Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Balkans
Hiking through the Balkans is a true expedition. Albania's Accursed Mountains are genuinely wild, Montenegro's Durmitor peaks are stunning, and Bosnia's landscapes feel untouched. These treks mix challenging mountain routes with staying in villages where locals are incredibly welcoming. It's hiking in places that haven't been trampled by tourists yet, which feels special.
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It is hard to express how close I feel to the people at Choose Balkans. I got in touch with them about this hike 3 years ago before the pandemic limited all my travel for an unfathomably long time. We finally got to go in sept 2022. Throughout those years I stayed in touch, often trying to plan again and never being able to. Every time they were kind, patient and honoured my initial deposits! We we finally got there (me and 9 other hikers) we had a meet up with the Choose Balkans team and they are all kind, funny, and well informed. My great thanks to Alban for his generousity and local knowledge on that night out especially. From then on it was hiking time! Our guide Erwin has global hiking and mountain climbing experience but it was clear his heart is in the balkan alps. He is a tough, capable guide but also a caring, intelligent, funny teammate. I cannot reccomend him enough. The hike was hard but exceptionally beautiful and I plan to go back another time as the changing scenery, weather, flora and fauna mean you would need years to see and do all there is to see and do. We have hiked mountains around the world, and these ones, while lower, are just as tough and in many ways more beautiful and mysterious. With choose balkans, and Ervin as your guide, you are in good hands no matter what happens on tbe trail, or off it, unrelated to them i needed to make some itinerary changes and despite our remoteness, transport, accomodation, opportunities were magicked out of this air. A really flexible and versatile team In short, i cant reccomend them enough. They bring trust, calm and humour, you just need to bring a sense of adventure
Semi-Private Hiking Tour; Peaks of the Balkans in 10 daysIt was a good experience. Beautiful scenery. Delicious food. Accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities. Tour leader was very nice,kind and co operative. She has good knowledge and kept engaged with the group all the time.
Undiscovered BalkansIt was a wonderful tour with great views.
Semi - Private Tour; Peaks of the Balkans - Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake
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10 best Hiking & Trekking Balkans tour packages
Compiled by
NadineBalkans travel expert at TourRadar
- Walking the Balkans- Bosnia, Serbia & Montenegro
- Peaks of the Balkans
- Semi-Private Hiking Tour; Peaks of the Balkans in 10 days
- The Balkan Peaks guided tour -10 Days in 3 Countries from Tirana
- Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro
- Peaks of the Balkans Three-Country Trek
- Undiscovered Balkans
- Walk in the Footsteps of Zeus on Mount Psiloritis, Crete!
- Semi - Private Tour; Peaks of the Balkans - Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake
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Lake Jablan sits at 1,791m in Durmitor National Park, and the hike up there's pretty rewarding. After that, you'll head to Tara National Park where the Banjska Stena viewpoint offers great views over the Drina canyon. The pilgrimage trail connects Lower and Upper Ostrog Monastery, both built into sheer rock faces.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 259 mi Operator Explore! From $2,050
14% Off- US$1,770
Gjeravica Peak reaches 2,656m in Kosovo's Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park, and the climb's worth it. You'll walk through the UNESCO-protected Gashi River Valley where brown bears and golden eagles live, then cross Valbona Pass at 1,795m for views across the Albanian Alps. Theth's got a Roman Catholic Church from 1892.
Duration 12 days Destinations Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 210 mi Operator Alb Expeditions From
14% Off- US$1,904
Semi-Private Hiking Tour; Peaks of the Balkans in 10 days
“The trip was perfectly organized, and the food fantastic. A truly gifted guide.”
inna, traveled in July
The highest peaks of the Balkans, including Kosovo's Gjeravica and Montenegro's Talijanka, present ultimate challenges. Pine forests and alpine meadows create diverse terrain, with expert guidance through remote mountain passes.
