The city of Kolasin is located on the right bank of the Tara River, surrounded by three mountain peaks (Sinyaevina, Komov, and Belasitsa), where the most famous ski resorts in Montenegro (Kolasin 1450 and Kolasin 1600) are located. Despite the fact that Kolasin is famous for its winter recreation, there are many interesting places in its vicinity that you can visit at any time of the year, we will tell you more about them below.
The city rises at an altitude of 954 meters above sea level and was erected in the middle of the 17th century by the Turks. Nowadays, there is little that reminds of the era of the Ottoman Empire, but the wonders of Yugoslav architecture, inspired by Soviet brutalism, you will find here in the very center of the city.
Now Kolasin is at the stage of active development. A large number of construction works are carried out both in the city itself and outside it, and there are stands on the main square where you can get acquainted with all urbanization projects.
It is worth noting that the population of Kolasin at the moment is about 3,000 people, but the authorities are doing everything possible to attract more investment to the city and, as a result, more residents and tourists.
How to get to Kolasin
We will immediately warn you that due to the fact that the city is very small, there is no Kolasin airport. The closest place you can fly to is the Podgorica airfield.
The city is located 72 km from the capital of Montenegro, so the Podgorica-Kolasin road will take about 1 hour if you do not stop along the way to take pictures of the beautiful views and enjoy the beauty of the canyons.
If you do not have your own car and you have not rented a car, then you can also get to Kolasin by bus or train. But it should be borne in mind that the railway in Montenegro is poorly developed, therefore, for example, from Budva you will not have the opportunity to directly get to Kolasin by train. Learn more about the transport system of Montenegro here.
As for buses, the schedule and route can be found on the official website busticket4.me. You can get to Kolasin by bus from almost any city, as this type of transport infrastructure is very popular among both locals and tourists.
Another option for getting to Kolasin is to order a transfer. Thus, you can get to the place you need from anywhere in Montenegro. A very convenient option if, for example, you want to get from Tivat airport straight to the ski resort.
Ski resorts
Kolasin is famous for its ski resorts, which, thanks to international investments, are reaching a new level of development every year. The most famous resorts Kolasin 1450 and Kolasin 1600 have more than 20 km of blue tracks and 20 km of red tracks, extreme lovers will also find black tracks here, although their length is only 6 km.
The ski season in Kolasin usually starts from mid-December and lasts until early or mid-April. Here, due to the lower altitude, there is less snow than on Zabljak, but on New Year's holidays it is usually covered in snow. Just in case, the slopes are equipped with artificial snow, like many other modern European ski resorts, so don't worry about it. In addition, you can always go to the official websites of the resorts and check the situation through online cameras.
Kolasin 1450
This resort is a bit closer to the city and tends to be more for beginners and families with small children as the resort has a children's lift and blue beginner tracks.
Now active work is underway on the construction of housing since there is not a single hotel near the resort, which causes some discomfort.
However, on the territory of Kolasin 1450, there are ski instructors who speak English as well as Russian; a cafe where you can have a bite to eat, and a rental center with ski and snowboard rentals. But keep in mind that during the high season your size of boots may not be available, so it is better to find a rental in advance. The price is the same on the territory of the resort and at other points in the city and is €10 per day. When renting for several days, the price will be slightly lower. The price includes a set of boots + skis/snowboard; a Helmet and goggles are available at an additional cost.
Parking is free here, but it's best to arrive early to secure a spot. It is best to choose weekdays to visit, as the weekends are the busiest.
Official site of the resort Kolasin 1450
Kolasin 1600
This resort can be said to be still quite new, but it already attracts many tourists, since its construction was carried out (and is still being carried out!) According to all European canons. Just like in the previous resort, you will find here everything you need for a comfortable stay: a cafe, ski equipment rental, various entertainment and a ski and snowboard school.
By the way, the duration of the tracks here is longer than in Kolasin 1450, and there are also good places for freeriding, so if you have an average or higher level of skiing, we advise you to go directly to this resort.
Interestingly, in 2022 the K7 highway, which connected Kolasin 1450 and Kolasin 1600, was opened and as a result of it, winter sports enthusiasts can now fully enjoy the beauties of both resorts. Therefore, if you cannot decide which ski resort in Montenegro to go to, buy a ski pass for two resorts at once and ride wherever your heart desires.
At this resort, parking is paid for and is 3 euros/day. Accommodates 200 cars.
How to get to the resorts Kolasin 1600 and Kolasin 1450
The resorts are located 11 km from the city, so if you are going to go here, it would be wiser to rent a car in Montenegro or go to conquer the peaks in your car, because it will be much more convenient for you.
