Hike the Via Dinarica from Bosnia to Montenegro - 8 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Sarajevo beginnings

Welcome to Sarajevo - the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a city rich in history. Start your Balkan experience with a day in the city touring its major historical, cultural, and war sites with a knowledgeable guide. Then return to your historic quarter hotel, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner, and get a good night's rest in preparation for tomorrow's hike.

Day 2: Sutjeska National Park

Lace up your hiking boots, pack your bags, and head to Sutjeska National Park - the starting point of your first Balkan hike. Today, you'll make your way through beech forest and open mountainous terrain to the tranquil shores of Donje Bare Lake and then the summit of Ugljesin Peak. Here, you'll find one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's best panoramic views of the Zelengora Peaks and the rock wall of Volujak. Continue along the trail to Gornje Bare Lake via Tovarnica Ridge against a backdrop of country's highest peaks. Then continue to the trail's end, where a transfer vehicle will whisk you away to your charming hotel and an early dinner in the Tjentiste Valley.

Hiking distance: 5.5 miles (9km)

Day 3: Climbing Bosnia's highest peak

Starting from Lokva Derneciste, spend your day climbing Bosnia and Herzegovina's highest peak: Maglic Mountain. Wind your way alongside steep cliffs, through thick forests, and over open mountainous terrain on well-maintained trails. When you reach the summit, pat yourself on the back, soak in the views that sweep all the way to Montenegro, and enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, make your way downhill to the emerald-green waters of Trnovacko Lake and then to Prijevor where you'll transfer to another charming hotel.

Hiking distance: 8.5 miles (14km)

Day 4: Rafting Tara's deep frontier canyon

Take a break from climbing on your fourth day in the Balkans and head to the river instead! The Tara River is one of four beautiful white-water rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina that offer professionally guided rafting tours. It ranks among Europe's best for class II - IV rapids. It boasts the deepest canyon in Europe. And it's where you'll be donning life vests and battling currents for the day. Spend three to four hours on the river before heading back to your bungalow, enjoying an early dinner on the riverbanks, and relaxing around a campfire.

Day 5: Scaling the Falcons Plateau on Durmitor

On your way to the trailhead, make a quick stop at Montenegro's Mratinje Dam - one of the highest dams in Europe. Then lace up those boots and hit the trails again, braving a steep uphill climb to a plateau with excellent views of the surrounding mountains. End the day's hike at a comfortable guest house on the edge of Tara Canyon with amazing views of the river and the entire Durmitor Massif.

Hiking distance: 7 miles (11km)

Day 6: Skrka

Starting from the village of Nedajno, continue along the trail to the Skrka Mountain Hut, stopping along the way to enjoy the views at Susicko Lake and the Skakala Waterfall. Expect a day of shifting landscapes - from rocky, mountain terrain to plateau to forested trails, all with amazing views of the surrounding peaks. 

Hiking distance: 8.5 miles (14 km)

Day 7: Crossing Durmitor to Zabljak

Grab an early breakfast and get ready for another big day - this time hiking across the Botun Pass and down to the town of Zabljak in Durmitor National Park. Watch for loose scree and be careful on the exposed, steep, and narrow paths; today's hike has some challenging sections. Overnight in a cozy lodge.

Hiking distance: 10 miles (16.5km)

Day 8: Podgorica goodbyes

Bid your Balkan hiking adventure as you make your way to Podgorica Airport and head home - or extend your stay in the Western Balkans with a trip to Croatia or more exploration in Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina.