Katun Lifestyle
Embrace Slow Living in Harmony with Nature
Katun Lifestyle: A Return to Simplicity, Tradition, and Nature
High in the mountains of Montenegro, hidden among rolling pastures, crystal-clear springs, and dense forests, lies a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries—the life of the katun. More than just a settlement, a katun is a seasonal home for shepherds and their families, where daily life revolves around nature, livestock, and the timeless traditions of mountain living.
Here, time is not measured by the ticking of a clock, but by the rising sun, the call of the herds, and the slow-changing seasons. Days begin early, with the first light spilling over the peaks, and the sounds of cows and sheep being led to graze. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering milk drifts from the wooden huts, while shepherds prepare for a day spent in the open wilderness, tending to their animals and working the land.
At Katun Reljina, we invite both foreign travelers and locals to step into this authentic way of life, where modern distractions fade away and the connection to nature, community, and self-sufficiency takes center stage. Whether it’s milking cows at sunrise, making cheese by hand, collecting firewood for the evening, or sharing stories by the fire, every moment in the katun is an opportunity to slow down, embrace tradition, and rediscover the forgotten beauty of Montenegrin rural heritage.
For centuries, katuns have been a symbol of resilience and harmony with nature, a place where people live off the land, using sustainable practices that have stood the test of time. Today, as the world moves faster than ever, these mountain settlements stand as a reminder of a simpler, more intentional way of living—one that respects the earth, honors traditions, and values the balance between work and rest.
By visiting Katun Reljina, you don’t just observe this way of life—you become part of it. Whether you join in shepherding tasks, learn traditional cooking techniques, or simply sit back and enjoy the vast, untouched landscape, you’ll find that life here is not about rushing—but about truly experiencing the present moment.
Come and reconnect with nature, tradition, and yourself. The mountains are waiting.
A Shepherd’s Summer: The Timeless Ritual of the Katun
For generations, Montenegrin families have followed the ancient rhythm of izdig, the seasonal migration to katuns, where shepherds lead their livestock to the lush summer pastures of the mountains. This tradition, deeply woven into the fabric of Montenegro’s rural heritage, ensured self-sufficiency, sustainability, and harmony with nature. It was not just a means of survival—it was a way of life, shaped by the land, the seasons, and the close bond between people and their animals.
The Šekularac family, like many before them, has upheld this practice for generations, returning each year to Katun Reljina, just as their ancestors did. Here, life is dictated by nature’s pace, the grazing patterns of the animals, and the timeless rituals of mountain living.
Days begin before dawn, as shepherds rise with the sun to milk the sheep and cows, collecting the fresh, rich milk that will be transformed into traditional Montenegrin cheeses—sir and skorup, the signature flavors of the highlands. The morning air is filled with the aroma of fire-baked bread, while the slow-burning embers prepare for meals that will simmer throughout the day.
The afternoons bring a steady rhythm of tending to animals, repairing fences, gathering wild herbs, and preparing food. The mountains offer everything needed for a simple but deeply fulfilling life—from freshwater springs to fertile meadows and medicinal plants that have been used for centuries.
Evenings at the katun are a time of togetherness, as families and visitors gather for home-cooked meals, storytelling, and laughter under a sky full of stars. There are no city lights here, only the soft glow of lanterns, the warmth of the fire, and the vastness of the night sky stretching endlessly above.
Yet, as the modern world moves forward, this way of life is slowly disappearing. Many katuns now stand empty, and the traditions that once defined them risk being forgotten. But at Katun Reljina, we are here to preserve and share this way of life—not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing experience that continues to thrive.
Here, you don’t just observe life in the katun—you become part of it. Whether you join in the morning milking, learn to make cheese, collect firewood, or simply sit back and take in the stillness of the mountains, you’ll find that life here is not about rushing—it’s about being present, embracing tradition, and rediscovering the beauty of simplicity.
Come experience the shepherd’s summer—a tradition that has stood the test of time and welcomes all who seek authenticity, connection, and the peaceful rhythm of mountain life.
A Place for Everyone: Rediscovering Childhood Memories & Creating New Ones
For foreign visitors, a stay at Katun Reljina offers a chance to step into a world untouched by modern distractions—a place where off-grid travel, slow living, and sustainable tourism come together in perfect harmony. But for locals, it is something more—a journey back to their roots.
Many Montenegrins carry cherished childhood memories of summers spent in the mountain katuns, where they visited grandparents, drank fresh milk straight from the pail, and helped with farm chores. It was a time of freedom, fresh air, and a deep connection to family, nature, and tradition. The mountains were a playground, the forest streams their refreshment, and the evenings were filled with stories and laughter beneath the endless night sky.
At Katun Reljina, we welcome those who wish to relive these treasured moments and share them with their own children. Let them run barefoot through wildflower meadows, gather fresh eggs from the farm, or watch as fresh cheese is made the traditional way. Allow them to sleep under a sky full of stars, just as generations before them did, experiencing a way of life that is slowly fading but still very much alive here.
This is more than just a vacation—it is an opportunity to pass down traditions, reconnect with the land, and preserve the beauty of Montenegro’s mountain heritage for future generations. Whether you are coming to rediscover childhood memories or create new ones, the katun is a place for everyone—a home in the heart of nature, where the past and present come together.
Live the Katun Life: A Unique Blend of Heritage & Comfort
At Katun Reljina, we have carefully preserved the authenticity of katun life while making it accessible and comfortable for modern travelers. Here, you don’t just visit—you become part of a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
What Awaits You?
✅ Stay in Traditional Shepherd Huts – Crafted from wood and stone, just like the original katun dwellings, but with added touches of comfort and warmth.
✅ Experience Traditional Crafts – Milk a cow at sunrise, learn to make homemade cheese, or bake mountain bread in a wood-fired stove, just as generations of shepherds have done before.
✅ Explore Untouched Nature – Hike, bike, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air while taking in the pristine landscapes of Biogradska Gora National Park, home to one of Europe’s last primeval forests.
✅ Sleep Under the Stars – Our stargazing huts, inspired by old shepherd shelters, feature an innovative opening roof, allowing you to fall asleep under a sky full of stars—a truly one-of-a-kind celestial experience.
Slow Down & Reconnect
Katun life is an invitation to step away from the fast pace of modern life, to breathe deeply, embrace simplicity, and find joy in nature’s rhythms. Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a peaceful retreat, Katun Reljina offers a rare glimpse into Montenegro’s most treasured traditions.
Come and experience a way of life that has stood the test of time—and perhaps, take a piece of it home with you in your heart. Contact us for more information.
