Is The Balkans A Good Choice For A Walking Holiday?

There’s no shortage of great walks in Europe, from the Alps to Pyrenees. But the Balkans is often forgotten about despite being blessed with many mountains, lakes and great weather. The trouble is, people don’t know where to begin when looking east. Thankfully this article will look at some options to help paint a picture of why it makes a perfect walking holiday destination.

_{[Photo by Cat Bassano on Unsplash]}

Mountains And Emerald Rivers

The main reason behind visiting the Balkans is its varied scenery. In Slovenia, where the Balkans debatably begins, the Julian Alps have stunning limestone landscape with jagged peaks and picturesque valleys. But, it’s the trail to the iconic Lake Bled which you should base your trip around, as it offers a serene, calming beauty that makes you feel relaxed. The floating church in the middle makes for a fantastic picture, 

There are fewer crowds in the Julian Alps compared to where Switzerland, France and Italy meet. Though, Romania's Carpathian Mountains are a wilder option. They’re more untamed, home to some of Europe's last remaining virgin forests and traditional villages. There are a few more things to contend with, like bears, but you can prepare for that. If the wilderness and sparse population is a concern, Orbis Ways has many pre-made routes for you to follow, and they can organise rural accommodation along the way.

Meanwhile, Montenegro's Dinaric Alps has views looking out towards the Adriatic Sea. There’s something unique about sea-to-summit vistas that you don’t get in the Alps or Germany. Montenegro has a distinct lack of mass tourism too, so it’s very quiet and relaxing.

Encounters In Europe's Quiet Corner

One of the most rewarding aspects of a Balkan walking holiday is the culture, which isn’t inundated with other spectators. This way, it can feel more natural, like you’re a part of it, rather than looking in. Genuine encounters are more common, even if the language barrier is greater. In fact, this can be a blessing, because not everybody is quite as internationalised. .

_{[Photo by Cat Bassano on Unsplash]}

Your Wallet Will Thank You

Travel costs are steeply on the rise, particularly in the popular spots. Being outside of the EU still for much of the Balkans, it’s refreshingly affordable and the residents are happy to host you, whereas in some other nations there can be tourism fatigue. Rural accommodation can be extremely cheap..

A "Yes" To The Balkans

So, is the Balkans a good choice for a walking holiday? Well, there are a few extra considerations, like bears and language barriers, but that’s nothing you can’t be prepared for (get bear spray!) 

In general, the Balkans is perfect for a walking holiday because the types of people going on such an adventure, are the precise types of people seeking a new part of Europe to unlock. It’s stunning and underappreciated, and there is a sense that this will not be the same opportunity in ten years when tourism rises. The difficult decision, though, is deciding on where to go in the Balkans, because within it is a lot of variety.