High Scardus Trail
The High Scardus Trail is a long-distance hiking trail, which leads on 20 daily stages through the untouched mountain world of the Western Balkans, from Kosovo via Albania to Northern Macedonia. On this website you will find everything you need to know about the High Scardus Trail, from detailed stage descriptions, GPX files for download, indispensable travel information such as border crossing regulations etc. and of course attractive offers from certified local tour operators.
By the way: the High Scardus Trail was voted the best tourism project in Europe at the prestigious "International Tourism Awards" 2022 in London! So, what are you waiting for? We are sure we will see you soon at the High Scardus Trail.
By the way: the High Scardus Trail was voted the best tourism project in Europe at the prestigious "International Tourism Awards" 2022 in London! So, what are you waiting for? We are sure we will see you soon at the High Scardus Trail.
High Scardus Trail – Day 1
Arrival & Prizren Exploration
Arrival at Prishtina Airport
Meet your guide/driver and transfer to Prizren City (approx. 1.5 hrs drive).
Prizren City Tour
Explore the cultural capital of Kosovo:
Stroll through the Ottoman-era old town with its cobbled streets.
Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Stone Bridge, and the charming bazaar.
Visit Prizren Castle
Short hike/walk up to the Prizren Fortress (Kalaja e Prizrenit) for panoramic views over the city, the Sharr Mountains, and the Bistrica River.
Afternoon Adventure: Via Ferrata Panorama Experience the Panorama Via Ferrata, a thrilling climbing route with steel cables and ladders, suitable for adventurous beginners and experienced climbers alike. Reward: breathtaking views over Prizren and the valley.
Evening
Return to the city for dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight in Prizren.
Arrival & Prizren Exploration
Arrival at Prishtina Airport
Meet your guide/driver and transfer to Prizren City (approx. 1.5 hrs drive).
Prizren City Tour
Explore the cultural capital of Kosovo:
Stroll through the Ottoman-era old town with its cobbled streets.
Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Stone Bridge, and the charming bazaar.
Visit Prizren Castle
Short hike/walk up to the Prizren Fortress (Kalaja e Prizrenit) for panoramic views over the city, the Sharr Mountains, and the Bistrica River.
Afternoon Adventure: Via Ferrata Panorama Experience the Panorama Via Ferrata, a thrilling climbing route with steel cables and ladders, suitable for adventurous beginners and experienced climbers alike. Reward: breathtaking views over Prizren and the valley.
Evening
Return to the city for dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight in Prizren.
Day 2 – Brezovica & Livadhit Lake Hike
Transfer to Brezovica Ski Resort (approx. 1 hr 30 min drive).
Brezovica is one of the most famous mountain resorts in the Balkans, located in the Sharr Mountains.
Known for its alpine scenery, ski slopes, and fresh mountain air, it is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region.
Hike
Trail: Brezovica Ski Resort → Livadhit Lake → return
Total Distance: 9.8 km
Elevation Gain: 713 m
Elevation Loss: 713 m
Minimum Elevation: 1,714 m
Maximum Elevation: 2,322 m
Accommodation: Trim Adventure Hostel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Brezovica Ski Resort (approx. 1 hr 30 min drive).
Brezovica is one of the most famous mountain resorts in the Balkans, located in the Sharr Mountains.
Known for its alpine scenery, ski slopes, and fresh mountain air, it is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region.
Hike
Trail: Brezovica Ski Resort → Livadhit Lake → return
Total Distance: 9.8 km
Elevation Gain: 713 m
Elevation Loss: 713 m
Minimum Elevation: 1,714 m
Maximum Elevation: 2,322 m
Accommodation: Trim Adventure Hostel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stage 3 – Brezovica Ski Resort → Prevallac
If you love hiking and swimming, this stage is for you!
The journey begins at Brezovica Ski Resort, following a marked forest trail. After 2.6 km, you’ll cross a cold river—expect wet feet! The final stretch is rocky, leading to the stunning heart-shaped Jazhinca Lake, cold but swimmable and especially beautiful in early summer.
Hike Info:
Total Distance: 14.6 km
Elevation Gain: 868 m
Elevation Loss: 1,069 m
Minimum Elevation: 1,393 m
Maximum Elevation: 2,147 m
Accommodation: Krojet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If you love hiking and swimming, this stage is for you!
The journey begins at Brezovica Ski Resort, following a marked forest trail. After 2.6 km, you’ll cross a cold river—expect wet feet! The final stretch is rocky, leading to the stunning heart-shaped Jazhinca Lake, cold but swimmable and especially beautiful in early summer.
Hike Info:
Total Distance: 14.6 km
Elevation Gain: 868 m
Elevation Loss: 1,069 m
Minimum Elevation: 1,393 m
Maximum Elevation: 2,147 m
Accommodation: Krojet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stage 04 – Prevalla → Gornje Ljubinje
From the tourist hub of Prevalla, this stage follows the northern slopes of the Sharr Mountains. The terrain here is gentler than the previous section, with moderate distance and elevation. Hikers cross alpine meadows and heaths, often in peaceful solitude below the ridgelines.
Distance: 14.4 km
Ascent: 644 m
Descent: 1,080 m
The stage ends in the authentic mountain village of Gornje Ljubinje, offering a glimpse of traditional Kosovar highland life.
Meal inculded breakfast lunch and dinner
Note: The only current accommodation is Guesthouse Papradjina, about 3 km south of the village along Stage 05
From the tourist hub of Prevalla, this stage follows the northern slopes of the Sharr Mountains. The terrain here is gentler than the previous section, with moderate distance and elevation. Hikers cross alpine meadows and heaths, often in peaceful solitude below the ridgelines.
Distance: 14.4 km
Ascent: 644 m
Descent: 1,080 m
The stage ends in the authentic mountain village of Gornje Ljubinje, offering a glimpse of traditional Kosovar highland life.
Meal inculded breakfast lunch and dinner
Note: The only current accommodation is Guesthouse Papradjina, about 3 km south of the village along Stage 05
Stage 05 – Gornje Ljubinje → Vejce
From the mountain village of Gornje Ljubinje, the twin peaks Kobilica and Treskavec rise like guardians of the Sharr Mountains. The trail first leads south through a gentle valley, then climbs through pristine forest into open heath landscapes, always keeping the two peaks in view.
Crossing the ridge just east of Kobilica, you re-enter North Macedonia and descend across alpine pastures to reach Nora Guesthouse, located above the mountain village of Vejce.
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 1,128 m
Descent: 760 m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nora Guesthouse
From the mountain village of Gornje Ljubinje, the twin peaks Kobilica and Treskavec rise like guardians of the Sharr Mountains. The trail first leads south through a gentle valley, then climbs through pristine forest into open heath landscapes, always keeping the two peaks in view.
Crossing the ridge just east of Kobilica, you re-enter North Macedonia and descend across alpine pastures to reach Nora Guesthouse, located above the mountain village of Vejce.
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 1,128 m
Descent: 760 m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nora Guesthouse
Day 6 – Matka & Skopje
Day six is a fun-filled adventure!
We start at Matka Canyon, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a boat tour or go canoeing in the beautiful canyon waters.
In the afternoon, we head to Skopje, where a 1.5-hour city tour with a local Macedonian guide will introduce you to the highlights of the city, including historic sites, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems.
Hike/Activity Info:
Activities: Boat tour, Canoeing, City tour
Duration: Morning at Matka Canyon, afternoon in Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel Hamburg or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day six is a fun-filled adventure!
We start at Matka Canyon, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a boat tour or go canoeing in the beautiful canyon waters.
In the afternoon, we head to Skopje, where a 1.5-hour city tour with a local Macedonian guide will introduce you to the highlights of the city, including historic sites, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems.
Hike/Activity Info:
Activities: Boat tour, Canoeing, City tour
Duration: Morning at Matka Canyon, afternoon in Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel Hamburg or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Skopje International Airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: – (departure day, no overnight stay)
After breakfast, transfer to Skopje International Airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: – (departure day, no overnight stay)
Accommodation
Accommodations on this tour include a mix of 3-star hotels, guesthouses and a mountain hut. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. Rooms in the guesthouses and the mountain hut are shared. Private rooms may be available on request, depending on availability.
Group size 10 - 12
Price: 750€
Accommodations on this tour include a mix of 3-star hotels, guesthouses and a mountain hut. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. Rooms in the guesthouses and the mountain hut are shared. Private rooms may be available on request, depending on availability.
Group size 10 - 12
Price: 750€
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