Should You Visit Kolasin, Montenegro? Best Hotels, Food & Things to Do
Not sure if you should visit Kolasin as part of your Montenegro road trip? Our travel guide has all the details you need to decide – how to get there, the best hotels and restaurants, and all the top things to do in Kolasin.
Kolasin is a quaint alpine village that just may be the most charming town in Montenegro. It’s the best home base for exploring Biogradska Gora National Park and the Bjelasica Mountains, which provide ample opportunities for casual hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the summer, as well as skiing in the winter. Plus, it has some great restaurants and a different cuisine than Montenegro’s coastal cities, letting you experience a new side of the country. But since it requires a few hours drive from more popular destinations like Kotor and Budva, people often wonder if they should even visit Kolasin. In our opinion, it’s absolutely worth a spot in your Montenegro itinerary. In our Kolasin travel guide, we’ll outline all the top things to do, how to get there and the best hotels to stay at, and the town’s best restaurants to convince you why you should visit Kolasin.
Quick Picks - Kolasin Travel Guide Essentials
- How to Get to Kolasin: Rent a car
- Where to Stay in Kolasin: Wulfenia Hotel and Spa
- Best Restaurant in Kolasin: Sherpas Restaurant
- What to Do in Kolasin: Ride the Kolasin 1600 Chairlift
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Should You Visit Kolasin, Montenegro - Your Travel Guide At a Glance:
Should You Visit Kolasin, Montenegro?
Kolasin may have been the cutest town we visited in Montenegro. While we wouldn’t recommend planning a trip to Montenegro just for Kolasin, we definitely think you should visit it as a stop on your Montenegro road trip. With an adorable downtown area perfect for cafe afternoons and incredible nature on your doorstep, it’s a great, relaxing pitstop on your journey through the country.
One of the biggest advantages of Kolasin over other outdoor hotspots like Durmitor National Park or Prokletije National Park is its approachability. You should absolutely visit Kolasin over these destinations if you love the outdoors but wouldn’t consider yourself a “serious hiker.” The mountains here are much easier for those with mobility issues – or simply those who prefer an Aperol Spritz over a sweat – as they offer lots of low-effort but big-payoff viewpoints. From flat paths around Lake Biograd to the Kolasin 1600 chairlift, you can access dramatic panoramic views with almost no effort at all. And if you do want to hike, the mountains here are gentle, rolling hills instead of giant imposing peaks.
How to Get to Kolasin
Your first step in getting to Kolasin is going to be getting to Montenegro in general. There are two main airports in the country, the larger Podgorica Airport and the newer Tivat Airport. Which one you choose to fly into will depend on the rest of your Montenegro itinerary, but Podgorica is the closest one to Kolasin.
Once you’ve arrived in Montenegro, you’ll want to rent a car to reach Kolasin. While Montenegro’s well-connected bus system can take you to Kolasin, you’ll need a car to access most of the top things to do there. If you prefer to reserve your car in advance, we recommend renting with Booking.com, which compares all the top rental car companies in the area to find you the best price. Otherwise, you can rent in person when you arrive from a local shop. However, be aware that whether you book in advance or in person, you may need to pay in cash, plus a deposit. When we visited, we paid 350 EUR (~$412) plus a 100 EUR (~$118) refundable deposit for a 10-day rental (the perfect Montenegro road trip length!). To avoid making the damage any worse, make sure to use our pro tip on withdrawing cash in foreign countries:
Pro-tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup. In Montenegro, they add a standard 10%! on top of the market exchange rate. This means you are paying an extra $30 on a draw of 300 EUR, a fee that really adds up in a cash-based economy like this one. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
The Best Hotels in Kolasin
- Budget Hotels & Guesthouses ($) – $45-$90 per night
- Mid-Range Hotels ($$) – $90-$180 per night
- Luxury Mountain Resorts ($$$) – $180-$350+ per night
- Best Luxury Stay: Wulfenia Hotel and Spa ($$$) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 9.2 average rating – stunning alpine aesthetic with heated pool, spa, and private balconies
- Best Cabin Retreat: Etno smjestaj Bjelasica ($$) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️, 9.8 average rating – beautiful, cozy chalet with an onsite restaurant, plus kids and pets stay free!
