Peaks of the Balkans

Albania Alps Hikings

The Accursed Mountains range is a majestic mountain massif made up of more than forty intertwining mountain ranges divided by steep valleys, gorges, and canyons. It is considered “the most giant mountain group on the Balkan Peninsula.” The Accursed Mountains is a cross-border region shared between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Geographically is positioned in the Dinaric mountain range of the Western Balkans.

The rugged terrain of the Accursed Mountains is home to the highest mountains in the Dinaric Alps. The highest point of this range is Jezerca Peak 2,694 m, Gjeravica Peak 2,653 m, and Zla Kolata Peak 2,534 m.
The wondrous mountain landscape and valleys of the Accursed Mountains share a wild landscape and wild beauty, extraordinary flora and fauna, and a traditional lifestyle that is almost unique in Europe. The total area of the region consisting of three national parks: Albanian Alps, Bjeshket e Nemuna or ‘Prokletije’ reaches up to 3000 km2.

The region is rich in rivers, mountain lakes, waterfalls, and natural springs, and high biodiversity.
This area is a multicultural region with a population of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The area is characterized by precious ethnographic wealth, reflected in the variety of folk costumes, original music, folklore, customs, oral traditions, and locally-made products and handicrafts.

About the name

The range called ‘Prokletije’ in Montenegrin/Serbian/Bosnian languages, in Albanian, it is called ‘Bjeshket e Nemuna.’ Both names mean “ the cursed or damned mountains,” referring to the ruggedness of these high and inaccessible mountains and the hardship experienced by the people inhabiting their surroundings.

This region feels sacred/blessed not only because of the natural and pristine landscape but because of its people, a community of doers and dreamers who work daily for tomorrow’s generations to experience the same mesmerizing beauty we behold today.