Lakes
On the border of the municipalities of Nikšić and Kolašin, Kapetanovo Lake adorns Mount Lukavica, a prominent peak within the Moračka Mountains. Located at an altitude of 1,678 meters, this lake extends 480 meters in length, 200 meters in width, and has depths that plunge to approximately 37 meters.
The journey to Kapetanovo Lake is reserved for hikers, offering a challenging but rewarding journey. Upon arrival at the destination, the eye is immediately drawn to the remains of an abandoned katun at the foot of Veliki Žurim. The once picturesque wooden huts are now worn out, taking on a gray hue that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.
The Captain's Lake proved to be a water haven, teeming with fish, especially trout, while chamois circle the rocky terrain of its shores.
Legend of the lake
According to legend, Captain Mušović from Nikšić had a summer cottage on the site of today's lake and often stayed there, enjoying the beauty of this place. Above his summer cottage, in the mountain rocks, there was a spring whose waters the mountain fairies used for bathing, in order to regain their strength. Every night, the fairies would gather at the spring, release the spring waters and, hidden from the eyes of people, bathe and drink the clear spring water. When, before dawn, they would set off, the fairies would close the spring until the next night and a new gathering.
One night, the fairy who was the last to leave the spring forgot to close the spring, and the water flooded the katun of Captain Mušović and the surrounding valleys. Then the fairies moved the spring lower, below the surface of the flooded water, so that it could feed the newly formed lake. Thus, through the carelessness of the fairies, or the imagination of nature, Kapetanovo jezero was created, whose 37-meter-deep waters are now enjoyed by numerous tourists who happen to be on their way to this favorite stopover for hikers, hikers, and fishermen.
Located just 23 kilometers from the city and 1,100 meters above sea level, Biogradska gora is one of three preserved rainforests in Europe.
Surrounded by the Tarom and Lim rivers and embraced by the magnificent peaks of Mount Bjelasica, this national park, with its 5,650 hectares, stands proudly as an unwavering guardian of natural wonders, carving out its unique identity among other precious gems.
In the heart of this rainforest lies Lake Biogradsko, a glacial lake that stands out as the largest of the six lakes that grace the vast expanse of the Bjelasica mountain range. King Nikola I Petrović recognized the beauty of this place and ordered its preservation in 1878. Recognizing its great value, the site was granted National Park status in 1952, and later secured a place on the UNESCO list in 2010.
The wealth of natural resources in this area is characterised by 1,600 hectares of rainforest, in which trees reach up to 40 metres in height, some of which stand out for their impressive age of 500 years.
Despite being one of the smaller national parks in Montenegro, Biogradska Gora boasts an exceptionally diverse flora and fauna. It contains 26 different plant communities, dominated by beech and fir formations, and the park is also home to around 2,000 plant species, 20% of which are endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. The Biogradska Forest nurtures 86 species of trees and shrubs.
Typical inhabitants of the rainforest are: wolf, bear, fox, roe deer, squirrel and fluff and about 200 different species of birds.
Did you know?
In 1991, Montenegrin authorities adopted a declaration that made the country the first ecological state in the world!
The legend of the lake's creation
The legend about the origin of Lake Biograd says that there was fertile land on the present site of the lake, which was cultivated by two brothers. The grain that they would get after the harvest was shared in harmony, until one fall when the brothers had a fight over the division of the grain. In a fit of rage, the younger brother kills the older one, and the mother, devastated by pain, curses the younger son and the force of her curse breaks the ground where the brothers were gathering grain. According to legend, today's Lake Biograd was created in that place.
What attractions and opportunities does this place have for you?
- Lake tour – Explore a 3.5 km trail made for both nature lovers and cyclists, ideal for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous ride!
- Lookout – Are you a fan of photography and observing natural landscapes from above? —–Bandovac is the perfect place for you! At an altitude of 1,774 m above sea level, Bendovac is the most beautiful viewpoint on Lake Biograd, which shows the natural wealth of the national park due to its position.
- Local food and drinks – Indulge in local flavors at the restaurant on the lake, where you can enjoy authentic and local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the unique taste of this place with a varied menu of delicious dishes and refreshing drinks!
- Boat ride around the lake – Are you a fan of water adventures? The national park offers boat and kayak rentals, inviting you to embark on a new water adventure!
- Camping in a national park – Pitch your tent and enjoy nature! Camping is allowed in designated areas of the national park. Discover the ultimate blend of nature and relaxation while creating lasting memories under the stars.
Need more information? Get in touch
Email: npbiogradskagora@nparkovi.me
Phone: +382 (0) 20 865 625
High on the magnificent peaks of Bjelasica, between the peaks of Crna glava (2,139 masl), Zekova glava (2,117 masl) and Belil (2,059 masl), lies the serene beauty and the second largest glacial lake of Bjelasica, Pešića LakeStretching an impressive 290 meters in length and a maximum width of about 165 m, this mountain gem captivates visitors with its breathtaking views.
Walking along the lakeside reveals the lake's dynamic nature. During the summer, the shoreline stretches for up to 800 meters, offering a peaceful path to explore, while in the spring it can reach an incredible 1,200 meters, creating a stunning landscape.
The beauty of this lake is illustrated by one of the most beautiful legends in the Montenegrin mountains.
In that legend, there is a mention of a white horse with blue eyes that flew over the lake every night in the moonlight while fairies enchanted by his beauty gathered and watched his "dance" over the water without saying a word.
The depth of this lake varies, the average depth is 3 meters while the maximum depth of the lake is 8 meters.
How to get to the lake?
The lake can be reached by three ways:
- From the Vranjak katun, you can take the path towards Crna glava where, following the signpost, you can descend to the lake.
- At the ski resort "Kolašin 1600" you can take the cable car to Three-headed (2,072 masl). It continues towards Zek's head, bypassing the fenced peak on the right.
- The road to the Biograd lake goes through Ganovača, exits to Dolovi Lalević mountain, where you then pass the Svatovsko groblje and continue towards Bjelasička kosa, after which there is a turnoff for Pešića Lake.
Located below the peak of Crna Glava, the highest peak of the Bjelasica mountain range that rises to 2,139 meters, Lake Ursulovac it testifies to the attractiveness of nature.
Known for its beauty, Lake Ursulavac beckons adventurous souls ready to embark on a journey to witness the splendor of one of the most beautiful lakes in Bjelasica. Located near the village of Kurikuće, it is often called Lake Kurikuće.
Embraced by the Ursulovac region of Bjelasica, the lake takes its name from this picturesque setting. Lake Ursulavac is located at 1,895 m and holds the title of the highest among its glacial Bjelasica lakes, resulting in colder but exceptionally clear water. At 162 meters long and 106 m wide, with an average depth of about 3 m, the water levels in the lake fluctuate, offering a dynamic landscape.
Characterized by its glacial origin, Malo Ursulovačko Jezero, also known as Blatina, adds another layer to this natural beauty. Located at 1,760 meters above sea level and a kilometer from Veliko Ursulovačko Jezero, Blatina extends 175 meters in length and 90 meters in width with a depth of 3 meters. Despite its small size, Blatina faces the threat of extinction, but still survives, serving as a watering place for local livestock.
Both lakes, products of ancient glacial forces that shaped their pristine basins, remain silent witnesses to the geological evolution that took place on Mount Bjelasica.
In the heart of the picturesque landscape of Bjelasica, the Great and Small Šiško Lakes are located. It is of glacial origin. It accumulates with water from melting snow, tributaries and atmospheric precipitation, and loses water through evaporation and runoff (when the water level is high). It is located at an altitude of 1,660 m, it is about 400 m long and about 140 m wide, while the depth can be up to 3 m at high water level. It is surrounded by beautiful cottonwoods and forest.
Not far from Veliki Šiško (about 1 km to the south) is Malo Šiško lake. The name itself indicates that the lake is small, its length is about 105 m, and its width is about 65 m. It gets its water in the same way as Veliko, by melting snow, atmospheric precipitation and tributaries, but its water is much murkier, full of silt and more lush vegetation, which is why this lake turns into a swamp when the water level is low. The depth of the lake is about 1.7 m, and it is mainly used for watering livestock.
