National Parks on the Balkans Tour

Nature lovers and hikers! Here’s something you will definitely enjoy. We give you a trip around the best national parks on the Balkans, from massive mountains in Slovenia, to soothing and peaceful lake Skadar, there is absolutely everything for everyone. We tried to connect the national parks in the best way possible to make your trip easier, but unforgettable – so buckle up, bring your hiking shoes and let’s go!

NP Triglav, Slovenia

We decided to start the tour in the only national park in Slovenia. Triglav got its name after the highest mountain, located in the very centre of the park, so as you can already assume, the park is ideal for hikers and climbers. Besides the mountain, we recommend visiting spectacular Vingtar gorge and Savica waterfalls as the two main attractions which you definitely should not miss. If you have extra time, make sure to visit Lake Bled, situated in Julian Alps, where you can take a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the beautiful nature.

From NP Triglav to NP Plitvice Lakes:

• By bus: From Bled to Zagreb and then from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, which would in total cost you ~ 28€.
• Check article on NP Triglav for more info on what to do and how to get there

NP Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes is considered one of the most beautiful national parks not only in Croatia, but in whole Europe. It is the oldest Croatian national park known for its magnificent waterfalls merging into crystal clear lakes – 16 of them, to be precise. Due to the uniqueness and natural beauty of the national park, Plitvice Lakes were included in UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979. The park also has rich flora and fauna, and some of the special species like brown bear and lynx. Though you might wish to take a swim in these wonderful lakes, don’t. It is prohibited to swim of fish in the lakes, as well as lighting fire and camping.

From NP Plitvice Lakes to NP Una:

• NP Una is only 40 km from the NP Plitvice Lakes, so the best option would be to get a taxi which is not that expensive, or even better,  rent your own car.
• Check article on buses to Plitvice Lakes  from various cities in Croatia

NP Una, Bosnia and Herzegovina

National park Una is one of three national parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, after Kozara and Sutjeska and it is the youngest since it was established in 2008. In cultural terms, this national park is legacy of numerous archaeological sites and ruins of medieval castles. The most important among them is probably Ostrovica castle, situated on a steep hill overlooking the splendid Una river. Those who like more extreme activities can sign up for rafting or kayaking on Una river, from Strbacki buk to the settlement  Lohovo. Here’s one interesting fact – if your name is Una, just show your ID at the entrance, and you won’t have to pay the entrance fee!

From NP Una to NP Sutjeska:

• By bus: from Bihac bus station to Sarajevo (39 KM ~ 20€) and then from Sarajevo to Tjentiste by local bus company (13 KM ~ 7€).  
• For more info about transport to NP Una, park rules and activities, see our article.

NP Sutjeska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

And we’re moving forward to the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the National park Sutjeska – the home of the last existing European primeval forest. People mostly visit Sutjeska for the purpose of hiking and cycling. The hiking trails can be quite long, up to 22 kilometres even, so prepare well and bring plenty of water and appropriate equipment. Good news for campers, the camping in the area of the national park is allowed, however you’ll have to pay small fee for pitching tents.

From NP Sutjeska to NP Durmitor:

• National park Durmitor in Montenegro is barely 2 hours car drive from NP Sutjeska so it would be best to share a taxi or to rent a car, because there are no direct bus lines
• If you wish to know more detailed info, like entrance fee or where to stay overnight, see the useful tips about NP Sutjeska.

NP Durmitor, Montenegro

Only couple of hours from Sutjeska we arrive to the largest and one of the most beautiful national parks in Montenegro. It is situated in the northwestern part of the country, partly running along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Besides regular hiking and climbing, visitors can even ski in local village, Zabljak, which becomes a ski resort for locals during winter. National park Durmitor allows fishing during summer season, and you’re allowed to catch 3 fish – enough to make your own delicious fish dish!

From NP Durmitor to NP Lake Skadar:

• By bus: From Zabljak to Podgorica buses depart 7 times a day and the price of a single ticket is 8€. Once you arrive to Podgorica, take local bus to Virpazar (NP Lake Skadar entrance), only 30 minutes from Podgorica
• Get here more information about National park Durmitor.

NP Lake Skadar, Montenegro

We chose Lake Skadar as the best way to finish the National parks on the Balkans tour. National park Lake Skadar is the most visited out of the 5 national park in Montenegro. The lake is actually a border between Albania and Montenegro. The park has been established in 1983 and later in 1996 it was added to the World’s List of Wetlands of International Importance. Locals like to say that the lake was created out of tears of a fairy, which is not that hard to believe, since this lake is truly spectacular. Speleological tours are also quite popular, especially those to the caves of Lipa and Obod. The warm waters of the lake are great for swimming – the beach in Murici is the most popular one, located very closely to the border with Albania.

• See our article on how to get to Lake Skadar and what to do there.

Cost of the national park round trip:

Entrance fees: The entrance fees range from 0 € (Triglav) to 25 € (Plitvice) in total cost for all 6 parks is about 50 € in high season and about 25 € in low season. Rafting and other activities in the parks cost extra.

Transportation: It you do the trip as a combination of buses and taxi as we mentioned above, you will have transportation cost of about 150 € for one person and 100 € for each further person. In low season renting a car might be a cheaper option especially if you are 3 – 4 people travelling together.

Accommodation and food: In the high season you should count about 50-60€ a day per person, in the low season you can probably do it for about 35-45€.

So all in all you should be able to do this trip for a budget of 400-600 €, depending on when you travel and whether you travel alone or with friends.