It is also worth adding that the Ski Bus runs between the city and the resort, but it runs only 2 times a day (morning and afternoon) and is organized by the Bianka and Lipka hotels, so the guests of these hotels are delivered to the slopes for free. The hotels say that only hotel guests ride this bus. But in fact, anyone can get to the ski slopes on this bus, paying about 3-4 euros. If you are staying at another hotel, ask the owner where and what time you can catch this bus. This information changes from year to year.
Also, another option on how to get from Kolasin to the ski resorts is to call a taxi. A one-way trip will cost about 10-14 euros.
Attractions of Kolasin
The city itself is rather inconspicuous, but the Kolasin municipality has several interesting places that you can visit if you decide to visit the surroundings of this town.
Botanical garden Dulovine in Kolasin
If you decide to visit Kolasin outside the winter season, then we advise you to visit this small botanical garden, founded in 1981. The area of the garden is only about 650 m2, but even on this small piece of land, you can see more than 400 species of various plants, more than 80% of which are medicinal herbs of the Montenegrin flora.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Just a 30-minute drive from Kolasin is a beautiful national park, which is located around Lake Biograd. In winter, this park is closed; cafes, as well as various leisure activities, do not work here, but from April to November you can enjoy cycling, fishing, or hiking here. The park is ennobled and has a small parking area, gazebos, and cafes, as well as a small tourist center where you can rent a boat, kayak, bicycles, and hiking equipment. Entrance to the park during the season is paid and is 4 euros for an adult and 2 euros for children, students, pensioners, and members of the trade union and association of highlanders.
Moraca monastery
Passing by this monastery, you should definitely stop and visit it, even if you are not a fan of such places. Moraca Monastery in Kolasin is one of the most important monuments of Montenegrin culture in general. There is a very beautiful and well-groomed territory, incredible landscapes, and a bewitching waterfall over a cliff. Inside the monastery, you will see unique frescoes and icons created more than 7 centuries ago, so it’s definitely worth devoting at least half an hour to this place.
Canyon Mrtvitsa
In addition to the deepest canyon in Europe, the Tara River, Montenegro has another no less beautiful, but less popular canyon Mrtvica. There is a whole expanse here not only for those who like kayaking but also for sports climbers. The maximum height of the gorge is 1100 m, and the length is 8.5 km. Here you will also find a stone bridge across the Mrtvitsa River, built by King Danil II in the 19th century, and the Gate of Desires. To make a wish come true, you need to make it in complete silence and throw a stone into the river.
Prices
If we compare the Kolasin resort with summer resorts on the Montenegrin coast, then the prices here will differ significantly. Food in restaurants will be about 15% cheaper, and the cost of housing, even in the winter season, will vary between 20-50 euros/day. If you are going to arrange a tour to Kolasin, then expect about 50 euros/day per person (this includes equipment rental, ski pass, food and accommodation).
Weather
Since Kolasin is located in the north of Montenegro, it is much cooler here than in the southern part of the country. However, if we compare Zabljak and Kolasin, then here the weather conditions will be much milder. But there are some nuances. While, for example, Zabljak will be covered with snow, it may rain in Kolasin. Therefore, keep in mind that you should not take super-warm clothes here for a winter holiday, and for a visit in the summer (especially in the evening), we recommend stocking up on a light jacket.
Season
The ski season in Kolasin usually starts from mid-December and lasts until early or mid-April. Here, due to the lower altitude, there is less snow than on Zabljak, but on New Year's holidays it is usually covered in snow. Just in case, the slopes are equipped with artificial snow, like many other modern European ski resorts, so don't worry about it. In addition, you can always go to the official websites of the resorts and check the situation through online cameras.
Hotels
Real estate in Kolasin is mostly under construction, so there are not many hotels here yet. But you can stay in guest houses, where quite comfortable conditions.
However, there are several hotels here, but some of them are only open during the high season. So, for example, in the winter of 2022, the Four Points By Sheraton Kolasin hotel did not receive guests, but the recently opened Bianca Resort & Spa is open all year round (as a rule), but the prices here are the highest.
In terms of urbanization of the city, it is planned to build at least 4 more hotels by 2025. But in the meantime, the best solution would be to rent a country house, a chalet or rent a room in one of the guest houses.
Restaurants and cafes
Montenegrin cuisine is very hearty and delicious, in Kolasin restaurants you can try unique local dishes that you will not find anywhere else in Montenegro, among which we recommend trying kachamak (baked potatoes with cheese and kaymak in a special way).
You can safely go to any restaurants and cafes, even if they seem inconspicuous and unworthy of attention at first sight. As a rule, locals eat in such places, and tourists are looking for more “authentic” places, but portions in such local cafes are much larger, so you can safely take 1 dish for two.
Places where we have eaten ourselves and we advise you to try the local cuisine here too: «Slavija» restaurant, «Vodenica», «Nišavić konoba» and modern «Gorštak» bar where you can have a delicious snack and drink.
