Things to see and do Northeast

Located 2 km from the city centre, this garden is home to some 400 species of flowers, mostly medicinal plants. The best time to visit is from mid-May to the end of June (visits by appointment, by asking at the tourist office or hotel receptionists). Take the small street that goes up in front of the town church and crosses a wooded hill. It is advisable to go there in the daytime when there is light, in altitude in the forest it is dark!

This monastery is, together with Ostrog and Piva, one of the major religious buildings in Montenegro. It is a perfect example of Serbian medieval orthodox architecture and is part of the Serbian neo-renaissance art. Founded in 1252 by order of Stefan Nemanjić, the first crowned Serbian king (1217), it is set in a bucolic location, on the edge of the Morača River canyon near a waterfall. Composed of a konak (monks' living quarters) and two churches, it houses wall frescoes and icons of exceptional value, starting with the one depicting the prophet Elijah being fed by a crow and the one of the birth of St John the Baptist. They date from the 13th century and are the only ones from that period. The central part of the building contains magnificent examples of late Byzantine frescoes, mainly centred on the life of Christ. Imposing portraits of the great saints of the Orthodox tradition complete the iconographic programme. Devastated by the Turks in the first half of the 16th century, the monastery was restored a few years later before becoming the seat of a veritable artistic renaissance in the first half of the 17th century. Three major painters of this period exercised their talents here: the priest Strahinja from Budimlje (originally from the Berane region), the monk George Mitrofanović (frescoes painted in 1616 on the western facade of the building) and the master Kozma.

Located about 40 km from the capital, 35 km before Kolašin, these gorges offer a great opportunity for hiking. In some very narrow places, they are known for their path dug in the rock. A beautiful 12 km hike (one way) on a well-marked path allows to discover them. Although quite long, this hike is relatively easy, but caution is required in the part cut into the rock (steep walls).

Office located in a small wooden house, right side of the street when coming from Borača square. The office sells a very detailed guide to the Bjelašica massif in French, with hiking trails. Also, a very informative map of the park and the possibility to rent bikes. The staff is quite reactive and offers many excursions in the surrounding mountains. Relatively small ski complex, but at very affordable rates. Don't hesitate to ask for the right plan for a nice night or a good address!

Just a stone's throw from the Redžepagić tower stand two Ottoman-style mosques. The larger of the mosques, with an interior wooden staircase, is known as the Old Imperial Mosque (Stara carska džamija) and located next to the Post Office. It was built by Sultan Abdul Hamid in 1471, but its current appearance dates from the ^18th century. Due to its original architecture, engravings and wooden minaret, it is proclaimed a "monument of culture".

A small Orthodox church located in the village of Brezojevice, on the outskirts of Plav (along the road to Andrijevica), in the Prokletije National Park. The Sveta Trojica church is the oldest in the area. First mentioned in a document dated 1566, it is distinguished by its Byzantine architecture, which is quite similar to that of the churches on the Montenegrin coast. It has been burnt down several times and unfortunately no wall paintings have survived.

Built in the 17th century by an influential Muslim family, this imposing building served as both a public building and a defence tower. Its architecture is that of the Ottoman houses of the Balkans. Two old mosques from the city's Ottoman period stand a short distance away. Recognizable by their minaret and their wooden entrance. The larger one, located right next to the Post Office and known as the Imperial Mosque(careva džamija), dates from the 18th century.

The surroundings of Bijelo Polje have several mineral water springs. the "Kisela Voda" spring is easily accessible from the city center. Although the site itself is not worth a detour, the water from the spring, slightly carbonated, is a delight. The spring is located about 4 km from the city center, along the national road Podgorica - Belgrade. The spring is located next to a restaurant named after the spring in a rural setting.

This small church dating from the mid-16th century is a little gem. The only surviving building of a monastery established by Serbian prince Vukan Nemanjić, its interior walls are partly covered with frescoes from the 1590s. Inside the building, one can also admire a beautifully decorated iconostasis. But the church is best known for housing one of the richest liturgical collections in the country, among which are manuscripts dating back to the 14th century.

One of the largest caves in Europe. It is 26 km long and has several caves as big as a football stadium. Not entirely explored, its access is for the moment reserved for confirmed cavers only in the company of guides. To get there, take the national road in the direction of Belgrade, then, after about ten kilometers turn right (a sign indicates the direction). The best way is to go through the Rams Travel agency which organizes the visit.

This Serbian Orthodox church is the city's landmark monument. The Gospel of Miroslav, produced for this church in 1180, is the oldest surviving Serbian illuminated manuscript. It is illustrated with nearly 300 exceptionally beautiful miniatures and is an important testimony to the artistic exchanges between East and West. Transformed into a mosque in the 18th century, it became Christian again in 1912. Its current appearance dates from 2014 when one of the two towers was rebuilt.

Located on the heights of the city, the monastery of Djurdjevi Stupovi ("the pillars of Saint George") was erected at the end of the 12th century. It consists of a konak (living quarters) and an imposing stone church. In 1219 it became the seat of the Budimljan (medieval name of Berane) episcopate. The church, whose lead roof was melted down during the Ottoman occupation, was later requisitioned by the Austro-Hungarian army to house its horses.

Just a stone's throw from the main square in the town centre and on the first floor of what looks like a large house, this museum displays a diverse collection of objects found during excavations in the area. Traditional costumes, old weapons and rural utensils from the 19th century. The museum also has a beautiful mesh vest from the 14th century that was recently discovered in the Lim River. A beautiful testimony to the historical wealth of Berane.

Tourist agency that organizes excursions in the region. Specialized in tours related to heritage and history, this small tourist agency, run by young enthusiasts, will have at heart to make you discover the multiple facets of the Northeast. Intertwined with Byzantine, Ottoman and Austrian influences, you will discover Orthodox churches, mosques and Austrian fortresses, in multi-ethnic towns and villages. You can also request tailor-made excursions to neighbouring Serbia and Albania.

Information on the city and the region, organization of excursions, rooms in the inhabitant's house. Friendly and helpful staff, just like the locals. In a mountainous area, a lot of useful information will be given to you about the passes closed to traffic, snowfalls and possible closures of tracks. Many leaflets are also available. There are also many tours of different levels in the area. So don't hesitate to go and see it even for small details.

The office is located in the centre of Kolašin, a stone's throw from the Brile Hotel. The Biogradska Gora National Park Tourist Office has a small shop where you can buy hiking maps of the area. There is also an information point next to the lake and its parking lot. The website is available in French. There are also mountain guides available, who are particularly experienced in the Biogradska Gora massif.