10 Best Hikes in Prokletije National Park From Easy to Expert
Discover everything you need to know about hiking in Prokletije National Park, including the top trails from easy to expert and how to stay safe.
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If you’re visiting Prokletije National Park, chances are you’re here for one thing: the hiking. From gentle valley walks and glacial lakes to challenging summit climbs and border-crossing trails, this remote corner of Montenegro is home to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Balkans. Better still, you’ll often have the trails almost entirely to yourself and the scenery is absolutely spectacular.
We came to Prokletije for the famous Three Peaks Trail but quickly realised there’s so much more to explore. Some hikes were challenging, taking us high above jagged limestone peaks with panoramic views into Albania and Kosovo, while others were simple, flat, and led through peaceful forests, flower-filled meadows, and traditional mountain pastures to springs and waterfalls. Every trail is different, so there’s something for every ability.
Despite the quality of the hiking, Prokletije is still relatively unknown outside the Balkans, which means practical information can be surprisingly limited, trails are terribly marked, and some paths are unpassable for more than half the year. Knowing how difficult each hike really is, where they start and end, when’s best to go, and what to expect on the trails can make a huge difference to your trip.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best hikes in Prokletije National Park, from short scenic walks to full-day mountain adventures, with everything you need to know about difficulty, distances, highlights, and who each trail is best suited to.
More from Prokletije National Park
Easy hikes in Prokletije National Park
If you want to experience the dramatic scenery of Prokletije National Park without committing to a full-day mountain adventure, there are several shorter hikes that showcase the park’s crystal-clear springs, waterfalls, glacial lakes, and dramatic limestone landscapes. These routes are ideal for slower days, families, or anyone wanting to experience the Accursed Mountains without tackling exposed ridges and steep summit climbs.
1. Oko Skakavice
Oko Skakavice (Eye of Skakavica or Grasshopper’s Eye) is one of the easiest walks in Prokletije National Park, leading to a stunning turquoise karst spring hidden beneath the mountains below Vusanje.
To find it, drive into the Ropojana Valley and park up on the grassy area outside Grlja Waterfall, a cascade into a narrow gorge that is accessible without a hike. There are signposts for the hikes with distances, and the traditional painted waymarkers are easy to follow.
This short return route follows a dirt/gravel road deeper into the valley before reaching the impossibly clear blue pool, where underground water emerges from the limestone landscape. The deep interior contrasts with the shallower exterior, which gives the impression of an eye (hence its name).
On the approach to the spring, there are two potential paths: one follows the river upstream to the spring (but was flooded during our visit in late May), while the other leads down a short path to the spring. There’s also a gushing waterfall that drops into the river on the left side of the spring, although it may dry up in summer.
2. Kusije Waterfall
Kusije Waterfall is an easy return walk that follows quiet tracks to one of Prokletije’s lesser-known waterfalls, making it a great option if you’re looking for something away from the busier hiking routes.
The walk also leads from Grlja Waterfall, but follows a different path to Oko Skakavice, ending at a hidden cascade surrounded by lush vegetation. You can combine the two – simply head to Oko Skakavice first, then continue on down the road, and take the path on the right to cut across to Kusije Waterfall, before heading back towards Vusanje.
The waterfall dries up in summer, so isn’t really worth it from July to September. Vusanje is one of the best places to stay in Prokletije National Park for this hike.
3. Lake Hrid
The trail to Lake Hrid (Hridsko Jezero) is a peaceful return walk that leads through dense forest on a gravel road to one of Montenegro’s most beautiful glacial lakes. The emerald-green water has inspired local legends for generations, with stories claiming the lake has healing properties and that swimming in it can bring good fortune. It’s a popular spot with locals, especially at weekends and during national holidays.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Plav, and the road is unsealed, so not recommended for a standard rental car. Generally though, the other roads are easy to drive in Montenegro.
Park up by Bajrovića Katun and follow the trail south – don’t try to drive it unless you have a 4×4 with high clearance. An alternative trailhead leads a shorter route from the west side near a Covered Tourist Shelter, but we didn’t go that far so can’t account for the road conditions.
Challenging hikes in Prokletije National Park
The higher trails of Prokletije National Park are where the mountains truly reveal themselves. These routes climb above the tree line into a world of jagged limestone peaks, narrow ridges, steep valleys, and exposed terrain. They reward experienced hikers with some of Montenegro’s most spectacular scenery, but they require good fitness, proper footwear, and respect for rapidly changing mountain conditions.
4. The Three Peaks
The Three Peaks Trail links three panoramic summits above Grebaje Valley: Popadija (2,030 metres), Talijanka (2,057 metres), and Volušnica (1,879 metres).
The lollipop loop trail first traverses through steep forest, before opening into a meadow. From there, it follows dramatic ridgelines along the Montenegro-Albania border before returning to the meadow and forest.
This is one of the most rewarding hikes in Prokletije National Park, with epic views over the jagged limestone Karanfili massif and into Albania. But it’s also challenging, so preparation in advance is essential.
5. Volušnica
If you’re looking for something slightly easier than the Three Peaks, but that still offers that dramatic mountain scenery, the Volušnica hike is a good compromise. It’s the first part of the Three Peaks, heading out-and-back to Volušnica, the most famous peak.
The route climbs through forest and meadow before an ascent up the peak, which requires a little scramble, but nothing too challenging. From the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views into the Grebaje Valley, across to the other peaks of the full loop, and over to the Karanfili massif.
