Mojkovac, Черногория: Complete Travel & История Guide

Обзор

Mojkovac is a small mountain town situated at an altitude of 820 meters above уровень моря in northeastern Черногория, at the foot of the Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountain ranges. Often called “the small Switzerland of Черногория,” this historic town is located at the beginning of the Tara River canyon and serves as a gateway to some of Черногория’s most spectacular natural landscapes [1][2]. The town lies between the municipalities of Kolašin and Žabljak, making it an ideal base for exploring the northern region of the country.

The municipality has a population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 367 square kilometers. Mojkovac’s greatest natural wealth is the beautiful Tara River, which poets call the “Tear of Europe” - the longest river in Черногория at 150 km, with clean and potable water throughout its entire course [3][4].

История

Medieval Period and Brskovo Silver Mine

The history of the Mojkovac region is deeply connected to the medieval mining settlement of Brskovo, located just 6 km from modern Mojkovac. Mining operations at Brskovo were first recorded in the thirteenth century, with silver mining starting in 1270 [5][6]. Brskovo was first mentioned between 1219 and 1228 in a trade charter of Stefan the First-Crowned addressed to the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik).

During its golden age at the time of Serbian King Stefan Uroš I, Brskovo became the largest silver mine in the Балканы. In 1254, King Uroš introduced Saxon miners who brought advanced mining know-how and played a major role in the development of medieval mining [7]. Small-scale silver mining operations included a mint producing coins called the “Grossi de Brescova.” During this prosperous period, a customs office existed in Brskovo as well as, a century later, a consulate of Dubrovnik [8].

On the whole inland territory of present-day Черногория, Brskovo was the only commercial center whose importance could measure up to that of the coastal towns. The settlement was regularly visited by merchants from Kotor and Dubrovnik and reached its zenith in the 1280s [9]. The town had a Virgin’s church administered by Dominicans from Dubrovnik and was a thriving commercial hub.

османский Period

From 1350 onwards, Brskovo began to completely decline. In 1398-1399, the Turks took Brskovo, and according to Dubrovnik sources, by 1433 it was an abandoned place [10][11]. In 1477, the Mojkovac region was annexed to the Sandžak of Herzegovina, and later it often changed its administrative affiliation throughout the османский период [12].

The region remained under османский control for centuries. In the liberation wars of 1876-1878, the left bank of the Tara was liberated from Turkish rule. The border between Черногория and the Османская империя, recognized by the Berlin Treaty, was the Tara River. This situation remained until the First Balkan War in 1912, when the entire Mojkovac region was liberated and annexed to the черногорский state [13].

Battle of Mojkovac (January 6-7, 1916)

The Battle of Mojkovac is the most famous historical event associated with the town and stands as one of Черногория’s proudest military achievements. This Первая мировая война battle was fought between January 6 and 7, 1916 (on православный Christmas, also known as “Bloody Christmas”) near Mojkovac, between the armies of Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Черногория [14][15].

In the winter of 1915, the черногорский Army had been fighting the австро-венгерский Army for three months in Serbia. In January 1916, they received a command to protect the retreat of the Royal Serbian Army to Corfu in Greece via Albania [16]. Led by Serdar (Vojvoda) Janko Vukotić, with Krsto Popović as second in command, approximately 6,500 черногорский troops defended key positions around Mojkovac against an австро-венгерский force of about 20,000 men supported by artillery [17][18].

Despite harsh winter conditions and numerical inferiority of more than 3 to 1, the черногорскийs repulsed repeated assaults and inflicted heavy casualties on the invaders. Estimates suggest around 2,000 австро-венгерский dead and wounded, while the черногорскийs sustained fewer casualties [19]. The battle ended with a decisive черногорский victory, though by January 25 the entire черногорский army had laid down its weapons [20].

However, this tactical victory achieved its strategic objective: it delayed the австро-венгерский advance, preventing the interception of the retreating Serbian army remnants who were evacuating through черногорский territory toward the Albanian coast [21]. This heroic stand allowed Serbian forces to reach safety and eventually regroup, continuing their fight in the war.

