Top 13 'Myth-and-Mountain' Backpacking Spots to stay at in the Balkans for a Crowd-Free Summer in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
Tired of scrolling through the same sun-scorched, overcrowded European beaches? Does the thought of fighting for a spot on the sand in Santorini or paying a fortune for a spritz in Cinque Terre make you want to just stay home? I get it. The classic summer holiday has become a battleground for booking slots and selfie sticks. But what if I told you there’s a corner of Europe where ancient myths echo through vast canyons, where glacial lakes hold forgotten secrets, and where the trails are trod by shepherds, not swarms of tourists?
Welcome to the Balkans, the rugged, soulful heart of Europe. For summer 2025, it’s time to trade the coast for the clouds. This is a region where every mountain has a story, every forest has a spirit, and every village café serves coffee strong enough to fuel a multi-day trek. This isn't just about hiking; it's about walking through living history and folklore. It's the ultimate 'myth-and-mountain' adventure, a journey that challenges your body and captures your imagination.
As a travel writer for the Goh Ling Yong blog, I’ve learned that the most unforgettable trips are the ones that connect you to the story of a place. So, lace up your best hiking boots, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to explore. Here are the top 13 backpacking spots in the Balkans that promise an epic, crowd-free summer adventure in 2025.
1. The Accursed Mountains, Albania
The Mountain: Known locally as Prokletije, the "Accursed Mountains" are anything but. This dramatic stretch of the Dinaric Alps is Albania’s wild frontier, a place of jagged limestone peaks, impossibly green valleys, and pristine rivers. The iconic Valbona to Theth trek is the crown jewel, a challenging but rewarding day-hike that takes you through breathtaking passes and past traditional stone houses.
The Myth: The mountains earned their ominous name from a local legend of a mother who cursed them for swallowing up her children. But the deeper stories lie in the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, a set of ancient Albanian laws that governed life here for centuries. These mountains were a refuge for those entangled in blood feuds, their unforgiving terrain both a prison and a sanctuary. Hiking here feels like stepping back in time, into a world of honour, revenge, and unbreakable codes.
Backpacker Tip: Stay in a traditional kulla (a fortified stone guesthouse) in Theth or Valbona. You’ll be welcomed with homemade food, potent raki, and stories from local families whose ancestors have lived in these valleys for generations. It’s an authentic experience that’s worth every blister.
2. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
The Mountain: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Durmitor is a masterpiece of glacial creation. Its crowning peak, Bobotov Kuk, offers one of the most stunning panoramic views in the Balkans. But the heart of the park is the Crno Jezero, or Black Lake, a pair of deep, emerald-green lakes nestled beneath the towering Međed peak. The park is a playground for hikers, with over 48 peaks above 2,000 meters and 18 glacial lakes to discover.
The Myth: Local folklore says that the stunning peaks of Durmitor were created by the gods, who used them for games and sport. The deep, dark waters of the lakes are said to be home to fairies and even a mythical dragon, or ala, sleeping in the depths. As you hike the silent trails, it’s easy to believe that every rustle in the ancient pine forests is a whisper from another world.
Backpacker Tip: Base yourself in the town of Žabljak. From there, you can easily access the trailheads. For a truly epic day, hike around the Black Lake in the morning and then tackle the moderately challenging trail up to the ice cave, Ledena Pećina, where ice formations exist year-round.
3. Triglav National Park, Slovenia
The Mountain: The Julian Alps are the pride of Slovenia, and Mount Triglav is their king. At 2,864 meters, this three-peaked mountain is a national symbol, featured on the country's flag. Climbing Triglav is a rite of passage for many Slovenians. The park itself is a pristine wonderland of turquoise rivers (like the Soča), alpine meadows, and serene lakes, most famously Lake Bohinj.
The Myth: Triglav is named after a three-headed Slavic deity who was said to rule the sky, the earth, and the underworld. But the park's most beloved legend is that of Zlatorog, the Goldenhorn. This mythical white chamois with golden horns guarded a hidden treasure on the mountain slopes. When a greedy hunter shot him, magical flowers grew from his blood, bringing Zlatorog back to life and causing him to create the beautiful Valley of the Seven Lakes in his fury.
Backpacker Tip: You don't have to summit Triglav to experience the magic. Take the stunning trail through the Valley of the Seven Lakes, staying overnight at one of the cozy mountain huts (koča). Book your hut well in advance, especially for a summer weekend.
4. Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Mountain: As Bosnia and Herzegovina’s oldest and largest national park, Sutjeska is a haven of raw, untouched wilderness. It's home to the country's highest peak, Maglić, and one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests, Perućica. The landscape is dramatic and deeply wild, with bears and wolves still roaming its dense forests.
