Having travelled extensively in Africa and Asia, Undiscovered Balkans co-founders Ben and Emma thought they’d seen it all—until they came to the Balkans. This wild corner of Europe continues to amaze them even after 20 years—and they’re not easy to impress. So when we say the Balkans is home to not only some of Europe’s, but the world’s, best hikes, we’re not exaggerating.
The main draw besides unrivalled natural beauty that makes the Western European alps look boring? Far fewer people know about them. From month-long expeditions to day hikes in the Dinaric Alps, read on for our roundup of the best hikes in the Balkans.
1. Valbona pass, Albania
- Distance: 18km
- Difficulty: Moderate
The high mountain pass between Valbona and Theth, two time-warped shepherd’s villages in the Accursed Mountains, is quite arguably one of the best day hikes in Europe. The dramatic karst landscapes and ancient forests stretching as far as the eye can see could have you thinking you’re in the Peruvian Andes.
The hike takes around seven hours to complete on average and you’ll gain an elevation of around 1,100m. Many hikers come from Tirana and go from Valbona to Theth as it makes logistical sense. But as we’re coming from Shkodër (around two hours away) on our North Albania holiday, we do it the other way around. We start by exploring Theth and enjoy a traditional farm homestay the night before and recover in Valbona after the hike. The next day, we travel back to Shkodër by ferry on the glorious Lake Komani, one of Albania’s most beautiful lakes.
2. Via Dinarica, cross-border
- Distance: 1,260km
- Difficulty: Challenging
Launched in 2010 to boost tourism in the region, this mega hike spans eight Balkan countries from Slovenia to Albania. The Via Dinarica would take you several weeks to complete from start to finish, but you can join the trail at certain points and hike just a section or two of it, as we do on our Montenegro mountain hiking holiday.
The Via Dinarica has three trails: white, green and blue. The white trail is the original route which starts in Razdrto, Slovenia and finishes in Valbona in Albania, and covers the highest peaks in each country. If you’re looking for a challenge, this is the hike for you.
The Green trail is at a relatively lower altitude and winds through the valleys and forests from the Kočevje region in Slovenia to the Albanian-North Macedonian border near Lake Ohrid. And the blue trail, as the name suggests, traces the Adriatic coast from Lake Skadar in Montenegro to the Croatian-Slovenian border (many hikers choose to finish at Učka Mountain near Rijeka in Croatia).
The green and blue trails are still under development but they’re completely walkable—you might just find the paths are less waymarked than the original white trail.
3. Peaks of the Balkans, cross-border
- Distance: 192km (119 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging
Another huge undertaking, the Peaks of the Balkans trail is a circular hiking route which spans northern Albania, western Kosovo and eastern Montenegro. You can pick up the trail anywhere, but many choose to start in Theth/Valbona in Albania.
Expect out-of-this-world scenery at every turn as you trek over high mountain passes and drop into remote shepherd’s villages where traditional ways of farming are still practiced.
This hike is more achievable for those constrained to annual leave as it takes between 10-13 days to complete (depending on your pace and any detours you decide to take). Our Montenegro to Albania hiking holiday follows one of the most beautiful sections of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, and we also offer a family-friendly version.
4. Mount Musala, Bulgaria
- Distance: 14km
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Set inside the glorious Rila National Park, Mount Musala is the highest peak in the Balkans at 2,925m above sea level. You can summit it in a day if you start in Borovets, one of Bulgaria’s oldest mountain resorts, and take a gondola up to around 2,375m. This is the route we take on our Bulgaria mountain hiking holiday.
This there-and-back hike starts with a flat warm-up section to Musala hut. From there, we begin our 550m ascent up Musala, taking in the views of glacial lakes and dense forests along the way. But nothing compares to the views awaiting you at the top — a 360° panorama of the entire mountain and national park.
5. Prutaš Peak, Montenegro
- Distance: 10km
- Difficulty: Moderate/challenging
Durmitor National Park in Montenegro has earned itself UNESCO protection for its exceptional natural beauty. It has an impressive number of karst rock peaks soaring above 2,000m — 48 to be exact, so it’s the ideal place to go for some thigh-burners. Speaking of which, the hike to Prutaš (2,394m) is sure to get the blood pumping.
Comprising colourful vertical layers of karst rock, Prutaš is widely regarded as the most beautiful and special peak in the Durmitor massif. We opt for this over climbing the more popular Bobotov Kuk on our week-long mountain hiking holiday in Montenegro to ensure you enjoy the scenery at the top without the selfie stick-wielding crowds.
6. Čvrsnica Mountain with Outlaw’s Gate view, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Distance: 10km
- Difficulty: Challenging
Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t short of stunning mountain peaks, but Veliki Vilinac on Čvrsnica Mountain (try saying that…) stands out as one of the best. Soaring to 2,228m above sea level, it’s one of the highest—and most breathtaking—summits in the country.
The trail starts with a solid climb that’ll wake up your legs, but the effort quickly pays off. As you ascend through rugged terrain and sweeping alpine views, you’re led to one of the region’s natural icons: Hajdučka Vrata, or “The Outlaw’s Gate.” This striking stone arch sits at 2,000 meters and offers more than just a great photo—it’s a symbol of resilience and defiance, reflecting the proud, unyielding spirit of the Bosnian people.
7. High Scardus Trail, cross-border
- Distance: 362km
- Difficulty: Challenging
The High Scardus Trail is a true treat, taking you to some of Europe’s most secluded mountain ranges across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. It starts in Skopje, North Macedonia and finishes on the shores of Lake Ohrid.
The route traverses six protected natural areas including Kosovo’s Sharr mountains and Shebenik-Jablanica in Albania. You’ll encounter alpine meadows, lakes, soaring glacial valleys and more of those traditional Balkan villages. And let’s not forget the thrill of climbing Korab, the highest peak in Albania and North Macedonia at 2,764m high.
It would take you around 20 days to walk the entire route if you’re going at a decent pace. If you don’t have that kind of annual leave, why not join us in exploring the Albanian section of the trail? Check out our brand new 7-day Albania High Scardus Trail Hiking holiday.
8. Stara Planina, Serbia
- Distance: 16km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Tucked away in Serbia’s eastern frontier, Stara Planina—the “Old Mountain”—offers a rare glimpse into traditional village life and total immersion in untouched nature. It’s here you can hike to Midžor (2,169 m), Serbia’s tallest peak.
The 16 km round-trip route takes you on a steady 700m climb through alpine meadows and open ridges, suitable for most hikers with moderate fitness. At the summit, perched on the Serbian–Bulgarian border, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and the chance to spot wild horses roaming the highlands.
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