- Best Budget Stay: Hotel Čile ($) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️, 8.8 average rating – clean, comfortable accommodation with a convenient location and breakfast included
- Where We Stayed: Art Apartments Minic ($$) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️, 9.3 average rating – lovely cabin vibes with unique mushroom shaped cabins in an outdoorsy setting
The Top Things to Do in Kolasin
Before we get into our list of the top things to do in Kolasin, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Kolasin is an adorable, sleepy little alpine village. While there are some excellent activities in the area, it’s not a destination with a massive checklist of attractions to see. Visiting Kolasin is about unwinding after busier days on the coast, strolling through its picturesque streets and getting out into nature. Give yourself a break from your busy touring schedule to relax in this charming little town.
Note: We visited Kolasin in the summer, so our top things to do in Kolasin will center on that season. However, we’ll make sure to note the top winter activities as well!
Located just 15 minutes from the town center, this ski resort is one of the top things to do in Kolasin in both the summer and the winter. In the winter, it’s one of Kolasin’s two skiing destinations (the other being the slightly older Kolasin 1450), offering approachable, beginner-friendly ski runs. It’s a great resort for laid-back skiers, as it’s also much more affordable – and with shorter lift lines – than more popular European ski resorts in the Alps.
But Kolasin 1600 has something special to offer in the summer as well. It keeps its lifts running, and for just 8 EUR (~$9), you can ride all the way up to Troglava Peak without any hiking required. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Bjelasica Mountains and Biogradska Gora National Park after just a short hill climb of about 120 ft (37 m). There are several trails that depart from here if you want to keep trekking, or you can even bring your mountain bike up on the chairlift with you. As an added bonus, parking is free in the summer.
Learn more about both of Kolasin’s ski resorts’ summer and winter offerings at their website here.
Another top thing to do in Kolasin in the summer is to visit Biogradska Gora National Park. One of Europe’s last primeval forests, Biogradska is a unique park definitely worth visiting. And, at just a 30 minute drive from Kolasin, it’s an easy activity to add to your itinerary.
At Biogradska Gora National Park, you can take part in a number of outdoor activities, like hiking along quiet trails that weave amongst towering trees and glacier lakes, renting a rowboat at Lake Biograd, or simply enjoying a picnic lunch from the benches along the lakefront. This is a great park for those who love the outdoors but wouldn’t consider themselves a “serious hiker,” as the trails are easy to manage for all fitness levels. For a casual hike, walk the loop around Lake Biograd, an easy 2.2 mile (3.5 km) path with minimal elevation gain. Or, for moderate-level hikers looking for a bigger payoff, consider the Bendovac Viewpoint hike, which departs from Lake Biograd. This 9.3 mile (15 km) hike ascends 2,300 ft (700 m) through old-forest growth until reaching panoramic viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.
Pro Tip: Day passes to Montenegro’s national parks cost 3 EUR (~$3.50), or you can buy an annual pass for all of Montenegro’s national parks for just 13.5 EUR (~$16). You can pay in cash on arrival, or buy in advance here.
FYI – Montenegro has five national parks, all of them stunning. Learn more and plan your visit to the other parks here:
- Durmitor National Park (Zabljak, Montenegro)
- Prokletije National Park (Grebaje Valley, Montenegro)
- Lovcen National Park (Kotor, Montenegro)
- Skadar Lake National Park (Podgorica, Montenegro – post coming soon!)
