MOUNTAIN ZELENGORA

A Mountain That Heals the Soul and the Lens
If Igman and Bjelašnica are Olympic guardians, and Prenj is a brutal giant, then Zelengora is the most gentle mountain ballad of the Balkans. Located within the Sutjeska National Park, this mountain lives up to its name — its vast green pastures, dense forest complexes, and gentle peaks make it the most photogenic destination for lovers of untouched nature.

Gornje Bare: A Mountain Mirror of Silence
In the very heart of this green expanse lies Lake Gornje Bare. This glacial lake, tucked under the peaks of Uglješin vrh and Ardov, is the pinnacle of peace.
Summer refreshment: During the warm months, the lake offers a rare opportunity to swim in crystal-clear, refreshing mountain water at over 1,500 meters above sea level.
Perfect campsite: The lake’s surroundings are ideal for setting up camp, where the night sky, due to the complete lack of light pollution, becomes a canvas full of stars.

Photography Paradise: Light on the “Mountain Eyes”
Zelengora is known for its eight glacial lakes, known as the “Mountain Eyes”. Gornje Bare offers a specific visual identity:
Reflection: In the early morning hours, the surface of the lake becomes a perfect mirror in which the surrounding peaks are reflected, providing an opportunity for symmetrical landscape photos.

Flora and fauna: The area around the lake is abundant with rare mountain flowers and blueberries, which offers endless opportunities for macro photography.

Borić Lookout: Just a short walk from the lake separates you from the Borić Lookout, which offers an incredible view of the Sutjeska Canyon, the Maglić and Volujak Mountains – a shot that every photographer must have in their collection.

Why visit Zelengora and Gornje Bare?
This combination offers a rare blend of adventure and peace. Whether you’re here to test your hiking skills, ride an off-road motorcycle route, or simply “catch” the perfect morning light with your camera, Zelengora will impress you with its gentle, unforgettable beauty.

TIPS
Permits: Given that you are in the National Park, you need to pay the Sutjeska National Park entrance fee at the entrance to Tjentište.
Weather: Mountain weather is fickle. Even in the middle of summer, bring warm clothes and a raincoat.
Water: There are no organized sources of drinking water on the lake itself, so bring sufficient supplies.

TIPS FOR THE STAY
Camping: Lake Orlovačko is the most popular base for camping on Zelengora. There is a designated area for tents, but bring a warm bag – temperatures drop drastically at night even in summer.
Water: There are several sources of drinking water near the lake, but it is best to seek them out with the help of more experienced hikers or locals.
Ecology: Please take all trash with you. Zelengora survives only thanks to the responsibility of its visitors.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
When you hike through the heart of Sutjeska National Park, especially around Zelengora and its lakes, you enter the home of the brown bear. Although encounters are rare, it is necessary to know how to behave in “bear country”.

Here are some concise guidelines for a safe stay in the bear habitat on Zelengora:
Announce yourself: Make noise (conversation, song, banging sticks) to avoid the surprise factor
Food outside the tent: Keep fragrant foods and trash away from your sleeping area, ideally hung on a high branch.
No running: If you see a bear, stay calm, don’t turn your back, and slowly back away while speaking in a deep voice to GSS.ba.
Cubs are a red alert: Never approach cubs; the mother is at her most dangerous at that time and is ready to attack for protection.
Watch the ground: Avoid trails with fresh paw prints or droppings.