The Myth: The myth here is a modern one, forged in the crucible of WWII. In 1943, this was the site of the legendary Battle of the Sutjeska, where Tito’s Partisans made a heroic, near-impossible breakout from German encirclement. The story is one of immense sacrifice and resilience. Standing before the colossal, abstract war memorial at Tjentište, you can feel the weight of that history etched into the mountains themselves.
Backpacker Tip: For a powerful and physically demanding experience, climb Maglić. On the way, stop at the heart-shaped Trnovačko Lake, a stunning glacial lake that technically sits just across the border in Montenegro. The view from the peak, overlooking the mountains where the battle raged, is unforgettable.
5. Mavrovo National Park, North Macedonia
The Mountain: Home to the highest peaks of both North Macedonia and Albania—the Korab range—Mavrovo is a vast expanse of rolling hills, dense forests, and the sprawling Mavrovo Lake. The hiking is diverse, from gentle lakeside strolls to the formidable ascent of Mount Korab.
The Myth: The most iconic image of Mavrovo is the half-submerged Church of St. Nicholas in the middle of the lake. It’s not an ancient ruin, but it has become a modern myth—a symbol of what was lost to progress when the valley was flooded to create a reservoir. It stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the past. The surrounding forests are also steeped in Slavic folklore, home to tales of samovili (forest nymphs) and other spirits.
Backpacker Tip: Visit the village of Galičnik, famous for its traditional wedding festival in July. For the rest of the year, it’s a near-ghost town of beautiful old houses, offering a quiet, atmospheric base for exploring the park’s western trails.
6. Tara National Park, Serbia
The Mountain: Named for the Slavic goddess Tara, this park is a mystical world of dense spruce, fir, and beech forests. It’s famous for the Drina River Gorge, one of the deepest in the world, and the iconic viewpoint at Banjska Stena, which offers a jaw-dropping vista of Perućac Lake and the winding Drina. This is a place for quiet contemplation and deep immersion in nature.
The Myth: The park is considered a sacred place, protected by the goddess Tara herself. It’s also a refuge for the Pančić Spruce, a rare species of tree that is a living relic from the Tertiary period. Local legends speak of the Lesnik, a forest spirit who protects the woods and its animals. It’s one of the best places in Europe to (safely) spot brown bears.
Backpacker Tip: Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Perućac Lake to experience the Drina River Gorge from below. For a unique stay, look for traditional wooden cabins, or brvnare, scattered around the park’s main hub of Mitrovac.
7. The Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
The Mountain: The highest mountain range in the Balkans, the Rila Mountains are home to Musala Peak and the world-famous Seven Rila Lakes. Each of these glacial lakes has a name reflecting its character—The Eye, The Tear, The Kidney. A chairlift takes you part of the way up, making the stunning circuit hike around the lakes accessible in a single, glorious day.
The Myth: Legend says the lakes were formed from the tears of a female giant, who cried for her beloved male giant after he was killed by evil forces. Her tears flowed down the mountain, creating the crystal-clear lakes. The area also has a deep spiritual energy, home to the magnificent Rila Monastery and the gathering place for the White Brotherhood, a spiritual movement that performs ritual dances here each August.
Backpacker Tip: To avoid the day-trip crowds from Sofia, stay overnight at one of the mountain huts near the lakes. This allows you to experience the magical light of sunrise and sunset over the water, long after the last chairlift has departed.
8. The Bucegi Mountains, Romania
The Mountain: Rising dramatically from the Transylvanian plains, the Bucegi Mountains are a place of mystery and power. The high plateau is famous for its wind-and-rain-carved rock formations, most notably the Sphinx and Babele (the Old Women). These natural sculptures are so uncanny that they have fueled endless speculation and folklore.
The Myth: The Bucegi are considered the sacred mountain of the ancient Dacians. Legend says their god, Zalmoxis, resided in a cave here. Modern esoteric theories claim the mountains hide a network of alien tunnels and that the Sphinx is an energy portal. Whether you believe the stories or not, there’s an undeniable, palpable energy on the Bucegi plateau.
Backpacker Tip: Take the cable car up from Bușteni to Babele to save your legs for exploring the plateau. From there, hike to the Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Peak, a massive monument dedicated to WWI railway heroes, offering vertigo-inducing views.
9. Pelister National Park, North Macedonia
The Mountain: Located near the southern city of Bitola, Pelister is the oldest national park in the country. It’s defined by the unique Molika pine, a five-needled pine that grows only in a few parts of the Balkans. The park’s main attraction is its two glacial lakes, known as Pelister’s Eyes (Pelisterski Oči).
