Kolasin, Montenegro

Kolasin (see on Montenegro map) is a small town located in the north of the country and bordering the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica. The population of Kolasin is no more than 5,000 people, but, nevertheless, it is known to skiers from all over the world. Kolasin is located at an altitude of 954 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Belasitsa, Komovi and Sinyavina mountain ranges. Kolasin will enchant you with natural beauties at any time of the year.

A bit of history
The lands of Kolasin were inhabited by Slavs in the Middle Ages. Its location often became the cause of quarrels and conflicts - its fertile lands were well protected from wind and cold by reliable "mountain" walls. In 1652, the city was founded by the Turks, who owned these lands at that time. And Kolasin became part of Montenegro only at the end of the 19th century.

winter period
The ski season lasts quite a long time - from November to May. Ski slopes are located 8 km from Kolasin in the ski centers Trebalevo and Belasitsa. The total length of the slopes of Mount Belasitsa is 15 km! If you are just a beginner in this business, then you can go to classes at a ski school; if you want to go snowboarding, then they will teach you that. You can ride not only during the day, but also at night - the tracks are illuminated with bright lights. And if you forgot your equipment at home or you were not allowed to board the plane with it, then here you can rent everything you need. You can take the whole set of equipment, or you can take it separately. Here are the prices for the kits:

To get on the ski slopes, you also need to buy a ticket:

(Children under 5 and seniors over 75, admission is free).

Here you can download and watch ski slopes map.
In addition, you can rent a snowmobile (80 euros per hour) or a quad bike (60 euros per hour) and drive through the snow-capped peaks of the beautiful mountains.

Summer period
In Kolasin, you can do more than just skiing. In the vicinity of the city there is a famous national park "Biogradska Gora". It is famous for the fact that it has preserved relic forests in their original form. This reserve has been protected since 1878. You will be able to see icy mountain streams, crystal clear lakes and ancient, untouched forests.

In the very center is the beautiful Biograd Lake.

In the vicinity of the reserve there are 5 more glacial lakes. The Belasitsa Mountains themselves are amazing and majestic. The highest mountain, Black Head (2131 m above sea level), is especially beautiful, with mills and old wooden houses located on its slopes.
The city itself is located in the upper reaches of the mountain river Tara, so rafting is very popular here. Having rafted down the Tara at least once, you cannot but come here again. But the active rest in Kolasin does not end there, but only begins! So here's what you can do:

- Canyoning (exploring ancient, deep canyons);
- Speleology (hiking through easy and difficult caves)
-Fishing (there are many cleanest lakes where you can catch ecologically clean fish)
-Mountain biking (in a group, along the beautiful Tara River)
- Parachuting (possible from the mountains, as well as over the sea)
-Horse riding (two and three day tours)
-Mountaineering (7 days tour)
- Camping (3 days with provision of food in nature)
-Photo Safari

So it is interesting and exciting to relax here not only in winter, but, of course, in summer too!

Attractions
In Kolasin, in addition to natural resources, there are also monuments of ancient architecture. For example, the Moraca Monastery, built in the 13th century. It is located on the right bank of the Moraca canyon. The complex consists of a large church dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, a small church of St. Nicholas and several buildings with monastic cells. A part of an ancient fresco has been preserved in the sacristy, which depicts the Mother of God with Christ and 11 scenes illustrating the life of the prophet Elijah. In terms of the technique and splendor of the frescoes of the 13th century, this work has no equal.

How to get there
Kolasin can be reached from Podgorica by regular bus (approx. 8 euros), by train (terminal station Bielo Pole + taxi to the city, approx. 8 euros) or taxi. Podgorica airport is 70 km away (about an hour drive).

(All photos belong to users avega9, roxo, Kvanto, sedovigor, nsapronov)