Europe's best new hiking trail is not where you think it is.

Chances are, you’ve never considered going hiking in this tiny country in the Balkans, nor heard of anybody you know going there.

That’s all about to change, though, because the secret’s out, especially with the growing popularity of the Peaks of the Balkans walking trail.

It’s the new kid on the block when it comes to wow-worthy hiking routes in Europe, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. It’s so good that we had to pick it for our first ever European walking trip(opens in a new tab) (*women only, sorry lads). When you see photos like this, can you blame us?

The Peaks of the Balkans Trail takes you from Kosovo, to Montenegro and then Albania.

The route itself is just 13 years old, but the trails are not – the journey threads together a traditional network of village pathways created by the region’s shepherds as they herded livestock and traversed the land.

However, due to the region’s political tensions, it’s been almost impossible for foreign hikers to take advantage of these trails. Until recently!

As recently as two decades ago, it was impossible to even consider such a journey across the mountains here. Albania was under an oppressive dictatorship, Kosovo was caught up in war, and no form of tourism existed here.

Fast forward to 2023, and word is getting out.

What was once impossible is now a reality. On this trail, you’ll trek across wild terrain with breathtaking views, meet local people along the way, and discover a part of the world few get to experience.

Bid farewell to the bustling Dolomites and the congested Swiss Alps, because for now, this gem of a trail is yours to explore.

Here are five of our highlights…

Image source: www.peaksofthebalkans.com(opens in a new tab)

From the top of Hajla Peak in Kosovo, you’ll be able to see a whopping five different countries. But that’s just the start. Kosovo is best known for the events of the late 90s. But this beautiful country is now open to the world and is ready to be explored.

So beautiful it hurts.

Arguably the highlight of the trail (but it’s hard to choose – everything is a highlight!) is the Valbona Pass hike. In this part of Albania, which is nicknamed “the Albanian Alps” you’ll find yourself surrounded by craggy peaks dusted with snow – even in summer.

Imagine waking up in the morning to this view.

Local legend has it that the villagers all share a common founding ancestor, stretching back three or four centuries.

For those who join us on our trip, you’ll be staying for one night in the remote village of Theth, hidden in ‘secrecy’ in the depths of Theth National Park.

Majestic, wild and unspoiled by human hands.

The highest section of the Dinaric Alps, the Prokletije are a massif of brutal beauty. Prokletije, meaning “accursed” or “damned”, is an apt name, alluding to the cruelty of the landscape and hardships endured by its dwellers. Standing before them, you can only be enchanted.

Visiting Albania is like turning back the clock to a Europe that no longer exists. The villages of this little corner of the Balkans are truly magic and must be experienced.

Your hosts of these cosy mountain huts will be shepherds and farmers who’ll treat you to simple yet authentic local fare, passed down through countless generations. Perhaps due to their isolation, you’ll struggle to find friendlier, more hospitable people anywhere. So remote even, that the Ottomans weren’t able to impose their rule here.

The Peaks of the Balkans, although growing in popularity, are not as well serviced as the more popular destinations.

Option 1: Self Guided

For those willing to go it alone, self guided trekking is an amazing option. It does take a lot of preparation, however, as there are limited support services available. But for those who are looking for a solo adventure, this is as good as it gets. Read this guide here(opens in a new tab) for more.

Option 2: Join a Group

Group trips along the Peaks of the Balkans, like ours (see more below) are now becoming more common. If you’re social, happy to save money compared to a private tour, while having your luggage transported for you, a group trip is the best option.

While we’re the only Australian company that we know of that offers group trips, there are several other adventure companies around the world that do the same.

Option 3: Private Tour

If you can get a group together, a private group option is a great idea. You can pick your accommodation, have a private guide, and your own transportation. The benefit of flexibility is certainly worth the additional investment for many, and there are several local operators that can help you design your custom itinerary.

If this is the kind of thing that excites you, why not join our ‘ready-made’ clique of women-only hikers in August?

We’ve put together a 16-day walking and culture experience that takes in the best bits of the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

We’re just going to do one trip in 2023 and as of writing, spots are still available.

We’ve rated the activity level of this pack free trip as “Level 4,” meaning you’ll need to be in very solid physical shape to take on the challenge. With that said, you’ll only need to carry a daypack with you on the hike, and we’ll take care of the rest of your luggage.

The trekking component to this trip is a bit of a grueller – there’s no way of sugarcoating it! Seven almost continuous days of trekking on hilly terrain will definitely have you working up a sweat, but the sense of achievement you’ll get… will be next level.

Below is a little bit of a sneak peek of what the hiking part will be like: