Bjelasica
Bjelasica (Montenegrin: Бјеласица, pronounced [bjɛlǎsitsa]) is a mountain range located in the Biogradska Gora national park near Kolašin, Montenegro. The highest point of Bjelasica is Crna Glava ("Black Head"), which is 2,139 m (7,018 ft) high.
| Bjelasica | |
|---|---|
 Bjelasica in August | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,139 m (7,018 ft) |
| Coordinates | 42°52′00″N 19°41′53″E |
| Geography | |
  Bjelasica Location in Montenegro | |
| Location | Montenegro |
Features
The area of the mountain range is 630 km2 (240 sq mi), with an equal width and length of 30 km. The entire mountain range divides into four expanses, which stretch from the NW to the SE. Its geological features are of volcanic origins, with smooth round shapes and mildly rolling landscape, differing from most of Montenegro's other mountains of calcareous composition abounding in karst forms, with numerous crevasses and crevices.
The range is bordered by Lim and Tara rivers. It is located in 5 of Montenegro's 21 municipalities: Kolašin (for the most part), Mojkovac, Bijelo Polje, Berane, and Andrijevica.
Peaks
The massif of Mt Bjelasica has 10 peaks above 2,000 m (6,562 ft), namely:
- Crna Glava 2,139 m (7,018 ft)
- Strmenica 2,122 m (6,962 ft)
- Zekova Glava 2,117 m (6,946 ft)
- Kosara 2,079 m (6,821 ft)
- Troglava 2,072 m (6,798 ft)
- Pešica Glava 2,056 m (6,745 ft)
- Strmni Pad 2,050 m (6,726 ft)
- Razvršje 2,033 m (6,670 ft)
- Potrkovo 2,009 m (6,591 ft)
- Crna Lokva 2,008 m (6,588 ft)
Lakes
Mt Bjelasica is home to 6 glacial lakes:
- Lake Biograd
- Lake Pešića
- Lake Ursulovačko
- Lake Šiško
- Lake Malo Šiško
- Lake Malo Ursulovačko
Tourism
Bjelasica, alongside Durmitor, is the center of Montenegrin mountain tourism. It has the advantage of being easily accessible, as town of Kolašin is situated on both main road from Podgorica to Serbia and on Belgrade–Bar railway.
As a skiing and snowboarding destination, Bjelasica is home to Kolašin 1450, popular ski center with modern chairlifts and infrastructure. The town of Kolašin is some 10km from the ski center, and some excellent lodging facilities has been built there in recent years.
In recent years, Bjelasica is becoming popular as a summer destination, as it is suitable for ecotourism, hiking, mountaineering and recreational tourism in general. Lodging in authentic huts in katuns is increasingly popular option during the summer. Due to the beautiful landscape, richness in lakes and streams, and ease of access, the mountain has great potential for development of tourism.
