Biogradsko Lake

The lake and the forest

The lake is fed by the Biogradska rijeka, about 8 km long and rising at 1,860 m under Zekova glava, by smaller streams and by rain; its only outflow is the Jezerštica, about 3 km long, which joins the Tara. The park's own figure for the surface is about 250,000 m², varying with the water level. Fish are three native species (brown trout, gaovica and peš) and two introduced ones (Arctic char and rainbow trout); the lake is also a breeding centre for the Balkan endemic Greek frog and for newts. Five more glacial lakes lie higher on Bjelasica inside the park: Pešića, Šiško, Ševarine and the two Ursulovačko lakes.

The forest around the lake has been protected from commercial use since 1878, when the ruler Nikola declared a ban, and has been a national park since 1952. The park and the National Tourism Organisation describe it as one of the last three primeval forests in Europe, with trees over 40 m tall and up to 500 years old, and more than 2,000 plant species in the park. The whole park lies within the Tara River Basin biosphere reserve (UNESCO MAB).

Walks and trails

• Lake loop: 3.5 km, about 1 hour, easy, by the Kolašin tourist board; the park's educational trail is 3.3 km and 40 minutes.
• Bendovac viewpoint (1,774 m): the park's most visited lookout, reached by a marked trail from the lake.
• "Ljeto u katunu" thematic trail: 2.5 km, about 1 hour, easy loop.
• Six marked mountain trails lead to Crna glava (2,137 m), Zekova glava (2,117 m), Troglava and the upper lakes; the bike route "Dvije glave i pet jezera" is a 63 km loop from the lake, 8 to 9 hours.

The hiking hub covers the longer Bjelasica routes.

Boats, fishing and camping

Wooden rowing boats (€10 an hour) and kayaks (€3 single, €5 double, per hour) are rented at the reception and souvenir building on the shore, which also rents bikes, poles and tents. Sport fishing needs a daily permit (€20): one rod, artificial lures, a maximum of five trout of at least 25 cm. The National Tourism Organisation suggests a swim is possible; the park's rules do not mention swimming. Twelve bungalows on the shore (32 beds) are leased to a private operator; tent pitches are by the visitor centre (€3 a day) and a serviced camp area at Kraljevo kolo by the park entrance costs €20 a day.

Tickets and rules

Prices are from the park's price list. Entry is free on 22 April, 21, 22 and 24 May, the second Sunday of June, 13 July and 31 July. Drones need a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency, a Civil Aviation Agency permit above 249 g, and the park's approval.

Getting there

From Kolašin take the road towards Mojkovac for 22 km, turn right at a small bridge, pay at the barrier and follow 4 km of asphalt to the lakeside car park. The park is about 50 km from Podgorica via the Podgorica-Mateševo motorway. The park's pages do not describe bus or train connections to the lake. The park's education centre is in the administration building at Buda Tomovića 10 in Kolašin (weekdays 07:00-15:00).

Nearby

The Kolašin 1600 ski centre is also on Bjelasica, 12 km from Kolašin. The Jezerštica carries the lake's water to the Tara, which flows on past Mojkovac; Morača monastery is in the same municipality. Durmitor National Park and Black Lake are reached via Mojkovac. Other lakes are on the lakes hub.

Questions

How much is the entrance fee?

€4 per person per day, free under 15; €13.50 for a year in all five parks. Boats, fishing and parking are extra.

How long is the walk around the lake?

3.5 km and about an hour by the tourist board; 3.3 km and 40 minutes by the park. The path is flat.

Can you swim in Biogradsko Lake?

The National Tourism Organisation suggests it; the park's rules say nothing either way. There are no marked beaches.

Can you stay by the lake?

Yes: bungalows on the shore, tent pitches by the visitor centre and the Kraljevo kolo camp at the entrance.