The Myth: A sad and beautiful legend tells of two sisters who were in love with the same handsome peasant, named Pelister. To keep them from fighting, their mother cursed them, turning them into two lakes on opposite sides of the mountain so they could never see each other again. The lakes are said to have been formed from their endless tears.
Backpacker Tip: The hike to the "Big Lake" is a fantastic day trip. There’s a mountain hut right by the lake where you can get a warm meal and a cold beer. The views of the surrounding peaks reflected in the water are pure poetry. Something I've always advocated on the Goh Ling Yong platform is finding these small, story-rich spots that offer huge rewards.
10. Đavolja Varoš (Devil's Town), Serbia
The Mountain: This isn't a mountain in the traditional sense, but a unique natural monument that requires a good hike to appreciate fully. Đavolja Varoš consists of over 200 bizarre, pillar-like rock formations, each topped with a stone cap. The area is also known for its two springs of highly acidic, mineral-rich water.
The Myth: Local folklore provides a chilling explanation for this geological wonder. One legend says the pillars are the petrified guests of a wedding party, punished by God for attempting to marry a brother and sister. Another claims the devil himself cursed the water and created the formations. The eerie sound the wind makes as it whistles between the pillars only adds to the spooky atmosphere.
Backpacker Tip: Visit late in the afternoon when the sun is low. The long shadows cast by the "earth pyramids" make the whole place feel even more otherworldly. Combine the trip with a visit to the nearby Prolom Banja spa for a relaxing soak after your hike.
11. Prokletije National Park, Montenegro
The Mountain: This is the Montenegrin side of the Accursed Mountains, offering a slightly different but equally spectacular experience to the Albanian side. The Karanfil peaks, the Grlja waterfall, and the serene Lake Plav provide a stunning backdrop for some of the best and least-crowded hiking in Europe.
The Myth: Sharing many legends with its Albanian counterpart, the Montenegrin side also has its own tales. The beautiful Ali-Pasha Springs, a collection of karst springs gushing from the ground, are named after an 18th-century Albanian ruler. The entire area is part of the epic "Peaks of the Balkans" trail, a 192km circuit that crosses through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, following old shepherd paths steeped in centuries of history.
Backpacker Tip: Base yourself in the towns of Gusinje or Plav. From there, you can tackle day hikes into the Ropojana and Grebaje valleys. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended, as trails can be poorly marked, and the guides are fountains of local knowledge and stories.
12. Blagaj Tekija, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Mountain: While not a mountain peak, this spot is all about the dramatic power of a cliff face. The Blagaj Tekija is a stunning 600-year-old Dervish monastery built into the base of a sheer cliff, right next to the source of the Buna River, which emerges, fully formed, from a dark cave. The combination of natural wonder and serene architecture is breathtaking.
The Myth: The monastery is a mystical place, a centre for Sufi meditation and reflection for centuries. The cave from which the river springs was considered a sacred, pre-Ottoman site. The whole atmosphere is one of spiritual tranquility and ancient power. It’s a place that feels suspended between the physical world and a hidden, spiritual realm.
Backpacker Tip: After visiting the monastery, take a short boat ride into the river cave itself. Then, hike up the trail to the top of the cliff to explore the ruins of Stjepan Grad, the fortress of Duke Stjepan Vukčić Kosača, the 15th-century nobleman for whom the region of Herzegovina is named. The views are incredible.
13. Lovćen National Park, Montenegro
The Mountain: Mount Lovćen is the black mountain that gave Montenegro its name (Crna Gora). It’s not the country's highest peak, but it is its most important. This is the heart of Montenegrin national identity and history, a rugged limestone mountain that rises dramatically from the Adriatic coast, overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
The Myth: The mountain's summit, Jezerski Vrh, is crowned by the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, Montenegro’s most revered poet-prince and philosopher. His epic poem, "The Mountain Wreath," is the foundational text of Montenegrin literature, blending history, myth, and philosophy. To stand at his tomb, surrounded by a 360-degree view of the entire country, is to stand at the intersection of Montenegro’s land and its soul.
Backpacker Tip: The best way to experience Lovćen is to hike or drive the old, serpentine road up from Kotor. The 25 hairpin turns offer increasingly spectacular views. Once in the park, hike the 461 steps up to the mausoleum for the ultimate panoramic reward.
Your Epic Summer Awaits
The Balkans are calling. This isn't just a destination; it's an invitation to a different kind of travel—one that's slower, deeper, and infinitely more rewarding. For your summer in 2025, why not choose a path where ancient stories are your guides and mountain peaks are your milestones? Forget the crowds and find yourself in the wild, myth-laden heart of Europe.
Which of these 'myth-and-mountain' spots is calling your name? Do you have another hidden Balkan gem to share? Drop a comment below and let’s start planning the ultimate crowd-free adventure!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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