Hiking the Peaks of the Balkans Trail: Europe’s Hidden Alpine Gem
Updated January 2026 (originally published June 2024)
The Peaks of the Balkans (~192 km circuit) crosses the rugged Accursed Mountains (Prokletije) through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. This trail delivers dramatic karst peaks, glacial lakes, remote shepherd villages, and warm Balkan hospitality—without the crowds of the Alps or Dolomites.
Launched in 2012 as a peace initiative, it promotes sustainable tourism in a region healing from 1990s conflicts.
Best Time (2026)
Prime window: mid-June to mid-September (stable weather, open guesthouses). July-August busiest but still quiet. Early June/late September possible—prepare for snow/rain (as in 2023’s late melt). Avoid May/October unless experienced.
Options
- Independent: Feasible with planning—book guesthouses early (peak season fills), secure permits.
- Self-Guided (Logistics Only): Companies handle permits, bookings, transfers (~€500-600). Zbulo or Balkan Natural Adventure recommended.
- Guided Tours: Small groups, local experts. 2026 dates available (e.g., Balkan Natural Adventure: June-Sept; 6-10 days ~€900-1500). Includes food, luggage transfer.
Permits (Required 2026)
Cross “green borders” legally with a Peaks of the Balkans permit (lists crossings/dates). Apply 14+ days ahead via services like Zbulo (€45/group) or Balkan Natural Adventure. Risk €300 fine without (enforcement variable, but increasing).
Navigation
Well-marked (white/red circles); use Organic Maps/Maps.me (offline), Gaia GPS, or Wikiloc GPX. Trail in good condition, some overgrowth/mud.
10-Day Itinerary Example (Modified: Valbonë Start + Buni Jezerce Detour)
Total ~150-160 km, flexible. Classic often starts Theth.
- Theth → Valbonë (classic opener): 16 km, +1175m over Valbonë Pass (stunning but slippery if wet).
- Day 1: Valbonë → Çerem (11 km, easy forest/ridge).
- Day 2: Çerem → Dobërdol (17 km, panoramic passes; tri-border views).
- Day 3: Dobërdol → Milishevc (21 km, high ridges/blueberries).
- Days 4-7: Rugova/Plav sections (lakes, valleys; optional shortcuts).
- Day 8-9: Plav → Vusanje + Buni Jezerce detour (highlight: glacial lakes/valley).
- Day 10: Vusanje → Theth (21 km, Pejes Pass descent).
Stays: Family guesthouses (~€30-50/pp half-board). Camping possible.
Safety Tips
Bears active (carry spray, store food). Variable weather—pack layers/rain gear. Bearsightings rare but reported (Kosovo sections). Solo female travelers: Generally safe, but hitchhiking caution advised.
Underrated Balkan epic—raw beauty, culture, solitude. Questions on 2026 planning? Comment below!