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Karst features – distinctive fluting, pans, sinkholes and limestone pavement formed by the gradual dissolving of limestone rock by rainwater – are prominent in Prokletije, particularly in the western half of the range. However, unlike most other popular hiking areas in the karst mountains of Montenegro (and neighbouring Croatia), availability of surface water is good on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, with fairly abundant springs and mountain streams.

Rocky trail with karst features near the Prosllopit Pass, Montenegro (Stage 2)

Historical summary

For a more detailed historical timeline, see Appendix E.

Early times

The history of the mountainous borderlands between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro – along with much of the Balkans – is long, complex and incredibly rich. Unfortunately however, it is little known or understood in western Europe beyond the prism of recent civil war, conflict and political turmoil.

By the first millennium BC Bronze Age tribes – collectively known as the Illyrians – were established along the eastern Adriatic seaboard (including Montenegro and Albania) and further inland, while Corinthian colonists founded trading cities along the coast and islands. The Romans began their gradual conquest of the Illyrians from the third century BC, leading to the creation of the Roman province of Illyricum (later renamed Dalmatia) which roughly included modern Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, and further inland, the province of Moesia which included modern Serbia and Kosovo. The Romans built roads and cities, developed trade and exploited the area’s wealth of natural resources including minerals (for which eastern Kosovo was particularly important) and wood. Both Albania and Montenegro still have impressive Roman remains, including UNESCO-listed Butrint in Albania.