Duration 10 days Destinations Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 234 mi Operator Choose Balkans From
14% Off- US$2,524
Dramatic peaks span three countries, including the Three Border Peak and Hajla summit (2,403m). Routes traverse Kosovo's Rugova Canyon and Montenegro's historic Shkodra Pass, following shepherd paths across 192km of alpine wilderness with daily ascents up to 1,140m.
Duration 10 days Destinations Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 219 mi Operator Go as Local From
14% Off- US$1,682
Balkan borders blur from Albania's Valbona to Kosovo's Milishec Mountain and Montenegro's Babino Polje. Six days of hiking traverse diverse terrain, including glacial lakes, traditional villages, and the stunning Rugova Canyon.
Duration 9 days Destinations Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 123 mi Operator G Adventures From
14% Off- US$2,099
The majestic Gjeravica Peak stands at 2656m across three Balkan countries. Paths lead through Rugova mountains, Theth National Park, and Valbona Valley. Remote shepherd paths and historical trading routes offer daily hikes ranging from 10-19km.
Duration 10 days Destinations Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Italian Distance 282 mi Operator Good Albania From
14% Off- US$2,033
Undiscovered Balkans
“The hikes, walking tours, and good company were exceptional.”
Fiona, traveled in September
Valbona Valley's alpine terrain and Mount Dajti's summit (1,503m) showcase nature's grandeur. Moderate 5km trails wind through Rugova Gorge and Peja Highlands. The Accursed Mountains reveal dramatic landscapes under expert mountain guidance.
Duration 14 days Destinations Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 496 mi Operator Explore! From $3,070
7% Off- US$2,870
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Balkans
What is the best time of year for hiking in the Balkans?
The Balkans' hiking season runs from June through September with reliable weather conditions. While July and August bring warm temperatures and peak crowds June and September provide a sweet spot of good weather and quieter trails. Different regions have their own ideal windows. The Julian Alps in Slovenia welcome hikers from May to September with spring bringing colorful wildflowers. Along Montenegro's coast trails remain accessible from April through October. A TourRadar traveler notes: "September is typically the best month for hiking as the weather is generally pleasant and trails are less crowded."
How difficult are the Peaks of the Balkans trails?
The Peaks of the Balkans route presents a solid physical challenge. Hikers cover 15-20km daily with elevation changes between 700-1450m across Albania Kosovo and Montenegro. The paths include both steep climbs and technical sections that require careful footing. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The hike to Dragon Lake was quite demanding with 1,450m elevation gain but the stunning alpine scenery made it worthwhile. Most days involve 6-8 hours of hiking."
What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day Balkan hikes?
Places to stay range from standard hotels to rustic mountain shelters. Remote locations such as Albania's Valbona Valley feature local guesthouses including the welcoming Hotel Dini while developed areas provide 3-star hotels. Some routes put hikers in traditional shepherd's dwellings with basic amenities. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The hospitality of the local people the incredible scenery and the accommodation was better than I expected with hot showers."
What meals are typically included on Balkans hiking tours?
Tour packages generally cover breakfast and select dinners especially in mountain areas far from towns. The 12-day Peaks of the Balkans tour provides all meals during hiking days. According to a TourRadar traveler "the food was incredible - fresh local produce and traditional dishes like lamb in Theth Valley cost around 12-15 USD per meal." Accommodations like Resort Belvedere in Vrsar serve breakfast while remote lodges typically include full meal service.
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in the Balkans?
The region's national parks house diverse animal populations. Theth National Park in Albania offers chances to spot chamois eagles and brown bears while Croatia's Mljet National Park draws birdwatchers. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We saw incredible wildlife in Valbona Valley - our guide at Villa Hermani pointed out rare orchids and even caught glimpses of wild goats on the mountainsides."
Are border crossings complicated during multi-country Balkans hikes?
Border crossings come with the territory but established tour companies handle all permits and paperwork. On routes like the Peaks of the Balkans trail which crosses between Albania Montenegro and Kosovo guides manage the necessary documentation. TourRadar travelers report smooth transitions thanks to operators who know local procedures and requirements well.