The borders on this a part of the Balkans don’t imply a lot to the mountains. The peaks simply maintain rising, the roads get narrower, and also you’ll end up drifting between Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania with out actually noticing – besides when the language and quantity plates change.
This Western Balkans street journey is all in regards to the excessive floor: a loop via a few of the Western Balkans’ most distant and rewarding mountain areas, the place switchbacks are the norm and schedules disintegrate in one of the best ways.
It’s not polished. It’s not at all times signposted. And that’s precisely what makes it good.
Begin: Kotor – the one actual metropolis you’ll see for some time
Kotor’s hardly undiscovered, nevertheless it’s place to start – stuffed with walled-town drama, Adriatic views, and early morning calm earlier than the cruise crowds arrive.
What to do:
- Stroll the partitions or climb to the San Giovanni Fortress (ideally earlier than 8am).
- Have espresso within the previous city and replenish on street journey snacks.
- Head out through the Kotor Serpentine Street – 25 sharp switchbacks and a large view of the bay.
🧭 Professional tip: You’ll climb quick. Cease on the Njeguši viewpoint for among the finest panoramas on the route.
Cease 2: Durmitor Nationwide Park – excessive plateaus and glacial lakes
From Kotor, head north towards Žabljak, the gateway city to Durmitor Nationwide Park – a protected highland space stuffed with karst peaks, mountain climbing trails and black lakes.
Why linger:
- Hike round Crno Jezero (Black Lake) for a tender intro.
- Take the Durmitor Ring scenic drive – usually empty, at all times beautiful.
- In case you’re into mountain climbing, summit Bobotov Kuk (Montenegro’s highest peak).
📍 Keep in Žabljak or one of many mountain lodges – most have firewood, mountain tea, and no rush.
Cease 3: Peja – tradition shift and canyon edges
Cross into Kosovo and head for Peja (Peć), a small metropolis sitting on the base of Rugova Canyon.
The transition is fast – border checks are pleasant, the street will get quieter, and also you’ll discover the mosque minarets first.
What to do:
- Stroll or drive into Rugova Canyon, one of many deepest in Europe.
- Go to the Patriarchate of Peć, a Thirteenth-century monastery nonetheless very a lot in use,
- Have a meal at Artwork Design Café or Kulla e Zenel Beut – the meals scene right here is low-key glorious.
🧭 Street be aware: You’ll begin climbing once more quickly – gas up earlier than heading west towards Albania.
Cease 4: Rugova Canyon – slim roads, huge views
The canyon deserves its personal point out. Driveable, walkable and quietly dramatic, Rugova is a spot the place cliff faces rise sharply and villages cling to the slopes.
What makes it nice:
- Cliff tunnels carved straight into the rock.
- Wild swimming spots and brief hikes.
- A cable automotive (sure, actually) operating as much as a ski resort for wider views.
📍 Good to know: It’s one street in, one street out – so permit further time for exploring with out dashing.
Cease 5: Valbona – sharp ridges and tender mornings
Cross into Albania through Gjakova and head south to Valbona Nationwide Park – a spot the place the mountains appear to shut in, and mornings begin quietly with mist and occasional.
What to do:
- Stroll the flat trails via the Valbona Valley ground.
- Seize dinner and a mattress at one of many family-run guesthouses – most do half board.
- In case you’re mountain climbing over to Theth, that is your start line.
🧭 Non-compulsory: In case you’re not mountain climbing, drive the longer route through Fierza and take the Komani Lake Ferry for the following leg. It’s a spotlight – extra on that beneath.
Non-compulsory: Komani Lake Ferry – fjords with out the vacationers
Between Fierza and Koman, you may take a ferry via Komani Lake.
It’s a artifical reservoir that appears like a Scandinavian fjord – however with shepherds, youngsters waving from shore, and boats made out of spare components.
Why go:
- The trip is sluggish, scenic, and wildly underhyped.
- Ferry schedules range (search for Berisha or Dragobia traces).
- You possibly can board with or with out your automotive, relying on the boat.
📍 In case you take the ferry, you’ll land close to Shkodra and miss the drive to Theth – price contemplating if roads are muddy or time is tight.
Cease 6: Theth – a mountain village that also feels distant
Whether or not you hike from Valbona (a basic path, ~6–8 hours), or arrive by street through Qafë e Thorës Go, Theth is a inexperienced, spread-out village on the base of the peaks.
It’s dotted with stone towers, previous guesthouses, and a river that really runs clear.
Should-do:
- Go to the Lock-In Tower and find out about Albania’s code of blood feuds (significantly).
- Stroll to Grunas Waterfall or the Blue Eye of Theth.
- Keep someplace small and family-run – it’s a part of the rhythm.
🧭 Street be aware: The street over the cross is now paved, however slim and steep – keep away from it in poor climate or when you’re in a really low automotive.
Last cease: Shkodra – lakeside calm and mild re-entry
End in Shkodra, a vigorous, artsy city close to the border with Montenegro.
It’s flat, pleasant, and the right place to floor your self after the mountain tempo.
Issues to do:
- Stroll the boulevards or hire a motorbike round Lake Shkodra.
- Go to Rozafa Fortress for views over the town and past.
- Discover good espresso, contemporary fish, and simply sufficient vitality to wrap up the journey.
📍 From right here, it’s a straightforward drive again to Podgorica or Kotor, relying on the place you began.
Street journey suggestions for the Balkans
- Deliver bodily maps or offline GPS. Cellular sign can vanish within the mountains.
- Border crossings are pleasant, however carry ID and automotive papers.
- Street situations range. Some sections are steep, slim or gravel.
- Go sluggish in villages. Locals, livestock and children all share the street.
- Late spring to early autumn is finest, as winter can shut mountain passes.
Last ideas
This isn’t the Balkans of massive cities and seashore bars – it’s a quieter, increased model. A spot of switchbacks, silence, and small cities that maintain their shutters half-closed.
It’s not at all times easy, and generally it’s not marked in any respect. However when you like your street journeys with a little bit of texture – and views it’s a must to earn – this one’s price the additional turns.
