Administrative and cultural centre of northern Montenegro on the Lim River
Bijelo Polje lies in the valley of the Lim River, surrounded by the mountains of Bjelasica and Lisa, at an altitude of around 575 metres.
The town is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of northern Montenegro, with a rich history stretching from the Neolithic period, through the Illyrians and Romans, to the Ottoman Empire. It is known for the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul from the 12th century, where the Miroslav Gospel was created — the oldest illustrated Cyrillic manuscript, inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The surrounding area features Dalovića Cave, one of the largest in Europe, as well as numerous rural homesteads and mountain terrain suitable for active holidays.
Highlights
Built in 1190 as the endowment of the Hum prince Miroslav, brother of the Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja, this church is one of the oldest sacred buildings in Montenegro. It was here that the Miroslav Gospel was created — the oldest illustrated Cyrillic manuscript in the world, today inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The church features Romanesque architecture and frescoes from the 13th century. The original gospel is kept in the National Museum in Belgrade, but the church remains an unmissable historical destination.
Dalovića Cave is located in the surroundings of Bijelo Polje and is considered one of the largest caves in the Balkans. Since 1987, researchers have mapped more than 16 km of passages, and the total length of the cave system remains unknown. The cave entrance is locally known as Vražji firovi (Devil's Vents) due to the underground waters that surge noisily at the base of the rocks. The cave is of particular interest to speleologists, and plans for tourist development include the construction of a 1.7 km cable car that would connect it to Manastir Podvrh.
The Lim River is the main hydrological axis of Bijelo Polje and the entire municipality, flowing through a picturesque valley surrounded by the mountains of Bjelasica and Lisa. Walking and cycling paths run along the Lim, and the river is rich in trout and suitable for fishing and recreational kayaking. The Lim valley provides a visually attractive setting for the town and surrounding villages, with panoramic views of the river accessible from several points in and around the town.
In the surroundings of Bijelo Polje there are two historic monasteries worth visiting. Manastir Nikoljac is a significant Orthodox monastery with a rich library and frescoes. Manastir Podvrh, dedicated to Saint Nicholas and built in 1606, is situated at an altitude of 770 metres and in its form resembles a shepherd's hut — far from any village, in an isolated mountain setting. Manastir Podvrh lies along the planned cable car route to Dalovića Cave, which will make it more accessible to visitors.
Trg Slobode (Freedom Square) is the central public space of Bijelo Polje, home to the Town Souvenir Shop and the venue for various town events. Nearby stands Gušmirova Mosque, built during the Ottoman period and located in the very centre of town next to the Risto Ratković park. The mosque has undergone several restorations and bears witness to centuries of Ottoman presence in this part of Montenegro. The coexistence of Orthodox churches and mosques in the town centre reflects the religious and cultural diversity of Bijelo Polje.
What to do
Trails on Bjelasica and Lisa are accessible from Bijelo Polje for all levels of hikers.
The terrain around Bijelo Polje offers mountain bike routes through forests and the valleys of the Lim River.
Horse riding is organised in the surroundings of the town, through rural areas and mountain terrain.
The Lim River and its tributaries are well-known fishing spots rich in trout and other species.
The Lim River offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking, especially in spring when water levels are high.
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online — you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
The Ribarevine – Šiško jezero trail is 17.3 km long and runs in one direction. It passes through Biogradska gora National Park to Šiško jezero, with a total ascent of 1,380 m and a duration of approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes without breaks.
17.3 km1,380 m6–9 h
View trail
The trail from Ravna Rijeka to Šiško jezero is 22.8 km long with an ascent of 1540 m. It passes through Biogradska gora National Park, past the Cmiljača mountain hut and the Turijak summit, and is intended for experienced hikers.
22.8 km1,540 m7½–10½ h
View trail
The Brzava – Šiško Lake hiking trail is 26.3 km long and leads through Biogradska Gora National Park. With 1589 m of ascent and the highest point at 2011 m above sea level, it is intended for experienced hikers.
26.3 km1,589 m8½–11½ h
View trail
A demanding one-way cycling route 398,8 km long, with a total ascent of 9352 m. It passes through Biogradska Gora National Park and Durmitor National Park, past Bijelo Polje, Kolašin, Nikšić and Žabljak.
399 km9,352 m5–8 days
View trail
The Katun Road – Untold Bjelasica trail is 18.7 km long and runs one-way through Bjelasica. Total ascent is 149 m and descent 1203 m; the highest point is 1785 m a.s.l.
18.7 km149 m5–7½ h
View trailA cycling route 110.7 km long with 2882 m of ascent. It leads from Rožaje through the Pešter region, with viewpoints, peaks and water fountains; very demanding and intended for experienced riders.
111 km2,882 m2–3 days
View trail
A demanding one-way cycling trail, 39.0 km long. It passes through mountainous terrain with a total elevation gain of 1580 m and a mixed surface (61% asphalt/concrete, 39% gravel).
39.0 km1,580 m5–7 h
View trail
Demanding cycling tour BP01, 84.6 km long, leads through hilly areas near Bijelo Polje. Total ascent is 1878 m, descent 1905 m; it runs mainly on asphalt (73%) and gravel (25%).
84.6 km1,878 m8–11½ h
View trailGallery
Did You Know?
The Miroslav Gospel, the oldest illustrated Cyrillic manuscript in the world, was created in Bijelo Polje in the 12th century and is today inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. oldest illustrated Cyrillic manuscript in the world
Plan Your Visit
Phone
+382 50 432 862Website
www.tobp.meThe town is accessible all year round. Tourist Organisation (TOBP): weekdays 08:00–16:00.
Free entry to the town. Cave visits and organised tours — contact TOBP or local travel agencies for current prices.
Parking in the town centre is available by the Town Square and surrounding streets. Mostly free parking on the edge of the centre.
The town centre and Town Square are mostly accessible for people with reduced mobility. Hiking terrain and caves are not suitable for wheelchairs.
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