The Albanian Alps, which extend from Northern Albania into Southern Kosovo and Northeastern Montenegro, are better known by their regional names, Bjeshkt e Nmuna and Prokletije, both of which translate to “The Cursed Mountains.” But, it’s still unclear how these striated limestone slopes came to bear such a peculiar name.
The jagged glacial karsts were allegedly formed in a single day of mischief by the devil, who, according to local myth, escaped from hell. Some claim that the origin of the word “Alps” is a woman who cursed the mountains when she and her children were hiking through them on a scorching day and were unable to find any water. Some assert that Slavic warriors gave the mountains their name while slogging over them on foot.
For many years, very few tourists were aware of Albania’s magnificent beaches, untamed mountains, and Roman and Ottoman antiquities. But, since the Balkan country carefully opened up to the outside world, it has been luring tourists eager to see one of Europe’s remaining uncharted and undiscovered regions. The Peaks of the Balkans, a 192 km circular hiking circuit linking Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo by a succession of pathways traversing the Accursed Mountains, is one of its boldest recent undertakings.
The officials of these three countries, Albania, Montenegro, and Kosova proposed a hiking trail connecting Muslim, Catholic, and Orthodox populations; Albanian and Kosovar hiking guides working in conjunction with Montenegrin guesthouses. Since it was established, the route has improved rural communities’ economics and increased connectivity among these scattered outposts.
To be continued…
