{"id":11342,"date":"2024-01-25T19:50:36","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T18:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peaksofthebalkans.at\/?page_id=11342"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:06:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:06:37","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/peaksofthebalkans.at\/en\/","title":{"rendered":"Balkan Trail"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PEAKS OF THE BALKANS - Balkan Trail<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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PEAKS OF THE BALKANS - Balkan Trail<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Dear visitor<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Peaks of the Balkans Trail is the first long-distance hiking trail to cross the Western Balkans, an area where ancient paths connect remote regions.<\/p>\n

The 192-kilometre circular hiking trail takes you through the mountains of northern Albania, eastern Kosovo and southern Montenegro. The old paths were interrupted during the Cold War, when tensions between Yugoslavia and Albania were very high.<\/p>\n

As part of a project to support the communities in these three countries, German development cooperation under the leadership of GIZ has revitalised the trail and turned it into a fantastic nature experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The route offers a wide variety of scenic and cultural experiences against a spectacular backdrop.<\/p>\n

On this website you will find the classic Peaks of the Balkans route and our FAQ page with information on the route, maps, guesthouses and border permits.<\/p>\n

The level of difficulty of the Balkan Trail ranges from easy to moderate, but requires a good level of fitness. To start your Peaks of the Balkans (POB) trail, you can land at three major airports: Tirana (Albania), Podgorica (Montenegro) or Pristina (Kosovo).<\/p>\n

Hikes are offered by various providers as self-guided hikes (on your own), guided hikes or as open groups.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Peaks of the Balkans Trail - Overview<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Distance<\/u><\/strong>: 192 km (119 miles)<\/p>\n

Total elevation gain \/ loss<\/u><\/strong>12,000 m (39,420 ft)<\/p>\n

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Duration:<\/u><\/strong> 10 days (Very fit hikers carrying only light packs can complete the trek in 7-8 days. For those who prefer a more leisurely schedule, including a rest day and some side trips, the hike can take up to 12 or 13 days). You hike from hut to hut, which are usually located in the valley.<\/p>\n

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Level of difficulty<\/u><\/strong>: The route is a must for every enthusiastic hiker and has a difficulty level of light to medium<\/b> on. The trail requires a good level of physical fitness and the appropriate hiking equipment.<\/p>\n

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Start\/Finish (entry points)<\/u>: <\/strong>The Peaks of the Balkans is a circular hike that can be started and finished at various locations. The most popular are Theth (Albania), Pej\u00eb (Kosovo) and Plav (Montenegro).<\/p>\n

Permits<\/u>:<\/strong> The Peaks of the Balkans Trail runs through Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. Before setting off, hikers must obtain a cross-border permit. (Note<\/u><\/strong>It is recommended to apply for border authorisations at least four weeks before departure).<\/p>\n

Getting there:<\/strong> <\/span>From a logistical point of view, Shkoder in Albania is the easiest starting and finishing point. It is just under a 2-hour bus journey from the country's capital Tirana, and there are numerous flight connections. From Shkoder, you start directly in the scenic mountain village of Theth in Albania and begin the trail there. Shkod\u00ebr (Albania) is also only 90 minutes away from Podgorica.<\/p>\n

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\"Peaks<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Balkan Trail - Stages<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The \"Balkan Trail\"<\/strong>also known as \"Peaks of the Balkans Trail<\/strong>\" is a long-distance hiking trail that leads through Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. It connects three countries with a hiking route of around 192 kilometres and offers a unique adventure in an unspoilt mountain landscape. <\/span>The route offers a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging tours.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>There are Guided tours<\/a>where the entire route is accompanied by experienced guides. <\/span>Independent hikes<\/a> are also possible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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