LAKE IN THE HEART OF ONE OF THE THREE RAINFORESTS IN EUROPE

Biogradska gora National Park was established by law back in 1952, although it was protected much earlier, in the 19th century. Biogradska gora is located in the northeast of Montenegro, between the rivers Tara and Lima, in the central part of the mountain Bjelasica. The national park covers an area of ​​5,650 hectares, and the special beauties of Biogradska gora are the lakes: Biogradsko, Pešića, two Ursulovačka and Šiško lakes. The park is complemented by mountain peaks on Bjelasica: Crna glava, Zekovaglava, Troglava.

The territory of Biogradska gora and the river Jezerštica was protected only six years after Yellowstone was declared the first national park in the world. Biogradska gora was protected in 1878, when the territory became the Prince’s ban – as a gift to the then master of Montenegro, Prince Nikola.

The most significant natural value of this NP is the Biogradska gora rainforest, which covers an area of ​​1,600 hectares and is one of the last three remaining rainforests in Europe and as such is a strictly protected reserve. In the heart of the rainforest, as a wonderful gem of nature, is the beautiful Biograd Lake, the largest and most famous in a series of glacial lakes in the National Park. The lake is covered with thick ice in winter, and deer and hinds walk on it, and many experts consider it the most beautiful lake on the Balkan Peninsula. The unique temple of nature lies in the deep trail of the former glaciers, and it is fed by crystal clear water by the Biogradska river, which is 8 km long, and the Bendovac stream. The lake is 1,100 meters long and 410 meters wide, with an average depth of 4.5 meters, which makes it suitable for boating. The Biogradska river springs below the top of Troglav from several springs located at a distance of about fifty meters. This spring is one of the most visited resorts on Bjelasica.

The lake is surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, and the hiking trail can be toured in an hour. This is untouched nature in the true sense of the word, the largest mountain lake in Montenegro. Crossing the bridge on Tara and driving for 10-15 minutes from the highway, or about an hour of easy walking, you come across one of the last rainforests in Europe. Entrance to the national park is charged 3 euros, while for children under 7 there is no entrance fee. It is a place that is adapted for all tourists, because no one can remain indifferent to the beauties of untouched, wild nature, to the trees of old centuries, an ecosystem that is not disturbed by man. It is a place where different dimensions come together and a person is amazed by the beauty that has been sculpted and carved for centuries.

If you want to stay a few days in Biogradska gora and breathe in the fresh air, there are bungalows available that do not disturb the natural harmony of the forest idyll. Each of the 12 bungalows is made of wood, has two beds, the bathroom is shared, but that does not diminish all the elements for a pleasant stay, which this place has. There is also a restaurant in the park that offers national cuisine.

The national park is open to tourists from May to September, and we advise everyone who has not yet visited this natural pearl to do so, because they will not repent. Bring a slightly warmer wardrobe, because the humidity is high, and the temperature can be up to 10 degrees lower. In the tourist center for visitors, you can get all the necessary information about accommodation, ie bungalows and a tent camp. Also, those who like an active vacation can rent a boat, a bicycle, and the lake is a paradise for sport fishermen who pay 20 euros for a daily permit. Lake Biograd is dominated by several species of fish: trout, foot, grayling and bishop.

About 200 species of birds, over 80 species of butterflies and over 300 species of insects live here. There are wolves, foxes, deer, frogs, but also brown bears.

With the help of well-marked trails you can reach the highest destinations and lakes (Crna glava, Zekova glava, Troglava, Pešića, Šiško and Ursulovačko). One part of the most famous marked mountain transfer hall CT-1, determined in 1987, with a total length of 120 km, crosses these areas as well. It is possible to cross the road in its total length of 6 days and its part that includes the mountain Bjelasica and NP Biogradska gora in three days.

In this place, nature takes care of itself, and people and the local population take care that this harmony is not disturbed. It is strictly controlled so that the influence of people on the rainforest is as small as possible, in order to preserve forever the pristine beauty and purity of Biogradska gora and its fairy-tale and skillfully hidden lakes.