The Ultimate Guide to the Peaks of the Balkans (2024)
The Peaks of the Balkans is a spectacular hiking trail that passes through the beautiful mountainous region of the Balkans, the southeastern region of Europe. Spanning approximately 200 km and taking an average of 10-14 days to complete, the Peaks of the Balkans trail is one of Europe’s most challenging but rewarding hikes.
What makes the Peaks of the Balkans so popular is the unique landscape of mountains, pristine lakes, and deep valleys, all offering breathtaking views. The hike passes through three countries, making this a truly special experience.
Along the way, you will pass through alpine meadows, rocky peaks, lush forests, and several traditional villages, where people still live off the road.
Where are the Peaks of the Balkans Located?
This unique hiking trail covers about 192 km and spreads across three countries, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. The maximum elevation gain is 2290 meters, while the minimum is about 670 meters.
The peaks that you will encounter along your journey are:
- Kolata, Albania (2530 m)
- Rosit, Albania (2530 m)
- Jezerc, Albania (2690 m)
- Harapi, Albania (2220 m)
- Valbona Pass, Albania (1795 m)
- Berizhdol, Albania (1970 m)
- Gjeravica, Kosovo (2650 m)
- Vrh Bora, Montenegro (2100 m)
- Talijanka, Montenegro (2057 m)
Why Visit The Peaks of the Balkans?
Everyone with a love for nature should visit the Peaks of the Balkans at least once, and here’s why:
- Europe’s most magnificent terrains. Going through the hike is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Balkans while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. Think craggy cliffs, vibrant wildflowers, beautiful valleys, and truly refreshing landscapes that will be laid in front of you along the way.
- Adventure and adrenaline. Hiking through the Peaks of the Balkans is definitely not for the faint-hearted. With its uneven and challenging terrain, the trail offers an exciting and special adventure for anyone looking for their next challenge.
- Wildlife. The trail is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including eagles, wolves, foxes, otters, etc. During the hike, you’ll also spot numerous native plants, like edelweiss, crocus, and gentian.
- Winner in the prestigious global awards “Tourism for Tomorrow’’. Some years ago, the trail won the prestigious award of “Tourism for Tomorrow’’. This award officialized this destination’s significance and its intention to link together these three countries to create an exceptional journey.
The Peaks of the Balkans Hiking Trail
The trail lies between three countries: Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. The hike can be started in each of the countries.
List of Services
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Route #1. AlbaniaList Item 1
If you are starting your hike from Albania, the journey will start from the village of Theth. To go to Theth from Tirana, you can take a bus from Tirana to Shkodёr for about 3 euros, and the road will take about 2 hours. Then you can take a bus to Theth, which costs about 10 euros and takes 4 hours.
The route from Theth is an incredibly scenic trek, perfect for experienced hikers. From Theth, you will take a winding path that will take you up onto the mountains and past the villages of Shoshan and Shkrel. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful views of the majestic mountains.
Eventually, you’ll reach Peja, Kosovo, and then Montenegro. Then the route will bring you to Durmitor National Park, where you can find some of the highest peaks. Once you reach the top of the trek, you can either descend down the trail or explore the villages and experience the local culture.
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Route #2. KosovoList Item 3
The second possible route starts from Reke, a town in Kosovo. You can fly to Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo, and then go to Reke by local bus. An advantage of taking this route is that the trek in Kosovo has a lower elevation than the one in Albania and Montenegro.
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Route #3. Montenegro
To start the hike from Montenegro, you must fly to the capital, Podgorica, and then you can get to Plav by public transport. While you’re in Plav, you can stock up on some snacks and things you’ll need for the trip, as it is one of the largest towns you’ll encounter during your overall hike.
Travel With The Cross Border Permit
As we mentioned before, the three borders of the Peaks of the Balkans are Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. To pass these borders, you must first apply for the Peaks of the Balkans Multi-Entry Permit, which you can obtain from:
- The Center for Protection and Preservation of Natural Heritage (Montenegro)
- Albanian National Agency of Protected Areas (Albania)
- Kosovo National Agency of Protected Areas (Kosovo)
The application process requires you to provide a valid passport, photographs, and a travel itinerary. Once you submit the application, it takes about 10-15 days for it to be approved. The permit is valid for 90 days and allows you to pass through the borders as many times as you want during that period.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Peaks of the Balkans?
The best time to visit this trail is during the summer, especially in June and July, and until October. During these months, you can expect mild temperatures and a good amount of sunshine.
The overall trail can take from two weeks to a month to complete, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way.
