Peaks of the Balkans: the trail of hidden treasures

The Peaks of the Balkans trail spans 192 kilometers and traverses three countries: Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. It takes those who follow it up to an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level.

Often referred to as the “Trail of Hidden Treasures,” this trail offers spectacular views, rarely found elsewhere in Europe. The Dinaric Alps with their stunning beauty, demand at least two weeks of your time and plenty of energy to hike through endless green meadows, dense coniferous forests, and jagged peaks that occasionally give way to gentler terrain, glacial lakes, and streams fed by melting snow. The best time to embark on this journey is in the spring.

The most breathtaking beauty of these Alps is found on the Albanian side, where the journey should begin. After spending a night in one of the clean and affordable guesthouses, with good food, in the Valbona Valley—just a few kilometers from Tropoja—hikers can start a journey that will leave a lasting impression, taking three full days to complete.

In Valbona, those interested can contact a local guide who can also arrange transport by four-wheel drive, as parts of the road are unpaved and unsuitable for other vehicles. If you choose to hike, your first destination should be the village of Doberdol. Along the way, there is an abundance of blueberry and orchid plants. The views of the glacial lake on the way to the Pyramid, the triangular border point with Montenegro and Kosovo, are spectacular. There are numerous cold, icy water springs flowing from the mountains. The difficulty of the hike is negligible, as even families with small children traverse it daily, and the entire route is well-marked by guides, so there is no risk of getting lost at these heights.

In the village of Doberdol, there are numerous mountain huts as well as modest but comfortable guesthouses built with wood and stone. These offer electricity, water, and delicious, completely organic food, providing a place to rest or spend the night. The hike from Valbona to Doberdol on foot takes a full 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Another village located at high altitude that offers accommodation and food is Cerem. The trail to Cerem passes through a dense coniferous forest. Near Cerem there are the seven pyramids, which mark the border between Albania and Montenegro. This area is also known as the “Bjeshkët e Kosuticës.”

On the way to these mountains, there is a rock that has become a pilgrimage destination every August 15th for the locals. It is called the Rock of Gjon Bala. According to local legend, Gjon Bala carried a very heavy stone on his back to place it on the rock, a strength said to have been given to him by the “Zanas of the Mountain,” of mountain fairies, known in Albanian folklore as the goddesses of the highlands. Every August 15th, many locals gather at this place, believing in the miracle of this stone.

The highest peak offering breathtaking views and the point where just a few centimeters separate three different countries is the Peak of the Snake (Maja e Gjarprit). The hike from Doberdol to the Peak of the Snake takes 6 hours, and the terrain is not easy to navigate unless you have an adventurous spirit and are in good physical shape.