Modern Era

In the modern period, mining exploration at Brskovo recommenced in 1950, with operations restarting in 1976 and continuing until 1991 [22]. Today, the site is being developed by Tara Resources as a zinc, lead, and copper mine [23]. In the 2000s and onward, Mojkovac’s economy has emphasized service-oriented diversification, particularly winter tourism via ski facilities on Bjelasica mountain [24].

Главные достопримечательности

Исторические места

Battle of Mojkovac Memorial Just outside Mojkovac stands a monument commemorating the fallen heroes of the Battle of Mojkovac in 1916 [25]. This memorial honors the sacrifice of черногорский soldiers who fought valiantly against overwhelming odds.

Monument to Janko Vukotić A monument to Count Janko Vukotić (1866-1927), who led the черногорский army to victory in the Battle of Mojkovac, is beautifully placed on the main square in Mojkovac [26][27]. This monument to the Commander of the черногорский Sandzak Army in WWI is the work of sculptors Svetomir and Svetozar Radovic. Vukotić served as Prime Minister of Черногория from May 1913 until July 1915 and was Chief of Staff of the черногорский Army during Первая мировая война [28].

Brskovo Archaeological Site Located 6 km from Mojkovac, the historical excavations of Brskovo include the ruins of the medieval mint (13th century) and the remains of what was once the most important silver mine in the Балканы [29][30]. Visitors interested in historical values can explore this fascinating site that offers a glimpse into Черногория’s medieval commercial prosperity.

Morača Monastery Founded in 1252 by Stefan Vukanović of the Serbian Nemanjić dynasty, Morača Monastery is one of Черногория’s most important religious and cultural monuments [31][32]. Stefan Vukanović, the grandson of Stefan Nemanja (father of Serbian statehood), founded the monastery possibly on his own lands [33].

The main sanctuary (katholikon) is a large one-nave church built in the Raška style, devoted to the Assumption of Mary, with a minor chapel devoted to Saint Nicholas [34]. The most famous among the frescoes is the 13th-century cycle of the prophet Elijah, one of the most important works of Serbian medieval art [35]. Despite being burnt down by the османскийs for the first time in 1505, a significant part of the original 13th-century frescoes has survived, representing outstanding examples of medieval Balkan art [36][37].

For many years, the monastery played an important role as a cultural, spiritual, and educational center, as well as a center of resistance against the Османская империя [38].

Church of Archangel Michael Built in the late 19th century, this church is another important Christian sanctuary in the area accessible from Mojkovac [39].

St. George Monastery Dating from the 16th century, this monastery represents another significant religious site near Mojkovac [40].

Природные достопримечательности

Biogradska Gora Национальный парк One of Черногория’s five национальный паркs and believed to be its oldest (with history beginning in 1878), Biogradska Gora is located in the Bjelasica mountains between the rivers Tara and Lim [41][42]. The park covers 54 square kilometers and features one of Europe’s last three primeval forests [43].

The entrance to the park is situated along the road from Mojkovac to Kolašin, approximately 5 km from Mojkovac and 17 km from Kolašin [44][45]. Mojkovac is at 11.5 kilometers and a 20-minute drive from the park, making it a convenient base for visitors [46].

Biogradsko Lake is the centerpiece of the park, surrounded by virgin forest with trees over 500 years old. The park offers activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing [47]. To get to the park, visitors can take a local bus from Mojkovac and ask to be let off at the turn-off for Biogradska Gora Национальный парк - it’s around an hour’s walk (5 km) from the main road to the lake [48]. Taxis and private cars from Mojkovac are also readily available [49].

Tara River Canyon The Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe, reaching 1,300 meters at its maximum depth, and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon [50][51]. UNESCO recognized the importance of this ecosystem by including the canyon as part of Durmitor Национальный парк World Heritage Site [52]. The Tara River is 150 km long with clean, potable water throughout its entire course [53].

Located at the junction of Mojkovac, Pljevlja, and Žabljak in Durmitor Национальный парк, the canyon offers spectacular scenery and world-class outdoor activities [54]. Mojkovac is positioned right at the beginning of the Tara River canyon [55].