Explore the Bjelasica Mountains
Kolasin 1600 will give you an easy sneak preview of the Bjelasica Mountains, but that viewpoint is just the start. There is so much more to explore here, whether on foot, by ATV, by mountainbike, or even on horseback. Compared to the more intimidating peaks in Durmitor National Park or Prokletije National Park, the Bjelasica Mountains are more approachable, featuring rolling alpine hills, gentler ridgelines, and meadows full of wildflowers. There are easy routes for casual hikers and longer treks for more experienced outdoorsmen, and all of them are pleasantly uncrowded. As an added bonus, depending on your route, you may be lucky enough to pass by some katuns, traditional mountain lodgings for shepherds, which may be selling homemade cheese or rakija, the local brandy, from their homes.
Some of the most popular hikes here include:
- Zekova Glava: a 4.6 mile (7.4 km) easy-moderate level hike with 1,040 ft (317 m) of elevation gain. A great introductory summit-hike featuring grassy ridgelines and panoramic views of central Montenegro.
- Troglava – Zekova Glava – Pešića Lake: a 7.6 mile (12 km) moderate level hike with 2,430 ft (740 m) of elevation gain. One of the best scenic ridge hikes in the area, extending the Zekova Glava hike to combine two peaks and a glacier lake into one outing.
- Crna Glava: a 8.7 mile (14 km) moderate level hike with 1,110 ft (339 m) of elevation gain. The highest peak in the Bjelasica mountains, with sweeping views of nearby ridgelines, lakes, and forests. Longer than others, but still very approachable terrain.
All of these hikes are most commonly started from eco-katun Vranjak, but you can also start from Kolasin 1600 to cut out some of the work.
Stroll Through Kolasin Town
This one sounds simple, but don’t underestimate it as a pleasant activity for morning or afternoon! Kolasin is adorable, with a quaint, alpine feel and lots of pleasant plazas to sit and enjoy a nice day. Decorated with flowers, fountains, and statues, it’s a great place for a casual stroll with a coffee or to sit outside and enjoy a book. Make sure to leave yourself a couple of hours to enjoy the town!
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Kolasin
While the dining scene in Kolasin isn’t exactly full of Michelin-starred restaurants, it still has something special to offer. Here, you’ll find cozy cafes perfect for people-watching and rustic restaurants featuring Montenegro’s heartier mountain cuisine. As opposed to the more Mediterranean-style meals you’ll find on the coast, Kolasin’s food is built for alpine trekkers and skiers, with dishes like slow-cooked stews, handmade breads and cheeses, and rich, dairy-based dishes like kačamak (a cornflour porridge typically drowning in butter and cheese). We’ve included a few of our favorite restaurants below, as well as some that are on our wish list for next time!
Our favorite restaurant in Kolasin was Sherpas, a newer and more modern mountain bistro that’s emblematic of Kolasin’s move toward the future of tourism in town. It’s got a warm but moody aesthetic, perfect for feeling a bit bougie and trendy after spending the day dirty and sweaty on a hike. At Sherpas, they serve traditional Montenegrin dishes with a contemporary twist and a touch of elegance. We ordered the veal medallions in mushroom sauce and a cozy bowl of goulash, and both were absolutely delicious. They also offer both indoor and outdoor dining, so you can make the most of your meal no matter what the weather is.
A more casual alternative for your meal is Lounge Bar Montana, located on a picturesque little square that makes it perfect for relaxing and people-watching. We stopped here for breakfast, but they’re open all day if you’re looking for lunch or dinner. It’s a good all-around spot with a broader and more international menu than most, so it’s a great people-pleaser if you’re traveling in a group. Whether you’re looking for a rare Montenegrin salad, pizza, pasta, burgers, or just a coffee or beer, Lounge Bar Montana has you covered.
La Parisienne is an adorable French-style bakery and cafe that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon coffee with a little sweet treat. It’s a popular spot for grab-and-go in the morning, so there may be a short line, but service is quick and the pastries are tasty. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a quick bite before heading into the mountains for the day.
