Montenegro is home to the largest temperate rainforest in Europe. King Nikola Petrovic first put it under protection, and it was formally declared a national park in 1952.

Lake Biograd

We decided to hike up to and around Lake Biograd, situated in the middle of multiple mountain peaks. The drive from Kolašin followed the famous Tara River. Crossing over a small bridge, we left the car near the gate (closed since out of season) and began the walk up.

Pretty flowers on the way…..
…..and spring water

Other than two caretakers, we were lucky enough to have the entire park to ourselves.

The vibrant green of the moss was everywhere, and we started catching site of spring flowers in bloom too.

The park is home to some twenty-six habitats for: 220 plant species, 150 bird species, 350 different types of insects, and, of course, bear, wolves, rabbits, etc. Many of the trees we saw were well over 300 years old.

Carving of a bear in one of the boulders

I can only imagine how busy this park is come summer. We felt lucky to be the only ones visiting this day.