Bjelasica is a mountain range in northern Montenegro, in Europe, and one of the country's best-known places for people who come to be outdoors. It is a destination for walkers, skiers and anyone who wants a quieter side of the Balkans than the coast offers.
What the range offers
- Glacial lakes set among the peaks, good for a short walk or a long pause.
- Dense beech forests that shade many of the approach routes.
- Hiking trails suited to a range of fitness levels.
- Winter skiing, which draws visitors when the snow settles.
- Wildflower meadows and clear mountain streams in the summer months.
Katuns and traditional life
Scattered across the range are katuns, the shepherd settlements where herders have traditionally spent the summer with their animals. Visiting one gives a sense of the older rhythm of life here, and of how closely it has long been tied to the land. It is a useful counterpoint to the wild scenery around it.
Bjelasica suits a visit built around walking, lakes and forest air, with time to notice the traditions that still shape the place. Those planning a trip should check seasonal conditions in advance, since the range looks very different in summer and winter.
