Hiking in the Balkans

Find your hiking trail in the Balkans

Hiking in the Balkans is a walk through modern history. Located in southeastern Europe, the popular trails are a testament to the cultural shifts of the recent past. The Balkans are made up of many countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. Although the region has some impressive long-distance trails, rest assured, there is hiking in the Balkans for all experience levels that will guide you across the region and give you an immersive experience in the area. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some incredible cuisine along the way!

Peaks of the Balkans

A significant trail in the region is the Peaks of the Balkans, a 192-kilometer circular trek that connects Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. This trail typically takes 10-13 days to complete and passes through remote mountain villages, glacial lakes, and high passes, such as the Valbona Pass and the Qafa e Pejes. You’ll stay at quaint guesthouses and can start this trail in any of the three countries.

Via Dinarica

One of the most popular long-distance trails is the Via Dinarica, which traverses the Dinaric Alps across several countries, including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. The Via Dinarica is divided into three main routes: the White Trail, the Blue Trail, and the Green Trail. The White Trail is the most famous, running parallel to the highest peaks of the Dinaric Alps and spanning approximately 1,200 kilometers. This trail includes notable sections such as the Julian Alps in Slovenia, Velebit Mountain in Croatia, and the Prokletije Mountains in Montenegro and Albania. This is no small feat!

National Parks

There are many loved national parks for hiking in the Balkans, a few of which are Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, Mavrovo National Park in North Macedonia, Tara National Park in Serbia, and Rila National Park in Bulgaria. Known for their stunning day hikes, there are still hidden gems to discover in and around the parks. Many national parks in the Balkans are centered around water features like lakes, waterfalls, or gorges, so bring your water shoes for a fun way to stay cool on a hot day.