Exploring the wild border of Europe: The Balkan Green Belt Trail is ready for adventure
Spanning six countries and 3,340 km, the Balkan Green Belt Trail is now mapped and ready for hikers. This ambitious project connects nature, history, and culture along the European Green Belt in the Balkan region.
The Balkan Green Belt Trail is a newly established concept for a long-distance hiking route stretching 3,340 km across Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Turkey. Following the European Green Belt, the trail offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, European history and a journey through remote and wild regions.
The EU-funded BESTbelt project “Balkania Route” successfully completed a digital verification of trails on the ground, mapped the entire route, and presented detailed GPS tracks on Outdooractive and Mapy.cz to make the trail accessible to hikers worldwide. A 19-part video blog documents the adventure and showcases the diverse nature and history of the Balkans. Local communities have been involved through seven awareness-raising events ensuring the future sustainability of the trail.
However, it is important to note that the Balkan Green Belt Trail is a concept rather than a fully signposted or maintained trail in its entirety. While some sections may have clear paths and signage, others may not be marked or well maintained and may require navigational skills, local knowledge or GPS assistance. Hikers should be prepared for varying terrain and conditions, including potentially unmarked areas, and are encouraged to research the specific sections they intend to hike. Proper planning, safety precautions, and awareness of local regulations are essential.
By connecting 16 of the 24 Pearls of the European Green Belt, the trail highlights the region’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. It also serves as a platform for eco-tourism, local engagement, and cross-border cooperation - a true symbol of nature uniting Europe.
Ultimately, the Balkan Green Belt Trail is one piece of a larger puzzle to create a thematic long-distance trail along the European Green Belt. The first steps in this direction have already been taken and more will follow in the near future.
The transboundary project “Balkania Route: Two steps towards others” was implemented by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation in collaboration with several partners November 2023 to October 2024 and was financed by the EU-funded BESTbelt project.
Contact
Petar Vanev (Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation): petar(at)biodiversity.bg