The Sharr Mountains offer more than just popular ski resorts and well-known peaks. For the true explorer, the range hides mystical valleys and ridge walks that remain untouched by mass tourism.
While Brezovica and Prevalla draw the crowds, the deeper reaches of the Sharr National Park offer a profound sense of solitude. Exploring these trails requires a sense of adventure and, ideally, a local map, as some of these paths are marked only by the footsteps of ancient shepherds.
1. The Serpent Ridge (Maja e Njeriut)
This high-altitude traverse offers a 360-degree view that spans across borders. Unlike the main peaks, the Serpent Ridge is a technical hike that keeps you above 2,200 meters for several hours. The path is narrow but rewards you with views of glacial lakes that look like blue eyes staring back from the valley floor.
2. Karanikolica’s Secret Valley
Accessible from the outskirts of Prizren, this valley is a lush sanctuary hidden behind a curtain of steep cliffs. It is famous among locals for its rare mountain flora. In early summer, the entire valley floor transforms into a colorful tapestry of wildflowers, making it a photographer's paradise.
3. The Forgotten Pastures of Brod
Brod is already beautiful, but few venture beyond the village outskirts. Following the stream upward leads to abandoned stone huts and high-altitude pastures where the Gorani community has grazed sheep for centuries. This trail is a masterclass in cultural heritage meeting natural splendor.
4. Vraca’s Hidden Waterfall
Located in the southern sector near the border, this trail involves a steep climb through dense beech forests. The reward is a secluded 15-meter waterfall that remains cool even during the peak of August. It is the perfect spot for those seeking a quiet meditation in the heart of nature.
5. Livadh Lake High Route
Instead of the standard path to Livadh Lake, the high route follows the ridge above it. You get to see the lake from a bird’s-eye perspective before descending via a series of hidden scree slopes. It is a more demanding version of a classic hike, reserved for those who want to see Sharr from a different angle.
Written by the Visit Sharri Editorial Team. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading into the high mountains and carry sufficient water and navigation tools.