Easy
Prokletije National Park · Plav Municipality
- Distance
- 3.6 km / 2.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 80 m
- Typical duration
- 53 min
- Lake
- Waymarked route
Peaks of the Balkans
ExpertProkletije National Park · Gusinje Municipality · Montenegro
- Distance
- 195 km (121 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 4,280 m (14,042 ft)
- Typical time
- 52 hr
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Peaks of the Balkans
Peaks of the Balkans is a 195 km hiking route in Prokletije National Park. It climbs roughly 4,280 m (14,042 ft) along the way. Most people take around 9 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The combination of distance, ascent and exposure puts this at the top end of what a day hike can be.
Most people walk it in stages, using the waymarking and accommodation built up along the corridor.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Plan this one outside the summer months: cooler air makes the exposed sections far more pleasant. The nearest town of any size is Deçan, about 24.5 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by peaksofthebalkans.com.
In short, Peaks of the Balkans suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Expert195 km4,280 m
Numbered marks every 25 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Inside Prokletije National Park
- Waymarked route
- Long-distance path
- Waymarked and signposted
- Part of a long-distance path
- Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- Entrance fee required
- Camping
- Follow park rules
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 56/100
- Adventure
- 80/100
- Difficulty
- 100/100
- Accessibility
- 19/100
- Family
- 10/100
- Dogs
- 47/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Safety
Emergency services in Montenegro are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Trekking poles for the descent
- Offline map and compass
- Head torch and spare battery
- Extra warm layer
- Real food, not just snacks
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
No one has reviewed Peaks of the Balkans yet. Be the first.
Trails near Peaks of the Balkans
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Expert
Andrijevica Municipality · Montenegro
- Distance
- 56.6 km / 35.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,245 m
- Typical duration
- 14 hr
- Waymarked route
Hard
National Park "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" · Plav Municipality
- Distance
- 17.9 km / 11.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 393 m
- Typical duration
- 4 hr 24 min
Moderate
Plav Municipality · Montenegro
- Distance
- 8.1 km / 5.0 mi
- Elevation gain
- 179 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 58 min
- Waymarked route
Moderate
National Park "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" · Kosovo
- Distance
- 8.9 km / 5.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 197 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 10 min
Moderate
National Park "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" · Kosovo
- Distance
- 8.3 km / 5.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 182 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr