The Peaks of the Balkans Trail, winner of multiple prestigious global awards, connects mountainous regions in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. It’s a new cross border hiking experience that fosters tourism and teamwork between historically quarrelsome neighbors.
The trek is a mix of hiking and cultural immersion through picturesque village guesthouses where time seems to have stood still. It’s truly a unique and authentic experience.
Trains
If you’re looking for a truly unique hiking adventure, the Peaks of Balkans trail is definitely worth considering. This trek, which straddles the borders of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, is both challenging and rewarding. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this area, which has been called Europe’s last true wilderness. The Peaks of Balkans trail also provides a boost to local economies and helps bring the communities in this region together through tourism.
The Peaks of Balkans trail has seen few changes since its inception, but it still offers the charm and challenge that many hikers crave. While the route has been modified slightly over the years, it’s still a fascinating journey through two countries that once shared a common border.
This trail is a great option for hikers who want to explore the mountains of the southern Dinaric Alps, which are often less crowded than other areas. It is easy to take a day off from the trail to visit one of the beautiful lakes or waterfalls in the area. The Trail itself is not very difficult and can be completed in 10 to 15 days.
There are a number of different routes you can take on the Peaks of Balkans trail. Depending on your preference, you can choose to take a detour or climb a summit. It is also possible to skip sections of the trail if you want to cut down your overall travel time.
For hikers who are interested in completing the entire trek, it’s important to be prepared for a lot of uphill and downhill climbing. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack plenty of food and water. You should also carry a map and be aware of the weather conditions on your trip.
It’s also important to know your country’s visa requirements before you travel to the Peaks of Balkans trail. UK citizens, for example, don’t need a visa to enter Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania and can stay for up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check visa requirements with their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling to these countries.
Stations
The Peaks of the Balkans is a cross-border trail that runs through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. It was developed as a way to offer culturally immersive adventure travel and sustainable tourism that supports local communities in remote mountain areas. This trek is an incredible opportunity to explore this lesser-known region of Europe.
This trail is relatively new, but it’s becoming more popular than ever. It sees a fraction of the hikers that hike trails in the Alps or Pyrenees, but the region’s rugged beauty and generous hospitality make it an attractive option. You’ll spend your days hiking through breathtaking landscapes, from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes. You’ll also encounter high-mountain peaks and isolated villages where time seems to have stopped.
While the trail can be walked independently, many travelers choose to join a guided tour. This allows them to experience the route with a guide who knows the area like the back of their hand. They’ll help you find the best bakery for a cheesy strukli and be by your side at every border crossing. A guide can also give you insight into the cultures of the Balkans and explain how some shell-shocked cities are recovering from the Yugoslav Wars.
There are several accommodation options on the Peaks of the Balkans trail, including a variety of mountain huts and campsites. The huts are basic but provide a comfortable place to sleep and an excellent view of the mountains. Campsites are a great option for budget-minded travelers, and there are plenty of places to set up tents along the trail.
One of the highlights of this trek is the Valbona Pass, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. The other highlight is the village of Theth, a beautiful high-altitude village where you can enjoy stunning views and an amazing hike.
The Peaks of the Balkans is an incredible trek that’s worth the effort. It’s a beautiful region with a fascinating history, and you’ll be able to walk along pristine forests and meet some of the most welcoming people in Europe. This trek is a true hidden treasure and a unique adventure that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Accommodations
Since its development three or four years ago the Peaks of Balkans trek has seen a growing interest in hikers – though it still sees a fraction of the numbers of European trails like the Alps and Pyrenees. It may be down to the villagers who are running the homestays and guesthouses that are scattered across the trail, or perhaps the fact that the cross-border trail was designed as a means of creating a culturally immersive experience for hikers that is also supporting local families in remote mountain areas that would otherwise be neglected.
The accommodations on the Peaks of Balkans trail range from simple to luxurious, with many of the homes offering a blend of modern facilities and traditional design elements. For example, Hotel Te Liqeni in Drelaj is a brand-new property with clean rooms and stunning views. While the Triangle Woodhouse in Babino Polje is one of our top picks, with its incredibly friendly hosts and unique meals made from fresh, garden-fresh ingredients.
In addition to the accommodations along the trail, hiking the Peaks of Balkans will also give you a chance to tour some of the most notable sites in western Kosovo, including Gjakova’s Hadumi Mosque and the UNESCO Heritage Site Decan Monastery. With an expert guide at your side, you’ll learn how the region continues to recover from the Yugoslav Wars – and explore some of the ways it’s still struggling today.
In addition to a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be traveling with fellow adventurers who are looking for a unique hiking experience. You’ll share the cost of your lodging, eat at restaurants and cafes that serve dishes that are both authentic and unique to the region, and visit villages and katuns that are off the beaten path. Your guides will be there to help you get the most out of this incredible region, from recommending bakeries for the best cheesy strukli to pointing out the best views from the highest peaks on the Balkan Peninsula. They’ll also be at your side to navigate the multiple border crossings and show you how to say hello and thank you in the various languages that make up this part of Europe.
Food
The Peaks of the Balkans trail is a 192km circular trek that takes you through the accursed mountains shared between Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania. It was once difficult to access this region, which is why it’s now becoming a hotspot for backpackers looking for a less-travelled trekking destination. Those who choose to hike the Peaks of the Balkans can enjoy an authentic cultural experience as well as breathtaking mountain scenery that has to be seen to be believed.
The rocky landscapes of the Peaks of the Balkans are incredibly diverse, with landscapes ranging from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls and rivers. There are also remote picturesque mountain villages where time seems to have stopped, making the Peaks of the Balkans a hidden treasure for nature lovers and hikers alike.
In addition to the stunning mountains, there are many opportunities to get out and explore the local culture as you pass through the various villages along the way. The locals are very friendly, and you’ll find a variety of places to stop and enjoy a meal and a cup of coffee.
Many of the family guesthouses that you stay in along the trail offer home-cooked meals. The food is made with fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding farms and villages. You’ll find plenty of feta-like semi-hard cheese and delicious, tangy yogurt, as well as a wide selection of freshly baked bread. You’ll be able to sample a variety of different regional dishes, as well as traditional mountain stews and homemade jams and fruit preserves.
You’ll also be able to sample a variety of local drinks, including the famous koja, which is a fruit-based spirit that’s similar to rum. You can also try local wines and beer, and there are many restaurants that specialize in these beverages.
The Peaks of the Balkans is a unique cross-border hiking adventure that offers a truly unforgettable experience. The route is relatively new, and the countries of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro have worked together to develop a trail that connects these three formerly separate areas. This is a remarkable achievement considering that only a few years ago, these countries were often at odds with one another. It’s a wonderful testament to the strength of humankind.