Our Wish List
While we didn’t make it to these restaurants in person, they’re highly reviewed and look delicious. If you’ve got a longer stay in town and need a few more options, consider these restaurants to fill in the gaps:
- Restoran Vodenica – if you’re looking for something a bit more humble and authentic, Vodenica may be the right choice for you. With a cozy rustic design and both indoor and outdoor seating, This restaurant has 4.4 stars on Google Maps and is highly praised for its kačamak.
- Savardak – while a bit outside of town, Savardak offers a truly unique dining experience. A small restaurant housed in a traditional wooden structure native to Montenegro’s mountain region, Savardak earns 4.5 stars on Google Maps for its highly authentic dishes and friendly service.
- Gorštak Pub – one of the few more “bar”-like options in town, Goštak is perfect for happy hour or a casual burger and beer. Receiving 4.7 stars on Google Maps, reviewers rave about both the food and the vibe.
- Café Napoléon – rounding out the list is one more cozy cafe for an afternoon coffee and relaxing in town. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this 4.6 star coffee shop is loved for its croissants. As an added bonus, it’s pet friendly!
FAQs: Kolasin, Montenegro Travel Guide
When is the Best Time to Visit Kolasin?
Kolasin has two main seasons for tourism – summer and winter. We visited in the summer, and our travel guide highlights top summer activities, like Biogradska Gora National Park and the Kolasin 1600 ski lift. If you’re interested in visiting Kolasin for summer mountain beauty and hiking, you’ll want to aim for June to September, with May and October workable as the shoulder season. If, however, you’re interested in checking out Kolasin’s apres-ski vibe in the winter, you’ll want to visit in January or February, when snowfall is most reliable. March is a great shoulder season option here, with a usually still solid snowpack but longer, sunnier days.
How Many Days Do I Need in Kolasin?
This depends entirely on how many of the top things to do in Kolasin you’d like to tackle. If you’re a casual traveler or just passing through, one day in Kolasin is sufficient to explore the town and ride the Kolasin 1600 ski lift. From here, add one day each for Biogradska Gora National Park and hiking in Bjelasica.
Do Hotels & Restaurants in Kolasin Accept Credit Card?
Montenegro in general is a pretty cash-heavy economy, and Kolasin definitely aligns with this. While we were able to pay with card at most restaurants, many activities and even the best hotels in Kolasin (even those reserved through Booking.com!) were cash-only. Given this, you’ll want to plan to bring plenty of cash with you on your visit, or visit an ATM in town to restock as needed.
Montenegro uses the Euro, so it’s fairly easy to get some in advance of your trip or at an ATM. But pay attention, or they’ll hit you with a hefty fee! Make sure to follow our Kolasin travel guide tip:
Pro-tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup. In Montenegro, they add a standard 10%! on top of the market exchange rate. This means you are paying an extra $30 on a draw of 300 EUR, a fee that really adds up in a cash-based economy like this one. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
Should I Tip at Bars & Restaurants in Kolasin?
Tipping is not standard in Montenegro, though rounding up here and there is always appreciated. If your waiter is specifically asking you for a tip, you’re in a tourist trap.
Can I Drink the Water in Montenegro?
Absolutely! Tap water throughout Montenegro is safe to drink, but especially so in this mountainous region.
What Kind of Outlets Are Used in Montenegro?
Montenegro uses the standard EU outlets. If you’re visiting from the US, we highly recommend this outlet converter from Amazon that will meet all your charging needs.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Montenegro?
Citizens from most countries can enter Montenegro visa-free for at least 30 days and up to 90 days. To confirm whether Montenegro requires visas for visitors from your country, check their official site here.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Montenegro?
While it’s not required, we highly recommend it. You never know when something might go wrong, and it’s best to be prepared. We use and recommend SafetyWing, which is an especially good option for those traveling for a month or more. For as little as $63, it covers everything from lost luggage to hospital stays – a heck of a deal if you encounter any emergencies while abroad.
