Europe’s 15 Greatest Walking Holidays Include Via Dinarica

The Telegraph: Europe’s 15 Greatest Walking Holidays Include Via Dinarica

In the world of nature and adventure, there are hiking trails that, thanks to their unique combinations of beautiful appearance and routing, attract attention. The British Telegraph singled out 15 of the most beautiful trails in Europe, which are a combination of superb scenery and what is called the X factor in art. Among them was Via Dinarica that mostly passes through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Via Dinarica took a high eighth place on this list. Although it is marked as the Balkan trail, which connects Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia – along the Dinaric Alps, it is known that the larger and perhaps the most beautiful part of this route passes right through our country.

What is Via Dinarica?

The Via Dinarica is a long-distance hiking trail that traverses the Dinaric Alps in Southeastern Europe. It runs through several countries in the Western Balkans, primarily following the mountain ranges of the Dinarides. The trail was established to promote outdoor tourism, connect communities, and showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the region.

Key features of the Via Dinarica trail include:

• Route: The trail stretches over 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), starting in Slovenia. It passes through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, and ends in North Macedonia. The three main routes: the White, Green, and Blue trails, each offer different landscapes and experiences.
• Scenery: Hikers on the Via Dinarica encounter diverse landscapes. The landscapes range from rugged mountains, deep river canyons, lush forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages. The trail also passes by several national parks and protected areas.
• The route crosses through various ethnic and cultural communities, providing opportunities to experience local traditions, cuisine, and hospitality. It promotes sustainable tourism and supports local economies along the way.
• Outdoor Activities: Apart from hiking, the Via Dinarica offers opportunities for other outdoor activities. Those activities include mountaineering, cycling, kayaking, and exploring historical sites and landmarks.
• Challenges and Logistics: Due to its length and rugged terrain, hiking the Via Dinarica requires adequate preparation and fitness. The trail is marked with various types of signage. There are accommodations ranging from mountain huts to guesthouses and homestays in nearby villages.

Overall, the Via Dinarica is not only a hiking trail but also a cultural and eco-tourism initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development in the region while showcasing its natural and cultural heritage.

The Telegraph Description

“Via Dinarica is not a simple walk, it is a great cultural undertaking. Launched in 2010, the route is ongoing, with the ultimate goal of connecting the mountain communities of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia, along the Dinaric Alps. The main part of the Via Dinarica network is the 1,260 km long White Trail, which leads from Razdrt in Slovenia to the Valbona Valley in northern Albania over all the highest peaks. Literal highlights include the dramatic karst of the Blidinje Nature Park, the lakes and rivers of the UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park, and the high peaks of Prokletije,” the description states.

Read the full Telegraph article here. More about Active Tourism.