I'm considering a trip to the Balkans this summer/early fall. I have been to the Julian Alps in Slovenia, so I'm considering the Dinaric Alps this time. Does anyone have any suggestions on circuit hikes (up to 40 miles), moderate climbs or via ferrata routes? Any recommended months? I'm assuming that Aug the most crowded with most of Europe on vacation. I have info on Via Dinarica, but am more of a cram a bunch of miles in a day type of person. I ordered some of the Cicerone guides. thanks

Though I haven't spent much time in that part of Europe (yet), I feel I just have to mention the border area of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Montenegro, with two adjoining National Parks: Sutjeska NP (in Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Durmitor NP (in Montenegro).

One of the nicest hikes /scrambles that I did last summer was on Maglić. I drove my rental car to Prijevor, then scrambled up the direct route. There were others at Prijevor, but nobody took this route (although the scrambling is easy, it still puts it a bit out of reach for most hikers). To get back to my car, I took the long but scenic detour via Trnovačko Lake. Having started real late, I only got back at Prijevor by dusk and ended up pitching my tent next to my car. However, even if you're early, I still highly recommend to camp either right there or somewhere close by.

There are plenty of other hiking opportunities in both parks, so with a good map you can easily spend more time there, either doing more day hikes or overnight trips.


Maglić from Prijevor

If you want to go a bit Southern you might want to visit Mount Olympus which is in Macedonia prefecture in Greece.

It is the Mountain of the Gods with beautiful landscapes and a difficult scrambling (almost rock climbing) push to the summit.

Here is a description of one of the many routes of Olympus Mountain: https://olympusmountaineering.wordpress ... mn-ascent/