up in Podgorica. Most travelers take the road through the Moraca Canyon. This route passes over 30 tunnels and offers amazing views of cliffs, rivers, and forests. A newer road, the Princess Xenia highway, also connects Podgorica to the north with a faster and smoother drive.
The two main towns for reaching Bjelasica are Kolašin and Mojkovac. Kolašin is 1,000 meters above sea level and has clean air and alpine charm. It’s considered a top stop for mountain tourism. Mojkovac is also nearby and is known for its quiet roads, local food, and views of the Tara River canyon. Both towns offer easy access to Biogradska Gora National Park.
Some roads in Bjelasica are paved, but many are gravel or dirt, especially when you enter higher ground or approach katuns. A 4x4 vehicle is helpful but not always required. Navigation apps may not work in remote areas, so use GPS. Be ready for narrow tracks and steep slopes near lakes and peaks.
Biogradska Gora is one of the oldest national parks in the world. It was protected by King Nikola in 1878 and became a national park in 1952. Driving here allows you to explore the best places to visit in Bjelasica.
This is the park’s most accessible lake and a favorite among visitors. A 3.5-kilometer walking path wraps around it, with wooden bridges, shaded spots, and signs explaining what you see. The lake is 1,094 meters above sea level, surrounded by tall beech trees over 500 years old. The path is flat and suitable for all ages. You can take great photos, watch birds, and enjoy the stillness of the water.
Small wooden boats are available for rent. You can float quietly across Biogradsko Lake and get a different view of the forest. The lake was formed by a melted glacier and covers up to 250,000 square meters, depending on the season. The deepest point is 12.1 meters, and the water shines green and blue. Boat rides are calm and perfect for couples or families.
Katuns are seasonal wooden huts used by farmers during summer. Some are now open to visitors, offering food like kačamak, cicvara, popara, leaf cheese, and fresh juices. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming. One of the most visited katuns is Katun Vranjak, which also serves as a hiking base. You can sit near a fire, drink mountain tea, and enjoy food made with local ingredients and traditional methods.
Several off-road jeep tours are available in the park. These tours drive across mountain ridges, visit glacial lakes, and stop at hidden katuns and pastures. A popular route starts from Kolašin, goes to Biogradsko Lake, and climbs toward Zekova Glava and Pešića Lake. You’ll travel through grassy meadows, forests, and alpine viewpoints. Only off-road vehicles can take these routes, so it’s a rare experience few travelers enjoy.
If you're into hiking, you can follow trails that reach glacial lakes and peaks. One option is a 6-hour hike to Pešića Lake, where the green water reflects the nearby cliffs. Another route goes to Zekova Glava, a 2,117-meter peak with a transmitter tower and full views of the valley below. Both trails are scenic and not too difficult, making them great for active travelers with medium fitness.
This is a lesser-known trail. The Bjelojevića River trail follows a 35-kilometer path that crosses mountain ridges, villages, and forest lines. The water is clean and fresh, perfect for resting during hot weather. You’ll also see Troglava peak and smaller glacial lakes along the way. It’s a whole-day adventure that lets you experience the Bjelasica region.
Camping is allowed in designated areas near Biogradsko Lake. You can bring a tent or stay in simple wooden bungalows. Some spots even have solar energy and fresh mountain spring water. This is a great way to stay overnight without leaving the natural surroundings. When the sky is clear, you’ll sleep under stars and wake up to the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
If you want to learn as you explore, you’ll find interactive walking stations around Biogradsko Lake. These stations talk about the plants, animals, and history of the park. They make it easy to understand how rare and important this area is. For guided experiences, some tours also include talks about forest conservation, glacial history, and endangered species.
Before leaving the park, stop by the visitor area near the lake entrance. You’ll find maps, brochures, and small souvenirs made by locals. Some items feature Bjelasica mountain designs, natural materials, or symbols from Biogradska Gora. Buying something here helps support the park and its local partners.
The lakes of Bjelasica are a part of this region’s beauty. They are cold, deep, and shaped by ice thousands of years ago. Most lakes are located between 1,600 and 1,900 meters above sea level.