When packing for the trip, make sure to load up on the following:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen
- A sun hat
- Layers of clothing
- A good pair of hiking shoes
- A sleeping bag and a tent
- Food and snacks
- Compass
- Camera, to capture every moment of this unforgettable adventure.
What to Do at the Peaks of the Balkans?
As we said, the trail might take a long time to complete, and you’ll find plenty of activities to do along the way. Read more about them in the following section!
#1. Trekking
The trek will allow you to see stunning snow-capped peaks, hidden lakes, alpine meadows, crystal-clear rivers, and a variety of wildlife. The route is designed to take you through the highest and most remote parts of the region, giving you the chance to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and nature.
With over 100 km of trails and thousands of meters of altitude, the Peaks of the Balkans hiking trail is the perfect way to explore the beautiful mountains of the Balkans.
#2. Mountain Biking
The Peaks of the Balkans trail is a great place to go mountain biking too because of its rugged terrain. The trails are challenging, and the scenery is stunning. What more can an ambitious adventurer ask for?
You can explore the high mountain passes, the remote villages, the winding rivers, and the meadows. The terrain is varied, so you can experience a variety of trails.
#3. Kayaking and Rafting
The rivers in the area are typically slow and calm, making them perfect for beginner kayakers and rafters. If you’re looking for a challenge, the rapids in some of the rivers can provide an additional challenge. Along the way, you can take in stunning views of the mountains, forests, and meadows. On top of that, you can also spot some of the local wildlife.
We can safely say that kayaking or rafting down the rivers of the Balkan Peaks is a memorable experience that you’ll never forget.
#4. Wildlife Watching
The Peaks of the Balkans is a trail that’s an absolute paradise for wildlife lovers, being home to an incredibly wide variety of species. Among the most iconic animals to spot are bears, chamois, wolves, and golden eagles (no, we’re not talking about the drink).
Bears and wolves are the main predators of the area, while the chamois is a species of mountain goat that is native to the Alps. Golden eagles are the largest birds of prey in the region and can often be seen soaring from the sky. Other species include lynx, wild boar, deer, otter, and many more.
#5. Skiing and Snowboarding
If you decide to visit the Peaks of the Balkans during the winter season, skiing and snowboarding are perfect options to spend your time. The region is known for its cold winters and plenty of snowfall.
Some interesting and popular spots to rest and some ski resorts include:
Where to Stay When Visiting the Peaks of
the Balkans
Here are some of the accommodation options you have when visiting the Peaks of Balkans:
- Camping. Camping is a great option for the budget-minded traveler, and a terrific way to experience the beauty of the nature of the Balkans firsthand. Several campsites are located throughout the trail, some of which are near the peaks and offer stunning views.
- Airbnb/Guesthouses. There are several Airbnb and guesthouses located throughout the Peaks to offer you comfortable and affordable accommodation, such as:
- Jezerca Guesthouse
- Bujtina Malaj
- Guesthouse Skender Selimaj
- Hotels. You can also choose one of several hotels available throughout the region, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience:
- Hotel Margjeka
- Hotel Jezerca Theth
- Hotel Buni Shqipes
- Mountain Huts. For a truly unique experience, you can stay in one of the many mountain huts along the Peaks. These huts offer basic amenities and an incredible opportunity to explore the region.
Travel with Kalemi to the Peaks of the Balkans
Theth Two Day Tour From Tirana
If you want to make the most out of Albania’s magical nature, make sure to take one of Kalemi’s Tours to Theth. It’s a two-day trip which will take you to some of the best spots. You’ll get to stay in one of the guesthouses at the village, and learn about the interesting ways Albanians used to live.
Then, you’ll see the Blue Eye of Theth, a magnificent freshwater spring which resembles the human eye when seen from above. During your exploration, you’ll also come across the Church of Theth, and its picturesque courtyard.
After enjoying a nice lunch of traditional food, you’ll head back to Tirana.
Don’t Forget!
If you’ve made it this far into our article, you now know everything about the hike and what you can expect from it. Embarking on this journey will give you the chance to explore the beauty of nature firsthand, along with different cultures, nationalities, and the amazing wildlife.
To put everything in a nutshell, here’s a small summary:
- The Peaks of the Balkans is a spectacular hiking trail that passes through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
- Everyone should get the chance to visit this trail, because of the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and the incomparable feeling of adventure and adrenaline it provides.
- To get through the three borders, you have to apply for the Multi-Entry Permit, which is obtainable from all three countries.
- The best time to visit is during the months of June until October.
- There are plenty of accommodation and resting options throughout the Peaks, such as guesthouses, hotels, mountain huts, etc.
FAQ about the Peaks of the Balkans
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