Facts you probably didn’t know about Accursed Mountains
The Prokletije (Accursed) Mountains, a mountain range located on the border of Montenegro, Albania, and part of Kosovo, are one of the most rugged and dramatic parts of the Balkans. This impressive landscape of high peaks, hidden lakes, and deep canyons holds many secrets, and the name “Prokletije” supposedly comes from the belief that they are “cursed”. Whether true or not, the locals still tell ancient legends to this day, including those of giants who once walked the land, as well as treasures hidden deep in the mountain caves.
Whether you’re planning to visit or just want to learn more, get ready to discover many surprising facts about the Prokletije Mountains that you may not have known.
Prokletije (Accursed) Mountains, Photo: jahmaica, Depositphotos
This mountain range, which also represents the natural border between Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean, is also called the “Albanian Alps” in Albania due to its spectacular appearance. The highest peak of these Alps and the entire Dinaric Mountains is Maja Jezercë (2,694 m).
On the Montenegrin side, the highest peak is Zla Kolata (2,534 m), which is unofficially the highest peak in Montenegro. There are also Dobra Kolata (2,528 m), Maja e Rosit (2,525 m), and Gjeravica (2,656 m), the highest peak in Kosovo. Conquering any of these peaks definitely rewards you with unforgettable views of wild and untouched nature.
Zla Kolata, Prokletije, Montenegro, Photo: Pavouk
Prekletije is home to many beautiful lakes and rivers that add extra charm to this already spectacular landscape. The most famous are Lake Plav, one of the largest in Montenegro, and Lake Hrid, also known as the “Pearl of Prokletije”. They say that swimming in the Hrid lake brings happiness and love!
In Albania, Lake Buni I Jezerce stand out, located at 1,792 meters above sea level, one of the highest glacial lakes in the Balkans. In addition to lakes, there are also wild rivers such as Lim, Cijevna and Valbona, which take your breath away with their canyons and waterfalls. The Cijevna River Canyon, known as the “Albanian Grand Canyon”, is one of the natural wonders of the region.
Located in the heart of Prokletije is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Balkans – the Grlje waterfall, which can be found deep in the Grlje canyon, near Gusinje. Also, Theth waterfall attracts many hikers and nature lovers due to its height of 25 meters and fairy tale setting.
Lake Hrid, Photo: Jahmaica, Depositphotos
Prokletije are also a real wealth of biodiversity.. More than 1,600 plant species grow here, including many endemic species such as the Walloon bluebell and the Albanian lily. These mountains are also home to rare animals like the brown bear, wolf, chamois, eagle and lynx, making them a paradise for wildlife lovers.
This mountain range is a perfect destination for both hikers and adventurers. Via Dinarica, the most famous hiking trail, passes right through these mountains. Also, tours through the Prokletije National Park in Montenegro and through the Valbona National Park in Albania are popular. Canyoning, cycling, skiing, and paragliding are just some of the activities you can try.
Prokletije, Photo: Valter Zhara Pexels,
The Prokletije are one of Europe’s last untouched wilderness areas, and their rawness and beauty are sure to leave a strong impression. We hope you learned something new about this incredible place and that its wild, untouched world will inspire you to experience it for yourself one day.
Paula Kovačić Taha
Once I saw that there was a bigger world out there, so I made myself be a part of it.
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