Pešića Lake is located below Zekova Glava, one of the tallest peaks in Bjelasica. From above, the lake looks like a mirror in the forest, surrounded by grasslands and cliffs. You can reach it by driving or hiking from Vranjak. The view from the top is perfect in the early morning when the sun reflects off the water.
These lakes are close to each other. Sheep were once sheared here, giving the lakes their name. You’ll often see flocks of animals grazing near the water. The area around these lakes has soft grass, katuns, and walking paths between small hills.
Ursulovačko Lake is harder to reach but worth the effort. It lies in a forested area under Crna Glava, the highest peak. Nearby, you’ll find Veliko Ursulovačko and Malo Ursulovačko, which locals call Blatina and Kurikućko. These are quiet places where few tourists go.
Many people come here to hike or take a short trek to one of the peaks. Compared to other ranges in Montenegro, the mountains are easy to climb.
Crna Glava is the tallest peak in Bjelasica at 2,139 meters. The summit is flat, grassy, and safe for visitors. It takes about 3 hours to walk from Vranjak Katun to the top. You can see several lakes, forested slopes, and other mountain chains like Komovi and Durmitor in the distance.
Zekova Glava is another top destination for hikers. The peak stands at 2,117 meters and is home to a radio tower. You’ll have a wide-angle view of Pešića Lake from the summit. The climb is short and safe, though some parts are narrow and steep.
Troglava, at 2,072 meters, connects with nearby peaks through a grassy ridge. This trail offers open views and smooth terrain, making it great for hikers and photographers. From here, you can reach several katuns or return to the Biograd River valley.
The best way to see Bjelasica is by car, mainly a 4x4 for rough tracks. Many jeep tours are available, and the routes cover lakes, peaks, forests, and remote villages.
A classic route goes from Kolašin to Biogradsko Lake and continues up to Zekova Glava and Pešića Lake. These roads pass old shepherd trails, river crossings, and wild pastures. It’s the best way to explore deep parts of the mountain that regular cars can’t reach.
Some tours include stops at hidden katuns or small hamlets not on the map. These places feel untouched by time. You’ll find stone houses, grazing sheep, and calm mountain views. Some roads are steep, so drivers should be confident on gravel.
Not all roads in Bjelasica are the same. Some lead through thick forests, others pass over open pastures and steep slopes. If you're planning to fully explore Bjelasica, it's best to choose a 4x4 vehicle from the start. Routes like the one from Kolašin to Zekova Glava, or from Berane to Kurikuće, require extra traction, low gear control, and good brakes. In dry weather, most roads are manageable with the right car. But once you enter higher terrain or softer ground, you’ll be glad to have a powerful vehicle
You can explore Bjelasica in any season. Each one offers a different view and feeling.
The mountain is full of flowers, fresh air, and dry trails in summer. It’s perfect for hiking, camping, and swimming in glacial lakes. Temperatures stay around 17°C, so it’s cooler than the coast. Summer is also the best time to visit Katuns and mountain pastures.
Autumn turns the forest into a painting. Leaves change to red and gold. The weather stays mild until mid-October. It’s an excellent time for photography and quiet walks, especially around Biogradsko Lake. You’ll also see the last weeks of activity in the katuns.
In winter, Bjelasica becomes a snowy wonderland. The ski centers in Kolašin offer slopes, restaurants, and ski lifts. You can still drive to some katuns and see frozen lakes and forests. The cold gives the whole area a peaceful and magical look.
Bjelasica is a mountain range that offers quiet lakes, smooth hiking trails, friendly katuns, and mountain views in every direction. You can explore ancient forests, walk beside glacial lakes, and enjoy home-cooked food in highland huts. With your car, you decide the pace, whether it’s a calm drive through Biogradska Gora or an off-road trip to Pešića Lake.
Rent a car with Final Rentals to start your trip in Montenegro. You can pick up your vehicle directly in Podgorica and choose from reliable options, including SUVs and 4x4s, perfect for Bjelasica’s mixed terrain.
