Discovering Kolasin Montenegro: Little-known Facts and Hidden Gems

Discovering Kolasin Montenegro: Little-known Facts and Hidden Gems

Welcome to Kolasin, Montenegro – a hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans that travelers often overlook. Nestled in the mountains, Kolasin offers breathtaking scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and a variety of outdoor activities.

This article will take you on a journey through Kolasin, exploring its little-known facts and hidden gems.

Table of Contents:
Little-known facts about Kolasin
Things to do in Kolasin
Hidden gems of Kolasin
The Kolasin’s Fauna
Kolasin’s Cuisine
Kolasin’s Cultural Heritage
Kolasin’s Festivals and Events
Kolasin’s Winter Sports
Why is Kolasin an excellent location for buying real estate?

Introduction to Kolasin Montenegro

Kolasin is a small town located north of Montenegro, at 954 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by the Bjelasica, Komovi, and Sinjajevina mountain ranges, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The town is home to around 2,000 residents, and its charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty and traditional way of life.

Little-known facts about Kolasin

• The village of Kolasin was first mentioned in the sultan’s berat in 1565 when the Ottoman Empire ruled this territory. 
• According to one variant, there was a certain Slovenian Duke Kolasin who raised Kolasin, so probably the village of Kolasin from the Sultan’s Beret would be the mentioned settlement from the national tradition, the settlement of the Slovenian Duke Kolasin, whose princely lineage was hereditary, and the tribe influential. 
• Kolasin is famous for its locally produced cheese, known as Kolasin “sheet” cheese. This cheese is made from cow’s milk and is aged for at least three months, resulting in a rich and tangy flavor.
• The Biogradska Gora National Park near Kolasin is one of Europe’s last remaining virgin forests. It is home to many wildlife, including bears, wolves, foxes, and deer.

Things to do in Kolasin:

Kolasin offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the top things to do in Kolasin:

• Skiing in Kolasin: Kolasin is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with 45km of well-groomed slopes and modern lifts. The ski season usually lasts from December to the end of March, with slopes for all skill levels.

• Hiking in Kolasin: The surrounding mountains Bjelasica, Sinjajevina, and Komovi, offer a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The Biogradska Gora National Park is a beautiful area for hiking, with its pristine lake and dense forests.
• Rafting in Kolasin: The Tara River near Kolasin is one of the best European places for white-water rafting. The river offers rapids ranging from class II to class V, making it suitable for beginners and experienced rafters.
  

Hidden gems of Kolasin

Kolasin is full of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Here are some of the lesser-known attractions that are worth a visit in Kolasin municipality:

• Moraca Monastery: Located about 30 kilometers from Kolasin, the Moraca Monastery is a stunning example of medieval architecture. It was founded in the 13th century and is still in use today.

• Lipovo Village: This traditional Montenegrin village is about 10 kilometers from Kolasin. It offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region, with its stone houses and peaceful surroundings.

• Kolasin lakes: On the territory of the Kolasin municipality, on the sides of mountains Bjealsica and Sinjavina, there are six beautiful mountain glacier lakes. The most famous is Biogradsko lake, but others are also real pearls of beauty and wilderness. There are Pesica lake, Ursulovacko lake, Big and Small Sisko lake, and Kapetanovo lake. 

The Kolasin’s Fauna

Apart from its flora, Kolasin is also a haven for a wide range of fauna. The region is home to several species of mammals, including bears, wolves, lynxes, chamois, and wild boars. Additionally, it’s a breeding ground for several species of birds, such as eagles, hawks, and owls, to name a few.

Kolasin’s Cuisine

Kolasin’s cuisine uniquely blends traditional Montenegrin dishes with a distinctive local touch. Due to its location, the region’s cuisine has been heavily influenced by coastal and continental culinary traditions.

“Zeljanica” pie, buckwheat, “priganice”, homemade pickles, and the famous Kolasin cheese are part of the national restaurant’s offer in Montenegro.

One of the most popular dishes in Kolasin is “cicvara,” a hearty and filling meal made from cornmeal, cream, and cheese. It’s often served with sour milk and smoked ham and is perfect for cold winter days.

Another must-try dish is “Kacamak,” a type of polenta made from cornmeal, potato, and cheese. It’s usually served with meat stews, a popular choice among locals and visitors.

Kolasin’s Cultural Heritage

Kolasin is not just a natural paradise, it’s also a town with a rich cultural heritage. The region has been inhabited since ancient times, and several historical landmarks are a testament to its diverse and vibrant past.

In the Breza settlement of Kolasin, there is a Partisan memorial cemetery – a place of martyrdom during the Second World War. From March 1942 to May 1943, patriots from all over Montenegro were shot in the field where the complex is now located. They previously spent time in the infamous Kolasin prison.

200 years ago, the main village watermill was on the Kolasinska River. The people of Kolasin gathered there to grind grain, and according to popular belief, fairies and spirits gathered here, as well as in other mills, at night.

Today, there is a national cuisine restaurant on the former mill site. Although it has not preserved its former function, the name and ambiance have remained the same. Two millstones are still kept on the restaurant’s ground floor, and the friendly hosts will be happy to show you how grain was once ground there.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Kolasin is the Moraca Monastery, located just 30km from the town center. The monastery, built in the 13th century (1252), is one of the oldest and most significant cultural monuments in Montenegro.

