Amazing historic cities and mesmerizing beaches are not the only reason you should visit Balkans during your holiday. In fact, a lot of adventure enthusiasts come to this part of the world to enjoy some of Europe's most scenic landscapes and feast their eyes on dense forests, breathtaking viewpoints, and incredible mountain peaks. If you are looking for a great hiking spot, this region offers a plethora of opportunities. Therefore, all you need to do is pick up your backpack, take the home-made boot shapers out of your shoes and strap them on, and decide which of the following places you want to visit. Spoiler alert – whichever you choose, you won’t make a mistake!

Lake Bled Ojstrica Viewpoint, Slovenia

Just an hour away from the capital of Slovenia is located the Lake Bled, one of the most fairytale-like parts of this country. You may have already seen pictures of it online, but you probably thought that parts of it were Photoshoped since the lake is surrounded on all sides by forests and mountains, while there is a small island with a church in the middle of it. If you want to take it all in and experience the full beauty of Lake Bled, you should go to the Ojstrica viewpoint which is a short hike from the town Bled. It is quite easy to find this place, since from the town to the viewpoint there are many signs that say Ojstrica. You will need several hours to reach your destination, but if you are not too tired, you can continue up the main path for another hour to Osojnica viewpoint, and enjoy another panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings. 

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

If you find yourself in Montenegro, don’t skip out on the opportunity to hike through Durmitor National Park. From the main town of Zabljak you will be able to choose one of the several trails, but definitely the most popular one is the hike to Crno Jezero (Black Lake) where you can go for a swim in the summer. From the Black Lake there is a 45-minute walk to another lake, the Snake Lake. Although this trail is not actually marked, you can hardly get lost since there is only one path. 

Paklenica National Park, Croatia

Paklenica National Park is a famous rock climbing destination and it is located only 40 kilometers from Zadar. This is often a favorite destination of many adventure enthusiasts since there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails. However, the main one will take you through the Velika Paklenica Canyon to a number of small cottages set deep within the forest.  You will walk alongside a small stream which hides secluded water holes that are fun to explore. You will need about four hours to reach the cottages and to get back to the Park entry, so it is possible to complete the hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery with your kids. While you can have a snack at the forest cottages, you can also pack a picnic basket and take a break at one of the waterholes. 

Mount Vodno, North Macedonia 

When you arrive at the capital of Macedonia and look up, you will be able to see a giant Millenium Cross up on Vodno Mountain. If you wish, you can hike right up to it. All you need to do is to get to the Todor Aleksandrov road and follow the winding trail all the way up. If somewhere along the way you realize that you won’t have the energy to reach your destination, don’t worry.  From Sredo Vodno you will be able to ride the cable car up the rest of the way. If you decide to walk the whole way, it will take you about two hours to reach the Cross where you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views.

Besides these four locations, there are so many other incredible places in the Balkans you should definitely visit. Therefore, do the research beforehand and see just how many vacation days you will need to take to see everything you want.