BECOME A PARTNER
BackCountry Albania
BackCountry Albania
Instagram Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin Twitter Pinterest
BECOME A PARTNER
  1. Home
  2. Jezerca Climbing by Austrian Group
Clients

Austrian Group of 3

Services

Local Guide

Package

Personalised

In spring 2023, I had three clients from Austria who wanted to climb Jezerca, the highest peak in the Accursed Mountains and the sixth highest in the Balkans. One of them was Rigerta, accompanied by her two friends, Caterina and Will. Caterina and Will were calm and level-headed, while Rigerta was the life of the party, constantly cracking jokes and teasing everyone.

The plan was simple: I would set up camp in Valbona, prepare the fire, and wait for them to arrive around 4 PM. They had the map and the route to the basecamp. By 5:30 PM, I still hadn’t heard from them, so I gave them a call. “We took a wrong turn,” Rigerta said, laughing. “We’re heading towards Prishtina in Kosovo!”

I thought to myself – not only had they taken the wrong route, but they were now going in the complete opposite direction. I knew they would arrive late, and from experience, I also knew that peaks like Jezerca required good physical preparation and rest. I started thinking of an alternative, something challenging but not as intense. Mount Rosit came to mind – it was demanding but not overly technical.

By the time the “famous trio” arrived, everything was ready. After dinner, I proposed the idea of climbing Rosit instead, explaining the conditions – snow above 1600 meters, which would add to the challenge. They agreed without hesitation.

This is the ultimate guide to the Peaks of the Balkans trail. Written by a local who provides knowledge that only a local can provide.
Trek through Valbona Valley with an expert guide, experience remote trails, towering peaks, and the untouched beauty of the Albanian Alps
Gather around a campfire in Valbona Valley, where the trails of the Albanian Alps lead to unforgettable nights beneath the peaks.

 

The next morning, we set off for the peak. I kept the group’s spirits high by joking with Rigerta, while Caterina and Will quietly followed the conversation, occasionally bursting into laughter. As we approached the final climb – the most difficult part – exhaustion started to kick in, but the motivation to reach the summit kept everyone going. The weather was on our side. Step by step, we conquered the steep slopes until we stood at the top, enjoying a lunch break with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

The descent back to camp was swift and uneventful, and we returned in good time.

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don’t go according to plan – especially when you have a Rigerta to keep things interesting.