Zabojsko Lake Lake Zabojsko, known as “The Mountain Eye of Sinjajevina,” is located on the northeastern slopes of Sinjajevina mountain at an altitude of 1,477 meters [56][57]. It is the third deepest lake in Черногория at 19 meters depth [58]. The lake is 265 meters long (west-east direction) and 165 meters wide, with a surface area of 27,600 square meters [59].

Surrounded by dense coniferous and beech forest, Zabojsko Lake offers peace and exceptional natural beauty [60]. The water is clear, clean, and transparent up to 8 meters depth, with a summer temperature of 16°C [61]. The lake is home to trout and is strictly protected within Durmitor Национальный парк [62]. Visitors can take a walk around the whole lake on a short and easy path [63].

Sinjajevina Mountain Plateau Sinjajevina is the most spacious mountain in Черногория, occupying an area of over 60 square kilometers and measuring 35 to 40 km long and 10 to 15 km wide [64][65]. The greater part of Sinjajevina is actually an undulating plateau with a uniform landscape of karst sinkholes, fields, and grassy heads, with an average height of 1,600 to 1,700 meters [66].

Sinjajevina holds the largest pasture range in Черногория and is built mainly of Triassic and Jurassic limestones and dolomites [67]. The mountain is bordered by powerful river canyons, with the Morača flowing in the south and the Tara surrounding the area on the eastern and northern sides [68]. The ascent of Mount Sinjajevina (2,277 m) typically starts from the center of Mojkovac [69].

Black Pine Forest One of the most significant and beautiful forest landscapes in Черногория, the black pine forest is located in the canyon valley of the Tara River and offers a unique natural experience [70].

Đurđevića Tara Bridge Built between 1937 and 1940, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge is a significant engineering landmark designed by engineer Mijat Trojanović, standing 172 meters above the Tara River [71][72]. It’s one of the best places to see the Tara Canyon and has become an iconic symbol of Черногория’s natural beauty.

Activities and Adventures

Рафтинг

Рафтинг on the Tara River is one of the most popular attractions in Черногория’s north, with Mojkovac serving as a starting point [73][74]. The Tara is one of the world’s top three most attractive rafting rivers [75]. The one-day route from Brstnovica to Šćepan Polje is 18 kilometers long and takes about 2 to 3 hours [76].

The rafting season lasts from April to October, with the early season reserved for experienced adventurers, while families with children can enjoy the Tara during the summer months [77]. Professional outdoor activity providers in Mojkovac offer rafting along with kayaking and canyoning experiences [78].

Zip Lining

The zip line at Đurđevića Tara Bridge offers a breathtaking experience, soaring at an altitude of nearly 150 meters (172 meters to be precise) above the plunging canyon gorge [79][80]. TARASPORT offers the longest zip line in Europe with a rope length of 1,200 meters [81]. The extreme zipline is just over 1 km in length and flies across the canyon at speeds up to 120 km/h [82].

Tara has two ziplines: yellow (824 m) and green (1,050 m) [83]. The zip-line slide itself takes about 3 minutes and can be repeated multiple times with additional payment [84].

Нахлыстовая рыбалка

Fly fishing has a long history on the Tara River, particularly in the area near Mojkovac, which is an exemplary location for this sport [85]. The Tara River is the number one river for fly fishing in Черногория, rich in fish, primarily grayling and trout [86][87].

The fly fishing zone stretches for 8 km, with the upstream border passing right next to Biogradska Gora Национальный парк [88]. The downstream zone extends to Mojkovac [89]. Fly fishing is catch and release only, and this part of the Tara River is exclusively allowed for fly fishing according to catch and release regulations [90][91].

Hiking and Mountain Climbing

The terrain around Mojkovac is ideal for hiking, with trails leading through Sinjajevina mountain plateau, Bjelasica mountain range, and Biogradska Gora Национальный парк [92][93]. Sinjajevina (2,277 m) offers excellent hiking and climbing adventures with easily accessible routes from Mojkovac [94].

Alpinists from all over the world come to conquer the peaks of Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains [95]. The Via Dinarica long-distance hiking trail passes through the area, with Day 14 of the route connecting Mojkovac to Sinjajevina homestays [96].

