Hiking the Peaks of the Balkan Trail without a guide

Do you want to hike the Balkan Trail without a guide? That is absolutely possible! The Balkan Trail is a hiking route through the relatively undiscovered countries of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. The route takes you along the beautiful mountain peaks of the Dinaric Alps, and you will find fantastic guesthouses along the way. These guesthouses always serve delicious local food, and you will get to know the culture and traditions of these countries. We will tell you how you can hike the Balkan Trail independently!

Hiking the Balkan Trail without a guide – completely doable!

And you know what the best part is? You don’t need expensive guides to make this incredible journey. This travel guide gives you everything you need for an adventurous exploration at your own pace. Would you like to receive the 8-day itinerary, a list of the most unique accommodations and all GPX files so you will never get lost?

Don’t be discouraged by travel agencies

The official name of the route is the Peaks of the Balkan Trail and it is 192 km long. Most people walk only part of the route. Several travel agencies make you feel as if you can only do this hike with a guide and not on your own. Don’t let what some travel agencies claim discourage you. This route is perfectly manageable independently. The major advantage is that you can set your own pace, and you also avoid walking in large groups. And above all, you save a considerable amount of money. So yes, you can absolutely hike the Peaks of the Balkan Trail without a guide!

What is the Balkan Trail?

The Balkan Trail is a hiking route through the relatively undiscovered countries of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. The route takes you along the beautiful mountain peaks of the Dinaric Alps, and you will find fantastic guesthouses along the way. These guesthouses always serve delicious local dishes, and you will get to know the culture and traditions of these countries.

Route & itinerary: Balkan Trail without a guide

Day	Accommodation	Country/Countries	Hike	Border crossing
1	Travel day: From Amsterdam to Podgorica; from Podgorica to Plav	Netherlands > Montenegro
2	Vusanje	Montenegro	21km, 1200 elevation m, 8:10 hours
3	Theth	Montenegro > Albania	21km, 1000 elevation m, 8:00 hours	Border crossing Mont > Alb
4	Valbona	Albania	17km, 1100 elevation m, 7:00 hours
5	Ceremi	Albania	14km, 1200 elevation m, 6:20 hours	Border crossing Alb > Mont and Mont > Alb
6	Doberdol	Albania	15km, 1000 elevation m, 6:20 hours	Border crossing Alb> Mont and Mont > Alb
7	Milishvec	Albania > Kosovo	18km, 900 elevation m, 6:50 hours	Border crossing Alb > Mont > Kos
8	Babino Polje	Kosovo > Montenegro	14km, 600 elevation m, 5:00 hours	Border crossing Kos > Mont
9	Plav	Montenegro	21km, 572 elevation m, 7:00 hours
10	Travel day; from Plav to Podgorica; from Podgorica to Amsterdam	Montenegro > Netherlands

Would you like to receive the 8-day Peaks of the Balkan Trail itinerary, a list of the most unique accommodations and all GPX files so you will never get lost? You can download our guide below! With our Balkan routes you can start planning your own trip!

PS. Not familiar with GPX files? Read our blog about it.

With the GPX files you will see the hiking routes between all hotels & guesthouses from the map below.
> Buy the Balkan Trail travel guide with GPX files

Can you hike the Balkan Trail all year round?

The Balkan Trail is a beautiful hiking route, but it is not easily accessible throughout the entire year. In early spring, such as in March and April, some trails may still be covered in snow. Not all guesthouses are open that early in the season either. Many farmers who also run a guesthouse only return to the mountains with their animals later in the season.

Are you travelling early or late in the season? Always ask locally whether the trails and accommodations are open. Not all guesthouses are listed on Booking.com, so it is wise to ask around in the area as well. Consider bringing a lightweight tent as a backup.

Are you going in high season, for example in August or early September? Then it can be quite busy. Especially in villages with limited accommodation it is helpful to book in advance. You will find our recommendations in the travel guide.

Wild camping is also possible, especially near guesthouses. Many hikers do this. You can often pitch your tent at a guesthouse and use the toilet or have dinner there. It is customary to pay a small fee or enjoy a local meal as a thank-you.

In short: the Balkan Trail is at its best from June to September. Be a little flexible, ask locally for updates and prepare well. Are you planning a trek through the Balkans this summer? Then download our helpful guide with GPX files now!