6. The Kissing Cats
The hike to the Kissing Cats rock arch (Ĺ uplja Vrata) is a challenging route to one of Prokletije’s most unusual natural landmarks. It starts in the Grebaje Valley and heads deep into the mountains towards the Karanfili massif.
The trail climbs through forest and rugged mountain terrain before reaching the distinctive limestone arch, named because its shape resembles two cats touching noses. The final stretch requires a pretty sheer scramble with a steel cable, not dissimilar to the summit of Bobotov Kuk in Durmitor National Park.
Most people follow a circuit; it can also be done as an out-and-back route. This trail is only suitable for experienced mountain climbers, and you’ll need specialist mountaineering equipment outside of the peak summer season.
7. Zla Kolata
Standing 2,534 metres (8,313 ft) above sea level, Zla Kolata is Montenegro’s highest mountain. The classic route is a demanding return hike, but reaching the summit rewards you with views across Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo.
The trail is often advertised as starting from Vusanje, but you can drive up to the café at the end of the paved road, park there, and then pick up the trail to make it shorter. That way, you skip a long, flat, boring part and get stuck in immediately. Stay in a local guesthouse like Eko Katun Rosi to be close to the trail.
Because the mountain straddles the border, Zla Kolata can also be reached from Valbonë in Albania. The route is shorter but steeper. Bring your passport if you plan to stay overnight.
8. Vezirova Brada
Vezirova Brada is a lesser-known summit above Grebaje Valley offering incredible views without the crowds of Montenegro’s more famous peaks. The route climbs through forest and alpine terrain before reaching open slopes with sweeping views across the surrounding limestone mountains.
At 1,871 metres (5,843 ft) tall, you’ll have views over Karanfili, Grebaje, Gusinje, Vusanje, and Plav. The route can also be combined with the nearby Maja Podgojs peak, which stands 2,021 metres above sea level.
9. Karanfil Ljuljaševića
Karanfil Ljuljaševića is one of the more demanding peaks in the Karanfili massif, a dramatic group of jagged limestone summits towering above Grebaje Valley. This is a serious mountain route requiring experience with steep terrain, exposure, and route-finding.
This strenuous alpine hike climbs towards Karanfil Ljuljaševića at 2,224 metres (7,300 ft) high, crossing steep scree slopes and rugged limestone terrain with outstanding mountain scenery throughout. The trail is well-markedup to the Karanfil ridge, where the path becomes a bit harder to find. Worth it for the views if you have the mountaineering experience.
10. Trojan
The Trojan peak is another challenging summit in the Prokletije mountains, offering a quieter alternative to the better-known routes. The hike involves steep climbs through rugged terrain before reaching open mountain landscapes with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Trojan is most easily reached along the same route as the Three Peaks. Turn anticlockwise when the loop starts, then turn right at the cafa (mountain pass) towards Trojan instead of continuing up the ascent to Popadija.
Along the ridge, you’ll traverse the border between Montenegro and Albania until you reach Trojan at 2,190 metres (7,185 ft). From there, you can follow a trail back to the Grebaje Valley.
Since it sits on the border, you can also reach Trojan from Lëpushë in Albania (Wikiloc).
Cross-border hikes
If you’ve got more time, several trails cross into neighbouring Albania, including the popular route between Vusanje and Theth. Once an important route connecting remote mountain communities, it’s now one of the highlights of the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, allowing hikers to experience two countries in a day (one-way), without needing to commit to the whole trail.
There’s also Vusanje to LepushĂ« (also in Albania). This cross-border hike follows historic shepherd paths, passing alpine meadows and mountain passes.
The Peaks of the Balkans
For experienced hikers, this legendary long-distance trek covers 119 miles (192 km) across Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo, typically taking 10+ days to complete as it links remote valleys, mountain passes, traditional villages, and some of the wildest scenery in the Balkans.
One of the trail’s most scenic Montenegrin sections passes through the Ropojana Valley, where hikers follow a gentle valley floor beneath the towering limestone peaks of the Prokletije Mountains before crossing into Albania via the high Peja Pass. Along the way, you’ll pass attractions such as Lake Ropojana, Oko Skakavice‘s crystal-clear springs, and the dramatic Grlja Waterfall.
Is hiking in Prokletije National Park difficult?
Prokletije has a reputation for being one of Montenegro’s most challenging national parks, but that doesn’t mean every hike is a full-day mountain expedition. Whether hiking in Prokletije National Park is difficult will depend on a few factors, including the trail you choose and your previous experience.
There are plenty of easy walks to viewpoints, waterfalls, and springs, as well as moderate hikes like Volušnica, which reward relatively little effort with incredible views. You could easily visit locations like the Grebaje and Ropojana Valleys for a short walk or simply to admire the views from the car.
If you’re hoping to tackle routes like the Three Peaks Trail, Zla Kolata, or the Peaks of the Balkans, you’ll need more than just a good level of fitness. We’d recommend having some experience hiking in the mountains and preparing in advance. Expect steep ascents and descents, loose rock, uneven terrain, and long days on your feet. Starting early, carrying plenty of water, and allowing more time than you think you’ll need is highly advisable.
Tips for hiking in Prokletije National Park
After completing various trials in Prokletije National Park ourselves, these are the things we think will make the biggest difference to your experience:
Read next:
Visiting Prokletije National Park: Montenegro’s Accursed Alps
Where to Stay for Prokletije National Park: Best Valleys, Towns & Katuns
Grebaje Valley Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
Ropojana Valley Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
