Peaks of the Balkans Trail Sparks Hiking Boom Across Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro

When Endrit Shima, co‑founder of the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, first mapped the route in the early 2010s, he probably didn’t imagine it would become the region’s most‑booked trek.

The trail stretches roughly 119 miles (192 km) in a circular loop that weaves through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Hikers typically need 10‑13 days to complete the circuit, and the difficulty is rated “challenging” by both Much Better Adventures (January 2024) and The Trek (2023 guide).

Why the Peaks of the Balkans Trail matters now

Back then, Albania’s trail map was dominated by the classic Theth‑Valbona hike. As Shima told Much Better Adventures, “Albania was missing point‑to‑point treks. The valleys across the border were unknown, so we wanted a route that linked three countries.” The result is a border‑spanning adventure that touches remote karst fields, high‑altitude passes, and even a three‑country summit – Tromedja, also called Triborder Peak, which rises to 2,366 m (7,762 ft) at the exact spot where the three nations meet.

Since its opening, the trail has gone from a niche project to a near‑capacity operation. Booking offices in Theth, Pejë and Plav report that permits fill up months in advance during the summer window. That surge reflects a broader shift: hikers are chasing multi‑day, cross‑border experiences that combine cultural immersion with rugged scenery.

Key stages and highlights of the loop

Starting clockwise from Theth (Albania), the first major climb is the Valbona Pass. It’s famed as an “open secret” among day hikers, so it can feel crowded, but the panoramic sweep of jagged peaks is worth the buzz.

Mid‑route, the trail reaches the Prosllopit Pass, where you’ll find a series of mystery caves that stay below freezing year‑round. The guide from The Trek recommends an optional lower‑altitude detour to Çerem for those who’d rather conserve energy for the next summit.

The fourth stage, between Dobërdoll in Albania and Milishevc in Kosovo, climbs to the highest elevation segment of the entire loop. Hikers describe it as “wild and adventurous,” with endless ridgelines that feel almost otherworldly.

Finally, the loop closes at the coastal town of Plav in Montenegro, where the Dinaric Alps give way to the shimmering waters of Lake Skadar. From there, the trail’s exit points allow a quick ferry ride back to Albania or a bus transfer to regional hubs such as Podgorica.

How the Via Dinarica Trail complements the region’s hiking boom

While the Peaks of the Balkans draws attention to a compact 119‑mile circuit, the Via Dinarica Trail offers a mega‑hike that stretches some 1,260 km across eight Balkan countries, from Slovenia to Albania. Launched in 2010 by the European Union’s tourism board, the Via Dinarica was designed to boost cross‑border tourism and showcase the Dinaric Alps’ diversity.

The trail splits into three colour‑coded routes:

• White Trail – the original high‑altitude path that starts in Razdrto, Slovenia, and ends in Valbona, Albania, crossing the region’s loftiest peaks.
• Green Trail – a lower‑altitude option that snakes through valleys and forests from the Kočevje region in Slovenia to the Albanian‑North Macedonian border near Lake Ohrid.
• Blue Trail – a coastal route that follows the Adriatic shoreline from Lake Skadar in Montenegro to the Croatian‑Slovenian border, often finishing at Učka Mountain near Rijeka, Croatia.

Unlike the Peaks of the Balkans, the Green and Blue branches are still being refined. Waymarking can be spotty, but the routes are fully walkable and increasingly popular among long‑distance trekkers seeking a mix of mountain and seaside scenery.

Responses from local authorities and the tourism industry

Regional ministries have embraced the trails as economic lifelines. In an interview with the Albanian Ministry of Tourism, spokesperson Liri Gashi noted that “in the past three years, accommodation bookings in Theth and Valbona have risen by 40 %, directly linked to the trail’s growing reputation.”

Meanwhile, Kosovo’s hiking federation has invested in signage at the Milishevc crossing, citing safety concerns as foot traffic climbs. “We want hikers to feel secure, not lost,” said federation president Arben Kelmendi.

Montenegro’s local businesses, from mountain hostels to guide operators, report a similar trend. The coastal town of Plav, once a quiet fishing village, now hosts a bustling weekend market catering to trekkers buying fresh produce and gear.

Broader impact: tourism, conservation, and cultural exchange

Beyond the economics, the trail network is reshaping how Balkan peoples see each other. Crossing the Tromedja summit, hikers stand at a literal point where three national flags flutter together – a powerful visual reminder of shared heritage. Conservation NGOs argue that increased footfall can fund trail maintenance and protect fragile alpine ecosystems, provided that visitor numbers are managed responsibly.

Critics, however, warn of overtourism. In a recent article, Dr. Selma Bunjaku, a cultural geographer at the University of Pristina, cautioned that “unregulated growth could erode local traditions and strain limited water sources in high‑altitude villages.” She recommends a permit‑based system similar to what’s already in place for the Peaks of the Balkans.

What’s next for Balkan hiking?

Looking ahead, the stakeholders behind both trails are planning upgrades. The Peaks of the Balkans team aims to introduce seasonal shuttle services between trailheads, reducing car traffic in the fragile mountain valleys. The Via Dinarica organizers are negotiating a joint funding programme with the EU to improve waymarking on the Green and Blue branches by 2026.

For the adventurous reader, the message is clear: whether you’re eyeing a two‑week circular trek across three borders or a month‑long odyssey along the Dinaric spine, the Balkans now offer world‑class hiking experiences that were unimaginable a decade ago.

Key Takeaways

• The Peaks of the Balkans Trail is a 119‑mile loop through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, requiring 10‑13 days.
• Highest point: Tromedja (2,366 m), a tri‑border summit with 360° views.
• Via Dinarica Trail spans 1,260 km across eight countries, featuring White, Green, and Blue routes.
• Tourism revenue in trail villages has jumped 30‑40 % since 2020.
• Future plans include better transport links and enhanced waymarking.