Serving as the economic and cultural hub of northern Montenegro, Bijelo Polje is a laid-back town on the banks of the Lim River. It is famously the birthplace of poet Avdo Međedović and within easy reach of the untouched temperature forests and glacial lakes of Biogradska Gora.
Things to do in Bijelo Polje
Delve into the local history at the Heritage Museum, which overlooks a square dedicated to the former Yugoslavian president, Tito. Browse the antique coins, archaeological findings and palaeontology exhibits on the ground floor, then head upstairs to explore the fascinating ethnographical collection. Of particular note is the exhibition of Picasso ceramics.
One of Bijelo Polje’s most important religious landmarks is the Church of St Peter the Apostle, which was constructed in the 12th century before the Ottoman invasion. After being converted into a mosque, its towers were taken down, although they have since been replaced. Inside you’ll find the remains of frescoes and a bright red episcopal throne.
A short drive south of Bijelo Polje is the Majstorovina Monastery, a Serbian Orthodox monastery that dates back to at least the 13th-century reign of Vukan Nemanjic. Continue south-west and you’ll arrive at Biogradska Gora, a magnificent tract of virgin beech forest that has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hiking trails access its mountain ridges and glacial lakes while an open-air train connects to the shores of Lake Biograd where row boats are available for rent.
Getting around Bijelo Polje
Bijelo Polje is just under two hours’ drive from Podgorica Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Trains connect from both Belgrade and Bar to the Bijelo Polje railway station and buses travel to the town. The centre of Bijelo Polje can easily be explored on foot.