Mountain Biking

Mojkovac Municipality is a hidden gem for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering exhilarating MTB trails that cater to all skill levels [97][98]. The region is nestled amidst majestic mountains and lush forests, providing diverse terrain perfect for mountain biking [99].

Popular trails include: - Vilusi Trail: Known for its technical sections and stunning mountain views [100] - Kolašin-Mojkovac Route: A scenic route through charming villages and pristine landscapes [101] - Lipovo Village Loop: Perfect for beginners on gentle slopes [102]

A 300-kilometer bicycle route introduces the magical east of Черногория, bordered by Bjelasica Mountain and the town of Mojkovac on the northwest [103]. The terrain around Sinjajevina is particularly ideal for mountain biking [104].

Skiing and Зимние виды спорта

Bjelasica mountain, which covers a large part of the municipality of Mojkovac, is a true splendor of natural beauty in winter [105]. In the eyes of skiers, its expanses are a challenge for skiing on rugged terrain, as well as for walking on snowshoes [106].

In the 2000s and onward, Mojkovac’s economy has emphasized winter tourism via ski facilities on Bjelasica mountain [107]. Future development plans predict a total of 224 kilometers of ski trails on Bjelasica, which will be covered by 52 ski lifts [108].

Snowshoes can be rented at the Durmitor and Prokletije Национальный парк visitor centers, various ski centers, and the Mojkovac local tourist organization [109]. In winter months, Sinjajevina also offers opportunities for lengthy skiing adventures [110].

Paragliding

Weather conditions in Mojkovac favor paragliding flights throughout the year [111]. Mojkovac, surrounded by mountains, has ideal conditions for all kinds of winds [112]. The club “Phoenix” in Mojkovac has organized paragliding competitions, including individual inter-municipal championships attended by flyers from various черногорский clubs [113]. Anyone who wants to try this type of active vacation can do so through professional paragliders in tandem flights [114].

Other Activities

Horseback riding through the Tara canyon and surrounding areas [115]
Quad tours organized by professional outdoor activity providers [116]
Beach activities along the Tara River with free entry and lifeguard services [117]
Cycling tours through scenic routes in Durmitor Национальный парк [118]

Практическая информация

Лучшее время для посещения

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for hiking and exploring национальный паркs [119]. The rafting season on the Tara River lasts from April to October [120]. Summer months are perfect for families with children to enjoy rafting and river activities [121]. Winter offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing opportunities on Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains [122].

For budget-conscious travelers, September to November typically offers the lowest hotel prices [123].

Как добраться

Mojkovac is located in northeastern Черногория and can be easily reached by:

Car or Bus: From Nikšić and Podgorica via main roads [124]
Train: The railway line connects Mojkovac with Kolašin and other towns. The train stops at Mojkovac station, though it does not stop at the entrance to Biogradska Gora Национальный парк [125]

The town is strategically positioned between Kolašin (approximately 20 km away) and Žabljak, making it an excellent base for exploring the northern region.

Tourist Services

TripAdvisor features 342 reviews of Mojkovac hotels, attractions, and restaurants [126]. Professional outdoor activity providers in town offer comprehensive services including: - Рафтинг expeditions - Kayaking and canyoning - Quad tours - Zip lining arrangements - Fly fishing guides - Mountain biking rentals and tours - Paragliding tandem flights

The local tourist organization in Mojkovac provides information and can assist with arranging activities and accommodations [127].

Why Visit Mojkovac

Mojkovac offers a unique combination of rich historical heritage, pristine natural beauty, and world-class outdoor adventures. Unlike more touristy coastal destinations, Mojkovac provides an authentic mountain experience where visitors can explore Europe’s deepest canyon, raft on one of the continent’s most beautiful rivers, walk through primeval forests, and stand on the site of a heroic WWI battle.

The town serves as a perfect base for exploring multiple национальный паркs, engaging in adrenaline sports like zip lining and rafting, or simply enjoying the tranquility of mountain lakes and forests. Whether you’re a history enthusiast interested in medieval mining and WWI heritage, an adventure seeker looking for rafting and paragliding, or a nature lover wanting to explore untouched wilderness, Mojkovac delivers an unforgettable черногорский mountain experience.