Weekend in Kolašin

A well-maintained central park with benches, playground equipment and mature chestnut trees. Popular with families and walkers.

Tip: Bring your own snacks – the only kiosk sells overpriced crisps. The picnic tables near the stream have the best shade.

Small Serbian Orthodox stone church dating from the 18th century, with simple frescoes and a wooden iconostasis.

Tip: No photography during services (usually 9am and 6pm). The church is locked between services – check the noticeboard for exact times.

Unobstructed viewpoint overlooking the Tara River canyon, with no barriers or tourist infrastructure – just you and the view.

Tip: Go at golden hour for the best light on the canyon walls. The path is steep and muddy after rain – wear proper shoes.

A free self-guided walking route past several Austro-Hungarian-era buildings, a war memorial and the old stone bridge. Maps available at the tourist office.

Tip: Pick up the map at the tourist office on Trg Borisa Kidriča – the route is roughly 45 minutes and includes 12 numbered points. No pavement on the last section near the railway crossing.

The central square of Kolašin, dominated by the 19th-century clock tower and a bronze statue of mountaineer Boško Krunić. Paved area with a few benches, a small fountain and café umbrellas.

Tip: Buy a bag of roasted chestnuts from the man at the bottom of the tower (€1, available October–March). The café on the north side charges half the price of the one opposite the church.

Small artificial lake at the edge of town, backed by forested hills. A 2km flat gravel path circles the water. Benches, a children's play area and a small wooden pier for photos.

Tip: Go at dusk – the light on the hills is dramatic and you'll have the place mostly to yourself. No swimming, but you can paddle a cheap blow-up kayak from the sports shop on the main street.

13th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery set in a steep valley beside the Morača River. Frescoes inside are among the best-preserved in the Balkans – no admission fee, but donations welcome.

Tip: Take the early bus from Kolašin (€2, departs 7am) to avoid tourist vans. The monks sell honey and handmade incense at a small stall. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered.

Small municipal museum housed in an old stone building. Exhibits on local geology, the 19th-century uprising against the Ottomans, and traditional wool-work. Entry €1.50.

Tip: The German-language audio guide is better than the English one – it has more detail. Ask the curator to point out the Ottoman-period silver belt, it's their best piece and easy to miss in the corner cabinet.

Vast, untouched mountain park above Kolašin. Marked trails lead through beech and pine forests to glacial lakes and 2000m peaks. Entry costs €3 in summer, free in winter.

Tip: Get a paper map from the information centre in town, not the one at the park gate – it's missing half the routes. The walk to Lake Pešića is the shortest (2 hours) and the most rewarding.

One of Europe's last three virgin forests, with a glacial lake, marked hiking trails and abundant wildlife. Entry fee is low by regional standards.

Tip: Arrive early morning to see deer drinking at the lake; the ticket office opens at 8am and the road is unpaved for the last 3km.