How To Hike The Peaks Of The Balkans Trail: Itinerary, Tips & More
📍Deçan, Kosovo
Duration: 1 night
Hiking Distance: 16 kilometers
Ascent: 900
Descent: 900
Highlights: Swimming in Love Heart Lake, as well as summiting Gjeravica and taking in endless mountain views from the top.
Hotel: Gacaferi Guesthouse—run by our guide Adriatik’s family—has a warm, social vibe with gorgeous mountain views. Share a beer or soda with fellow hikers in the cozy living room or on the outdoor deck. Dinner is a plentiful buffet of local dishes cooked by Adriatik’s mom, followed by coffee or mountain fruit tea. At sunset, the mountains light up in shades of orange and pink.
Today’s section of the Peaks of the Balkans trek is especially stunning, with a mix of idyllic alpine landscapes. The main objective is summiting Gjeravica, Kosovo’s highest recognized peak at 2,656 meters.
We begin hiking out of Doberdol along a river, passing small wooden homes, grazing horses, and cows. Before long, we’re climbing rocky trails and dirt paths winding through wide-open alpine scenery.
Emerging over a mountain pass, we come to the Albania–Kosovo border, a memorable milestone with epic views of dramatic ridges and forested valleys stretching under a clear blue sky.
From here, the route weaves up and down, crossing ridgelines and patches of dirt, rock, and even snow. After about four kilometers (2.5 miles), we reach Love Heart Lake—shaped exactly like a heart if seen from above. It’s a perfect spot for a (very chilly) swim if you’re feeling brave.
