Autumn on Bjelasica Mountain: Meet six beautiful lakes

Friday, 20 May 2022

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That Montenegro does not have only beautiful beaches and sea for swimming, says these 6 lakes, which represent only a small part of the beauty of northern Montenegro
We love the mountain the most in winter because of the snow, in the spring because of the flowers and in the summer as a salvation from the heat. But she is perhaps the most beautiful in the fall ?

Pleasant sun, soothing colors of nature - from yellow, through brown to red, leaves rustling on the feet, the smell of apples, the taste of tea and a pleasant stinging sweater…

If you have not experienced the mountain in the fall, we recommend Bjelasica!

Foto: Nestvarna mesta

You need to know three things about it to begin with: First - it is easily accessible, and the paths to the peaks are very passable, without rounded and sharp rocks. Secondly - unlike other mountains in the region, Bjelasica is of volcanic origin, and thanks to that it is rich in undulating pastures and forests. Third - while on Durmitor or Lovćen the waters are declining, here they remain on the surface and flow into streams and rivers, and there are six glacial lakes. Let's meet them!

Biogradsko Lake

The most famous lake on Bjelasica belongs to the Biogradska gora National Park, one of the last three rainforests in Europe. By mid-2021, it is expected to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List. Enough reason to visit her, but we'll give you more.

In the center of the rainforest, under the centuries-old canopy, is the beautiful Lake Biograd. It is 1100 meters long and 410 meters wide. Its depth varies and worries (all glacial lakes are in danger of disappearing). At the time of the highest water level, it can be 12 m deep, while at the time of drought it drops twice, which is exactly in the fall. Despite that, due to the incredible nature that surrounds it, Lake Biograd is the most beautiful in autumn and everyone agrees.

Foto: Vladimir Mladenović

Through the forest next to the lake there is an excellent hiking trail, with signposts and information about flora and fauna. In the Visitor Center you can get all the necessary information about accommodation, visits to the botanical garden, renting boats and bicycles, daily sports fishing license, but also rent a tourist guide. There is also a restaurant, souvenir shop, children's playground, but also some interesting facilities such as the House of Bats, which we wrote about HERE.

Entrance to all national parks of Montenegro is free for Montenegrin citizens until the end of the year, while other visits to Biogradska gora will cost 3 euros per person.

Pesica Lake

The second largest lake on Bjelasica is about 290 meters long and 165 meters wide. Tucked away in a glacial hole under a mountain ridge, it is a hidden gem of this area. It is 3 to 8 meters deep, and in terms of beauty it does not lag behind the famous Biograd Lake.
From the highest peaks of Bjelasica - Troglava, Zekova glava and Crna glava, there is a beautiful view of Pesic and Ursulovac Lake. Near the lake there is the eponymous Pesic katun. At an altitude of 1838 m.n.v you have the feeling that you can touch the sky.

Probably that is why there are many legends circulating around this lake. The most famous is the one about a winged horse that appeared only at night and whose magnificent appearance was enjoyed only by forest fairies. If a man wanted to be convinced of the truth of this story, he would be punished. That, they say, happened to one Pesic who drowned in the lake at night.

Foto: Nestvarna mesta

Ursulovac Lake

One of the most inaccessible lakes in Montenegro is located below the largest peak of Bjelasica, Crna Glava. As it usually happens, what is harder to reach, captivates with its incredible beauty. It is guarded by a barely passable bush.
If you can, drive to Zekova glava, and from there on foot to Crna glava. However, for the first time it is always recommended to hire a guide.

It is at a higher altitude than Lake Pešić, but also all the others on Bjelasica, so the water in it is clearer and colder. It is 162 meters long and 106 meters wide. Its average depth is about 3 m, and it varies depending on the water level. It loses water by evaporation. It is also called Kurikućko after the nearest inhabited place. Near the lake there is a small one where shepherds feed their cattle.

And this decoration of Bjelasica is especially beautiful in autumn.

Foto: cedric_gffr

Captain's Lake

Captain's Lake, home to daffodils and villas, is located on the border between two municipalities - Niksic and Kolasin. Located on the mountain Lukavica, at 1,678 meters above sea level, this lake is a favorite place of hikers, photographers, nature lovers and walkers. It is 480 m long and 200 m wide, while its depth is about 37 m.

Here, cattle breeders from Veli Dubok have been raising here for decades, and their katuns and houses are still there today. The lake is rich in fish, especially trout.

You must be wondering how it got its name. According to the legend, the captain of Nikšić, Mušović, had a katun on the site of today's lake. Above his katun, in the mountain rocks, was a spring in the waters of which the mountain villas bathed. Every night, at the source of the villa, they would gather, release spring water and hidden from people's eyes, bathe and drink clear spring water. Before dawn, they would close the spring until the next gathering. One night, the villa that was the last to leave the spring forgot to close the spring, so the water flooded Captain Musovic's katun and the surrounding valleys. Then the fairies moved the spring lower and its waters continued to feed the lake. That is how the lake was created and the name Captain's Lake, writes stazama.me.

You will also notice the house on the stone, which has become an internet sensation.

Lake Rikavac

This beautiful lake is hidden under the Kucka mountains, near the top of Zijovo, on the border with Albania. The waters of the Rikavac stream flow into it, and sink into the rivers Cijevna and Ribnica.

It is necessary to get on the macadam road from the Mokra katun to the Širokar katun where the vehicle is usually left. From there, you can see Rikavačko Lake from the hill and follow the hike .