The Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Map key

Overview maps

Route summary table

Introduction

Geography and geology

Historical summary

National parks and nature reserves

Wildlife and plants

Climate

When to hike

Getting there and around

Accommodation and food

Public holidays

Language

Money

Phones, internet and electricity

Cross-border permits

Local tour operators

Where to start/finish

Variations, transfers and highlights

Trail markings

Maps

Equipment

Water

Safety in the mountains and what to do in an emergency

Using this guide

The Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Stage 1 Theth (Albania) – Valbona (Albania)

Stage 2 Valbona (Albania) – Çeremi (Albania) via the Prosllopit Pass

Stage 3 Çeremi (Albania) – Dobërdol (Albania)

Stage 4 Dobërdol (Albania) – Milishevc (Kosovo)

Stage 5 Milishevc (Kosovo) – Rekё e Allagёs (Kosovo)

Stage 6 Rekё e Allagёs (Kosovo) – Drelaj or Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo)

Stage 7 Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo) – Babino polje (Montenegro)

Stage 8 Babino polje (Montenegro) – Plav (Montenegro)

Stage 9 Plav (Montenegro) – Vusanje (Montenegro)

Stage 10 Vusanje (Montenegro) – Theth (Albania)

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Accommodation

Appendix C Further reading

Appendix D Language and glossary

Appendix E History timeline

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

One of the best ways to discover the Balkans

The Balkans may not be as popular for walking as, say, the Alps, but that's not to say they don't offer the same level of fantastic hiking. In fact, the mountains of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo are home to some truly astounding trails, and to turn a blind eye to them is a disservice unto yourself. With that said, one of the best ways to discover the best of the area is by walking The Peaks of the Balkans Trail. The recently developed route stretches for 113 miles and takes hikers through remote valleys, over high mountain passes and past unspoilt, welcoming villages. As ever, guidebook specialist Cicerone is here to guide you through it all, with an in-depth book talking you through each stage.

Adventure Travel magazine

We will definitely feel confident taking this book along with us for the trek.

The Peaks of the Balkans is a newer trekking route that takes trekkers through the Prokletije mountains of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. We've had our eye on this 182km trail for some time now, and the fact that a detailed guidebook now exists in English, means that we'll definitely be packing our bags to tackle the route soon! Not only does the Peaks of the Balkans trail let you escape the increasingly busy trails closer to home, taking you to a more remote part of Europe, but the formation of this trail also brings much needed sustainable income to the small mountain villages along the route, with guesthouses being the popular choice for accommodation amongst hikers.

As well as all of the information that you would expect to find in a guidebook (and some additional useful advice), you'll find decent maps complete with contour lines and points of interest (though the available Peaks of the Balkans map would still be recommended). and handy elevation charts, The inclusion of useful phrases and a pronunciation guide is a nice addition and while you won't find yourself fluent in any of the languages, the author points out the importance of at least learning a few phrases which the locals will appreciate. The book is of the high standard that we've come to expect from Cicerone guides, answered all of our questions that we've been building up over the last couple of years, and we will definitely feel confident taking this book along with us for the trek!

Trek and Mountain magazine.