Nearby is the Svetigora waterfall, which flows into the Moraca river, and such natural beauty gives the monastery a unique charm. In addition to the Moraca monastery, there is also the Ćirilovac Orthodox monastery in Kolasin municipality, which is the youngest monastery in the territory of Montenegro.

The upper town square of Kolasina is where shops, inns, residential houses, and a mosque used to be. In 1651, the Turkish general Ali Pasha Čengić built the fortified town of Kolasin. According to the customs of the time, the fort was built in the village of the same name, at the intersection of essential roads from which the entire region could be controlled. The square is named after the folk hero from the Kolasin region, Vukman Kruscic.

The monument occupies the central place of Veljko Vlahovic, a Spanish fighter and one of Montenegro’s most famous folk heroes. The monument is the work of the sculptor Oto Logo.

Kolasin’s Festivals and Events

Kolasin is also known for its vibrant festivals and events, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and celebrate its natural beauty.

Summer Tango Camp in Kolasin is a festival for everyone who loves Argentine tango, mountains, adventures, and fun! This twenty-day event brings together almost a thousand participants from 35 countries worldwide who dance and learn the tango from professional instructors of the Tango Natural Institute and other programs dedicated to the mind and body, various outdoor activities with fresh mountain air, and good local food.

One of the most popular events is the Kolasin Winter Festival, which takes place in January and features a range of winter sports and cultural activities. The festival is an excellent opportunity to experience Kolasin’s unique blend of winter sports, traditional cuisine, and cultural heritage.

Another must-attend event is the Kolašin International Book Fair, which takes place in April and brings together some of the world’s most renowned authors and publishers. The fair is an excellent opportunity to explore Montenegro’s literary scene and engage with like-minded individuals.

Kolasin’s Winter Sports

Kolasin is also a popular winter sports destination. The town is surrounded by two ski resorts, making it an ideal location for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Two famous ski centers in the area are Kolasin 1450 and Kolasin 1600, located on the slopes of Bjelasica Mountain. Ski centers feature more than 45km of ski trails suitable for beginners and advanced skiers and modern facilities such as cable cars and ski lifts.

In addition to skiing, visitors can also enjoy other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. Riding a snowmobile is also an exciting snow adventure in the winter.

FAQs:

Q: What’s the best time to visit Kolasin?

A: The best time to visit Kolasin is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is pleasant, and there are plenty of outdoor activities.

Q: Is Kolasin a safe place to visit?

A: Yes, Kolasin is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors should take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding unlit areas at night and checking their belongings.

Q: What’s the traditional cuisine of Kolasin?

A: Kolasin’s cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Montenegrin dishes with a distinctive local touch. Some of the must-try dishes include “cicvara” and “kačamak”.

Q: What winter activities are available in Kolasin?

A: Kolasin is a popular winter sports destination with several ski resorts and other activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding.

Kolasin is a hidden gem in Montenegro, boasting a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals and events. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Kolasin has something to offer everyone.

With its diverse flora and fauna, delicious cuisine, and exciting winter sports, Kolašin is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. And now some business information for those who know how to recognize good opportunities when they see them.

Despite its relatively unknown status, Kolašin offers a range of real estate opportunities for investors seeking a tranquil lifestyle, high rental yields, or long-term capital growth. 

Why is Kolasin an excellent location for buying real estate?

Here are some reasons why Kolasin is an excellent location for buying real estate:

• Affordable prices:

Kolasin offers affordable prices compared to other popular destinations in Montenegro, making it an attractive location for real estate investment.

• Ski resort:

Kolasin is a famous Montenegrin ski resort town, offering excellent skiing conditions and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. As a result, real estate investors can expect high rental yields during the ski season, with many tourists seeking accommodation in the town.

• Proximity to National Parks:

Kolasin is close to several national parks, including Biogradska Gora National Park and Durmitor National Park. These parks offer an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, making Kolašin an ideal location for nature lovers.

• Cultural and historical heritage:

Kolasin boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with several historic landmarks, such as the Church of St. Nicholas and the Monastery of Morača. These landmarks provide an excellent opportunity for real estate investors to purchase historic properties with significant cultural value.

Read on to discover little-known facts about Kolašin and why it is an excellent location for buying property.

FAQs:

Q: What types of properties are available in Kolasin?

A: Kolasin offers a range of properties, including apartments, houses, and villas.

Q: Is Kolasin easy to access?

A: Kolasin is easily accessible by road and rail, with a main road connecting it to the coast and neighboring countries. The town is also served by a train station, making it a convenient location for residents and visitors.

Q: What are the visa requirements for owning property in Kolasin?

A: Non-EU citizens may need to obtain a temporary residence permit to own property in Kolasin.

You can see our precisely selected offer of real estate in Kolašin here.

In conclusion, Kolasin is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history, making it an excellent location for investment in real estate. With affordable prices, high rental yields, and long-term capital growth potential, Kolašin is a must-consider location for investors seeking a tranquil lifestyle or a profitable investment.

Take advantage of the opportunity to invest in this charming town and its surrounding natural wonders.