Peaks of the Balkan Trail — Riding Europe’s Last Remaining Wilderness

The Peaks of the Balkans trail is a 192-km long mountain road that passes through three formerly war-torn countries — Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Given its wild and rugged terrain that is thickly forested and dotted with pristine lakes, the trail is often called Europe’s last remaining wilderness.

Since peace has now returned to this part of the Balkans, this route is open to cyclists, trekkers, and horse riders. Though it’s not possible to drive a motor vehicle on this route, if you’re planning to do a bike tour in Albania or nearby regions, this is a must-do.

Here’s more about this spectacular mountain road in southeastern Europe.

Where Is the Peaks of the Balkans Road Located?

The Peaks of the Balkans trail traverses three countries — Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. It winds its way through the majestic Accursed Mountains, also known as the Prokletije range, or the Albanian Alps, which form a natural border between Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo.

These rugged karst peaks, with altitudes reaching over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), provide a dramatic backdrop all through the route, thus giving it its name. Along the way are located some of the last pristine forests in Europe, verdant green meadows and beautiful highland lakes. Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in the Balkans, is located close to the starting point of the route.

Since this route passes through three countries, border permits are required at each border. Permits for Kosovo and Albania can be had via email. For Montenegro though, a police permit may be required by physically visiting the office. However, if you book the tour through a travel agent, they can obtain all the necessary documents for you.

How to Get There?

The most convenient way to do the Peaks of the Balkans trail is to start from the Albanian side, as Albania has better infrastructure and better international connectivity than Montenegro and Kosovo.To access the trail from the Albanian side, you'll typically start from the village of Theth or Valbona in the northern part of Albania.

Here's how you can reach these starting points and the nearest towns and airports:

Nearest Towns

Shkodër: Shkodër is the largest city in northern Albania and serves as a gateway to the Accursed Mountains. It's located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Theth and Valbona. From Shkodër, you can arrange transportation to either of these villages.

Bajram Curri: Bajram Curri is a town located in northeastern Albania, near the border with Kosovo. It's situated closer to Valbona than Theth and serves as another potential starting point for the trek.

Nearest Airports

Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza): Tirana Airport is the main international airport in Albania and is located near the capital city, Tirana. From the airport, you can either rent a car or take a bus or shuttle to Shkodër, which is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away.

Podgorica Airport: Podgorica Airport in Montenegro is another option for accessing the Peaks of the Balkans trail. Podgorica is located relatively close to the Albanian border, and from there, you can travel by bus or car to Shkodër and then onward to Theth or Valbona.

Transportation Options

Bus: Buses run regularly between Tirana and Shkodër, as well as between Shkodër and Bajram Curri. From Shkodër or Bajram Curri, you can arrange onward transportation to Theth or Valbona. Keep in mind that roads in the mountainous regions can be narrow and winding, so travel times may be longer than expected.

Car Rental: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. From Tirana or Podgorica airports, you can easily rent a car and drive to Shkodër, where you can then continue your journey to Theth or Valbona.

Shared Taxis/Minibuses: Shared taxis and minibuses are a common mode of transportation in Albania. You can often find shared rides departing from Shkodër to Theth or Valbona, especially during the peak trekking season.

If you’re hiking on the trail, you have the option of hiring a horse to carry your luggage. If you're on a bike, you can always carry your luggage with you.

Before embarking on your journey to the Peaks of the Balkans trail, it's advisable to check current transportation options and schedules, especially if you're traveling during the offseason.

.Accomodation

Since this is a remote and a non-motorable route, there are no hotels along the way. However, there are several quaint guest houses at all the major stops along the way. Although simple rural houses owned by locals, these guest houses come with all the basic amenities, and serve fresh home-cooked local food.

Consider making accommodation arrangements in advance, as lodging options in Theth, Valbona and all the other stops on the route can fill up quickly, particularly during the peak tourist months

Best Time to Visit

The best time to do the Peaks of the Balkans trail is from June to September. October and early November are also possible, though the weather can get a little chilly. Rest of the time, it's either rainy or snowing, and is not recommended.

Are There Other Similar Roads in Europe?

Perhaps the only other regions in Europe that still remain similarly untouched are the Carpathian mountains in Romania, and some parts of Norway.

If you’re doing a bike tour in Romania, the route from Viscri to Stejarisu and Sighișoara has wild and mountainous terrain similar to the Peaks of the Balkan road. Romania is home to the largest population of bears, wolves, and bats in the European Union, along with the largest population of wild horses. So there’s a good chance you might run into some wildlife while riding on this route.

For a Norway bike tour, the road from Nordfjordeid through Geiranger to Sandane is one of the most spectacular in Europe. This is Norway’s fjord territory, sitting on the northwestern edge of the European continent and is one of the remotest parts of Europe. The road passes through mountains and fjords. Some parts of the road are unpaved, and there’s just a gravel path passing through high mountains on either side covered with glaciers. Definitely a must-do for any travelers seeking adventure and wilderness in Europe.

Wrapping Up

The Peaks of the Balkans trail is a true gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exhilarating challenges.

Whether you're drawn to the towering peaks of the Accursed Mountains or the charm of traditional mountain villages, this transnational trek promises an experience like no other. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the Balkans along the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

Image credit: Depositphotos