The name says it all — Zelen Gora, the Green Mountain. So green that it was once declared the most beautiful mountain in former Yugoslavia. Located in the heart of Sutjeska National Park, Zelengora is not a single destination — it is an entire world of lakes, viewpoints, meadows and silence.
How Many Lakes Does Zelengora Have?
More than you think. Orlovačko, Štirinsko, Kotlaničko, Bijelo, Crno, Kladopoljsko, Borlovačko, Donje Bare, Gornje Bare — each lake has its own character, its own colour, its own setting. Orlovačko is perhaps the most famous and for many the most beautiful. But those who know Zelengora well know there is much more to discover.
Three Areas of Zelengora
Zelengora is not one route — it has three distinct areas, each with its own story.
First area: Borić, Donje and Gornje Bare, Uglješin vrh
The Borić viewpoint is a beautiful spot from which Maglić stands right in front of you. Donje and Gornje Bare are close by, and Uglješin vrh is nearby too. From Čemerno, which you see from the Borić viewpoint, lies the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina — and here is a detail very few people know: on one side of Čemerno the water flows toward the Adriatic Sea, and on the other toward the Black Sea. Two watersheds, one view.
Second area: Bregoč, Orlovačko, Kotlaničko, Štirinsko, Borlovačko Lake
Bregoč is the highest peak of Zelengora at 2,017 metres. The ascent takes around 2 hours and is designed for people with moderate fitness — not as demanding as Maglić, but not a stroll either. This area includes the most famous lakes of Zelengora — Orlovačko, Kotlaničko, Štirinsko and Borlovačko.
Third area: Pašina Poljana, Crno and Bijelo Lake
The quieter, more remote part of Zelengora — ideal for those who want silence and untouched nature away from the main routes. Here you can ride horses and visit Crno and Bijelo Lake.
Jeep Safari — The Canister Speaker and Chill Music
Zelengora can also be experienced differently — in an open-sided truck with comfortable seats and a speaker built into the cabin from an iron canister. When the chill music starts playing through the mountain and the view of Kotlaničko Lake opens up before you and Herzegovina begins — that is a feeling you do not forget. A panoramic drive that combines enjoyment and adventure.
Wildlife
On Zelengora you are not alone. Chamois are frequent — we see them regularly. We have watched deer running across the clearings. Zelengora is home to wildlife that does not know what a tourist is.
Camping Beside the Lakes
On Zelengora you can camp beside any lake. A tent by the water, stars above, mountain silence — that is Zelengora at its finest.
When to Go
Zelengora is beautiful at any time:
- June — just turning green, vegetation is late but everything is fresh and lush
- July/August — fully green, lakes warm, meadows in bloom
- Autumn — golden, red, yellow — it changes colour like few mountains can