Do I Need to Speak Montenegrin to Visit Kolasin?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our 3 months in Montenegro, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – Zdravo – ZDRAH-voh
- Goodbye – Ciao – chow
- Please – Molim – MOH-leem
- Thank you – Hvala – HVAH-lah
- Excuse me (to call attention) – Izvini – is-VEE-nee
- Can I pay? – Mogu li platiti? – MOH-goo lee plah-TEE-tee
- The bill/check – Račun – RAH-choon
Where Else Should I Visit in Montenegro?
Wow, where do we begin! We lived in Montenegro for three months and experienced nearly everything this small but mighty country has to offer. We absolutely loved our time here, and highly recommend at a minimum that you check out the beautiful coastal city of Kotor. And if you’re ready to take your hiking and adventure travel in Montenegro to the next level, you can’t miss stunning Durmitor National Park. But these two destinations are just the beginning! Other cities like Budva, Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Grebaje Valley all have something special to offer. Check out our city guides for these top destinations in Montenegro below:
- What To Do In Kotor: Your 2-Day Guide
- An Epic 3 Days in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
- 3 Days in Budva: What to See During Your Trip to Montenegro
- 2 Days in Herceg Novi: The Perfect Montenegro Itinerary
- What to Do in Tivat: A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- Grebaje Valley, Montenegro: Is It Worth Visiting + What to Do in Prokletije
Are There Helpful Apps I Should Download Before I Visit Montenegro?
Absolutely! These are the top apps we recommend you download before your trip to Montenegro:
- Airalo – having full use of your phone while traveling is incredibly important! eSIM apps like Airalo make getting cell service anywhere you travel easy and affordable. If you haven’t used it before, you can use this Airalo code to get a discount on your first purchase.
- Google Translate – we recommend downloading the Croatian language (the closest comparable available language) for offline use on Google Translate, so you can always communicate even if you lose cell service.
- Google Maps – for the same reason, we also recommend downloading the offline map of the city you’re visiting on Google Maps.
Which Travel Resources Should I Use to Plan My Trip to Montenegro?
For starters, use our site! Check out all of our Montenegro travel guides to help you decide where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got detailed itineraries and travel guides, plus recommendations on all our favorite bars, restaurants, and more.
Once you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend the following resources:
- Flights – we use Google Flights and Skyscanner to book our flights. These resources help you compare all the airlines at once, plus give you tips on the best times to purchase. I use their price tracking features religiously to make sure we get the best deal.
- Hotels – we always use Booking.com for choosing hotel stays. We think they have the best prices, their star ratings are super reliable, and we love the perks we get with their rewards system.
- Transit – for those without a rental car, Montenegro has a very well-connected and affordable bus network with comfortable, air conditioned coaches. Routes and prices are detailed on their website, BusTicket4.me, which you can also use to purchase tickets online.
- Trip Planning – the most frequently opened app on our phone, regardless of our destination, is Wanderlog. This app makes travel planning SO easy. You can import all your flights, hotels, and transit information, add top sites to your itinerary, and even track and split your budget amongst your travel buddies. It also provides recommendations on where to visit and a map of all the attractions you plan to see, with transit time between each.
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Visit Kolasin
We hope this travel guide has convinced you that you definitely should visit Kolasin, Montenegro! From top things to do like exploring Biogradska Gora National Park to relaxing in one of the town’s best hotels or restaurants, you’re in for a restorative few days after busier days on the coast. Comment below any questions you have about visiting Kolasin!
If Kolasin seems too tame and you’re looking for more epic adventure, don’t miss our guide to visiting Durmitor National Park, the premier outdoor adventure destination in Montenegro. Or, if you’d prefer something a bit more laid back, we recommend spending two days in beachy Herceg Novi or one day in bougie Tivat. See all of our Montenegro travel guides and get inspired!
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