Peaks of the Balkans
~9 days · 123.4 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Peaks of the Balkans is known for
A cross-border circuit through the Accursed Mountains of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, linking shepherd villages and guesthouses across some of Europe's wildest karst peaks.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,123 ft to 7,287 ft over 123.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 51.0 mi · 41%
- Downhill 49.9 mi · 40%
- Flat 22.5 mi · 18%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Peaks of the Balkans?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Peaks of the Balkans scores 100/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Peaks of the Balkans take?
Most backpackers hike the Peaks of the Balkans in about 9 days (8 nights out) over its 123.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Peaks of the Balkans?
The Peaks of the Balkans climbs roughly 54,508 ft total — about 442 ft per mile, topping out near 7,428 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.