Abraham Rudolf

Trek one of Europe’s wildest and least explored long-distance routes on the High Scardus Trail (HST), a 314km journey through the mountains of the Western Balkans. Following the borders of North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, the trail runs from Staro Selo on the edge of the Shar Mountains to the monastery of Saint Naum on the shores of UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, linking remote border ridges, high summits and traditional mountain villages over three challenging weeks. The route begins with an epic crossing of the Shar Mountains (Shar Planina), traverses the Korab and Deshat ranges, and includes an ascent of Mount Korab (2,764m), the highest mountain in both Albania and North Macedonia. Continuing south, the trail explores the Jablanica and Galichica mountains, often following the border ridge itself before descending into cirques, pastures, valleys and gorges, and finally reaching the Saint Naum Monastery beside Lake Ohrid. The High Scardus Trail is described in 22 daily stages and divided into three sections, with short transfers required after Stages 14 and 19. Section 1 (Stages 1–14, 218km) forms the main two-week traverse across the Shar, Korab and Deshat mountains. Section 2 (Stages 16–19, 56km) crosses the Jablanica range, while Section 3 (Stages 21–22, 40km) follows the Galicica Mountains to Lake Ohrid. Overnight stays are in small mountain villages, with options for wild camping close to the border ridge. 22 detailed stage-by-stage route descriptions of the High Scardus Trail, guiding you from Staro Selo to Saint Naum with clear daily distances, terrain notes and key navigation points across all three countries. A clear breakdown of the three sections of the High Scardus Trail, including practical guidance on the transfer links required to bridge the two gaps in the route and advice on organising onward travel. Comprehensive planning advice for the High Scardus Trail, covering permits, border crossings, transfers between trail sections, and essential logistics for trekking in remote Western Balkan mountain regions. Detailed information on accommodation and facilities along the High Scardus Trail, from small mountain villages and family-run guesthouses to practical advice for wild camping near the border ridge. Fully described alternative route for two stages of the High Scardus Trail where accommodation is very limited, plus descriptions of other alternative routes and shortcuts. A fully described day trip to Mount Korab from Radomirë, enabling trekkers on the High Scardus Trail to summit the highest peak in Albania and North Macedonia as part of their journey, whether hiking the official or the alternative route. Essential safety and preparation guidance specific to the High Scardus Trail, helping walkers plan for remote terrain, limited infrastructure and variable mountain weather. Downloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps. Combining high mountain scenery, cultural encounters and true wilderness walking, the High Scardus Trail offers a rewarding alternative to Europe’s busier long-distance routes. This comprehensive guidebook – the first guidebook to the High Scardus Trail – provides everything you need to plan and complete this unforgettable Balkan trek with confidence.

Discover the wild beauty of Montenegro’s Dinaric Alps, where limestone peaks, deep canyons and remote highland plateaus create one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. This comprehensive guidebook describes 17 graded day walks and multi-day treks across Montenegro’s mountains and national parks. With clear route descriptions, sketch mapping and practical planning advice, it provides everything you need to explore the country’s diverse and often remote terrain with confidence. From Durmitor and Prokletije to the coastal mountains above the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kotor and the wetlands of Lake Skadar, the country’s five national parks offer outstanding opportunities for walking and hiking. This guidebook features 17 walks in Montenegro, ranging from 2–14 km (1–5 hours), while the multi-day routes span 14–44 km, with some routes involving exposed sections and light scrambling suitable for the more experienced hikerKey mountain regions including Orjen, Lovcen, Lake Skadar, Durmitor, Bjelasica, Komovi, Kucka Krajina (Žijevo), Visitor and Prokletije, with variants and extensions included so that you can tailor your walk or trek to suit your group’s ability and timescaleClear route descriptions are supported by sketch mapping to assist navigation across rugged ridgelines and forest trails of the Dinaric AlpsPractical information on accommodation in key centres like Plav, Podgorica, and Kotor, as well as where to find facilities, water sources, and transport, is provided Plus preparation advice from expert Rudolf Abrahams, including kit lists, a language glossary and background on Montenegro’s geology, wildlife, plants and history Whether you’re seeking panoramic summits, remote mountain plateaus or scenic lake and forest walks, this guidebook opens the door to unforgettable trekking in Montenegro. With expertly researched routes and detailed guidance, you can confidently plan and experience adventure in one of Europe’s most rewarding mountain destinations.

A guidebook to walking the 182km (113 mile) Peaks of the Balkans Trail. Presented in 10 stages of 10?28km (6?17 miles), this circular long-distance trek through Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia is suitable for most able walkers and can be walked in 2 weeks. The route passes Theth, Valbona, Çeremi and Dobërdol (Albania); Milishevc, Rekë e Allagës and Drelaj (Kosovo); Babino polje, Plav and Vusanje (Montenegro), and it is suitable to be walked May to October.  Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 mappingGPX files available for download Suggestions for side trips are also given Highlights include the Prokletije mountains, Thethi and Valbona Valley, Rugova Valley Detailed practical information covering travel, permits, accommodation, language and safety

This new, thoroughly updated and significantly expanded third edition of Bradt''s Slovenia offers expert travel advice about this engaging European country. Slovenia has emerged as a serious year-round tourist destination that combines captivating city breaks in the capital Ljubljana with stellar outdoor activities in varied, wildlife-rich landscapes.Widely renowned as a world leader in green tourism and sustainable development, Slo-venia showcases many of Europe''s finest elements in an area roughly the size of Wales. Here you can walk amid Alpine mountains or lush valleys, visit glacial lakes and charming Adriatic coastal towns, or admire a rich tapestry of architectural styles while delving into the country''s captivating culture, diverse history or delicious cuisine.Ljubljana is a vibrant capital, so Bradt''s Slovenia provides intimate detail on where to stay and eat, what to see and do, and how to get around. But this guide will also inspire and inform wider explorations in this impressively varied and conveniently compact country. Here you can ski in the Alps in the morning, eat a late lunch with world-class chefs in the hilly hinterland then savour an Adriatic sunset with a glass of locally produce fine wine. In a country where half the land is protected, you can hike in the Juliana mountains, go wild swimming in Lake Bled (one of Europe''s finest glacial lakes), raft rivers in the Soca Valley, venture underground into UNESCO-listed caves such as Postojna and Skocjan, or relax in thermal spas. Foodies will revel in a rich culinary larder blending influences from neighbouring Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy, while remaining distinctively Slovenian. Vinophiles will enjoy touring local vineyards, discovering world-class wines only available locally. Alongside an extensive update that sheds new light on old favourites, this new, longer edition contains more maps, explores more diverse locations, identifies the best places to eat and stay, and offers greater focus on cycling and family travel, spas and health re-sorts, the growing foodie culture, ecotourism and wildlife watching. The upshot is that Bradt''s Slovenia serves as the perfect travelling companion to this compelling European destination.

Experience Croatia's hot spots and lesser-known destinations - from central Croatia's castles to the Dalamatian Coast's beaches and islands to mouth-watering food markets and small boutiques along the way. Special sidebars tell you how to study the Croatian language, take in a soccer match, study falconry near Sibenek, and volunteer to help the endangered griffon falcons on the island of Cres, among other experiences. Insider tips provided by an array of National Geographic experts - photographers, writers, and grantees who have spent significant time in Croatia - direct you to favorite restaurants, festivals, and other information that only locals know. Guided walks and drives and an extensive Travelwise section with hotels, restaurants, and tour recommendations hand-picked by the author are also included.