Adventure in untouched nature - Biogradska Gora National Park

Autumn has arrived. In this nostalgic period, the north of Montenegro shines with the colors of October and the shades of endless glades, and acts as a reminder that it is most pleasant to travel during this time of the year. If you want to experience the best of the few warm days that remind you of summer, but also breathe in autumn in rapture, today we present you activities, places and tastes that you should not miss in the north of Montenegro.

We were honored guests of the Sheraton Hotel. The hotel completely exceeded our expectations and gave a special touch to the entire experience.

Four Points by Sheraton recently opened its first mountain hotel in Europe - Four Points by Sheraton Kolasin, as part of its strategy to expand to new markets around the world. The hotel is part of the dynamic portfolio of the Sheraton brand in the region with 23 hotels, including projects that are currently being developed in Turkey and Russia. height="525">

Owned by York Hotels & Resorts doo, FPS Kolasin is located in the middle of the natural splendor of Northern Montenegro, an hour's drive from the international airport in Podgorica and a 10-minute drive from the ski lifts. The hotel is open throughout the year and is close to the picturesque center of Kolasin, a gathering place in numerous coffee bars and traditional restaurants that serve rich local specialties.

In the hotel's restaurant, we enjoyed many local dishes prepared from locally grown vegetables from the town of Kolasin and the surrounding villages, and the ethnic/rural ambiance of the restaurant gave us the atmosphere characteristic of small but pleasant mountain localities.

 Homemade Kaçamak, which we tried in the restaurant "Koliba", as well as Meso Na Seljacki Nacin in the restaurant "Konoba", are unsurpassed local specialties that we especially recommend.

The town of Kolasin is located at an altitude of 950m and is the center of numerous winter and summer sports activities. During the summer, the cool climate of Kolasin is an opportunity for those who want to explore the lush pine forests and deep canyons of the Tara and Moraca rivers. Biogradska Gora National Park offers endless possibilities for hiking next to crystal clear glacial lakes. Those who prefer a more relaxed way of enjoying the local flora and fauna can take a panoramic lift over the mountain peaks.

Four Points by Sheraton Kolasin offers 72 guest rooms, including 12 suites, Blanche restaurant with Montenegrin cuisine, Flame bar for light snacks, which are available to guests throughout the day. There is also a modern spa center of 270 m2 with saunas, a Turkish bath, a jacuzzi and a fitness center, as well as a separate parking area provided for hotel guests.

The principle of the brand is to provide today's demanding guests with superior comfort, and it is recognized for its Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort bed, which is covered with 350-thread-count fabric, for the most pleasant sleep of every guest. The sophisticated offer of the Sheraton, which takes care of every detail, includes all-natural bath products, soft bathrobes and slippers, as well as a 42-inch LED TV and high-speed Internet access available throughout the facility.

Considering the needs of the modern guest, there is a Best Brews restaurant/pub with a diverse selection of 15 locally produced types of beer where guests can refresh themselves after an active day. You can fulfill gastronomic pleasures in the excellent offer of hotel restaurants, from the great Blanche restaurant with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, to the Flame bar, where in a more relaxed atmosphere you can enjoy delicious pizza for the whole family.

The modern spa center includes a hammam (Turkish bath), jacuzzi, treatment rooms and a fitness center and is the perfect place to relax, whether it's apres-ski or a summer vacation. The hotel offers something for everyone, and if skiers who want to work on their skills can use the dedicated area for skiing, while children can have fun in the playroom.

FPS redefines the concept of travel. With more than 225 FP hotels in over 38 states and territories, visitors can find contemporary style and comfort with quality service. From Santiago to Shanghai, Milan and Milwaukee, FP hotels can be found in major city centers, airports, near beaches and in the suburbs, and now with FPS Kolasin, this fantastic mountain location joins the portfolio. Each hotel offers a pleasant ambience with an authentic feeling of local culture and friendly service, where guests can relax, watch local sports and enjoy the Best Brews and BBK program.

In fact, about 2000 plant species and subspecies live in the area of the Biogradska Gora National Park, of which about 400 belong to the Balkan endemics, which means that apart from Bjelasica, they can be found in some other smaller or larger areas on the Balksan Peninsula, but not beyond its borders. The park is home to around 100 species of woody plants. Of the deciduous trees, the most important species are beech, mountain maple, mountain maple, elm, ash, linden... Of the conifer species, there are firs, spruces, yews, Scots pine, aspen, mullein... The woody plants also include some types of conifers: blueberry, juniper, cranberry... Herbaceous plants are most often found on mountain meadows, and among them are types of beautiful flowers: orchids, violets, carnations, lilies, as well as numerous medicinal plants, such as hajducka grass, lincura, St. John's wort, yarrow grass and jagorcevina. On Bjelasica there are roads and fruit plants with delicious fruits: strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cranberry...

 

Lake Biograd is a well-known place on the tourist map, because its untouched nature is what makes it special. About 80% of the Kolasin area is still undeveloped - which means that it has a variety of lush vegetation, natural beauty and wilderness. Through this beautiful wilderness, the mighty Lake Biograd rests peacefully. If you take a kayaking tour on Lake Biograd, you will embark on a true experience that the nature of the National Park provides in its full glory: its mountains and glades, dramatic landscapes, vegetation, as well as fauna - diverse animal world, will leave you with unforgettable impressions. Kayaking is a great way to soak up the easy charm and relaxation of Biogradska Gora. The tour is of light intensity, for real enjoyment. The lake is located in the central part of the park, quite calm, with currents that are easy to overcome even for beginners.

In addition to the large number of destinations throughout the region for quad tours that are offered, we have chosen a quad safari around the peaks of Bjelasica. We started from the center of Kolasin towards the 1450 Ski Center, which is located at 1450 meters above sea level, and which is only 15 minutes away from the center of Kolasin. 'Off road', a rocky road led us through forest areas and untouched nature to the top, from which the best view of Kolasin and the surrounding area is offered.

For beginners and experienced drivers, quad tours are not only an interesting tourist attraction and experience, but also excellent training in an adventurous style. Regardless of the level of effort and speed during driving (from 20-25 km/h for beginners, and over 30 km/h for more experienced drivers), the surrounding of beautiful nature and the experience of driving speed alone occupy the mind so that the driver completely forgets and therefore has an unforgettable time.

We visited the nearby peaks and went along the mountain path through the woods, glades, the untouched nature of the wide expanse where the view stretches far into the distance, taking our breath away - a little bit from the quad bike ride, but mostly from the beauty of the scenery in front of us.

From the Ski Center, the road continues to the eco village of Vrnjak, which is located at 1750 meters above sea level. From Vrnjak along the foot of Zekova Glava (2117 masl), Troglava (2072 masl) and Crna Glava (2139 masl), which are the highest peaks of this mountain. From this place there is an incredible view of the Pešica lake.