Begin an unforgettable journey along the Peaks of the Balkans trail, one of Europe’s most spectacular long-distance hiking trails. This remote and rewarding circular trek spans approximately 192 km (119 miles) through the rugged mountain regions of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, offering a rare opportunity to experience some of the continent’s last truly unspoiled wilderness. The route takes you across high alpine passes, deep valleys, and traditional villages, immersing you in the timeless culture of the Balkans.

Typically completed in 9-10 days, the trail is best suited to experienced hikers with a good level of fitness, though it requires no technical mountaineering skills. The Peaks of the Balkans is renowned for its dramatic scenery, warm local hospitality, and the unique experience of crossing multiple international borders on foot.

Expertly authored by Rudolf Abraham, an award-winning travel writer, photographer, and guidebook author specialising in central and southeast Europe, this comprehensive guidebook is the definitive companion for planning and walking the Peaks of the Balkans. Detailed stage-by-stage descriptions are accompanied by clear 1:50,000-scale maps, so you can explore with confidence.

• The long-distance trail is divided into 10 stages, with advice on completing the route in 8 days for those seeking a faster pace
• Optional detours and side trips, such as visiting the Grbaja Valley from Plav, climbing Gjeravica or Hajla, or exploring classic highlights like Valbona Valley and Theth National Parks, are highlighted, enabling you to tailor your adventure and discover even more of the region’s beauty
• Each stage includes clear guidance on daily distances, elevation profiles, and accommodation options, including guesthouses and mountain huts, giving you all the details you need to shape your journey
• Downloadable GPX files add a digital navigation option, allowing you to follow the route on a smartphone or GPS device
• Practical advice on border crossings, permits, transport, and local customs ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience
• Recommends the best time to hike, between June and September, when snow has cleared from the mountain passes and guesthouses are open to welcome travellers

Plan your Peaks of the Balkans adventure with confidence and enjoy one of Europe’s most iconic multi-country hikes with this definitive guidebook.

Author Highlight

“The Peaks of the Balkans is an epic cross-border long-distance trail through the spectacularly wild and rugged borderlands of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. A circular route of around 192km in length, it takes in remote valleys, lakes and mountain passes, winding its way through some stupendous mountain scenery and passing through traditional mountain villages that often feel like somewhere time forgot. It’s a corner of Europe few people are familiar with, let alone visit. Food and accommodation are offered in traditional village home stays, so there’s no need to carry camping gear, with delicious regional cuisine and genuine hospitality that is frankly a million miles away from some of the more lacklustre tourist resorts you might find on the Adriatic coast. The route can be hiked in around 10 days or stretched out over a couple of weeks, with about a third of the whole trek lying in each country."

- Rudolf Abraham, author of The Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Map key
Overview maps
Route summary table

Introduction
Geography and geology
Historical summary
National parks and nature reserves
Environmental issues
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) – Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo)
Stage 6    Rekë e Allagës (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

Seasons

The trekking season begins May/June and finishes in October, with June-August the driest months. Wildflowers bloom in June. Snow-patches may linger until June/July.

Centres

Theth (Albania), Valbona (Albania), Çeremi (Albania), Dobërdol (Albania), Milishevc (Kosovo), Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo), Drelaj (Kosovo), Babino polje (Montenegro), Plav (Montenegro), Vusanje (Montenegro)

Difficulty

Moderate fitness is required, though the walking itself is not difficult. The trail passes through some remote areas.

Must See

Four beautiful national parks: Prokletije (in Montenegro), Thethi and Valbona Valley (in Albania) and Rugova Valley (in Kosovo); birdlife, plants and butterflies; warm Balkans hospitality

June 2025

Stage 9 new guesthouse

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