Where to go Trekking Europe in May?

Good Afternoon!

Today we’re going to the Balkans to find experiences that are possible in Spring and Fall when the Alps and Dolomites are filled with dangerous trail conditions.

Even late May can be off-limits for most of the Alps and Dolomites hiking trails for non-mountaineers.

Rescues are all too commonly needed due to shifting weather, post holing through the snowbridges and cold temperatures. See this article about recent rescues of hikers near Garmisch, Germany.

My kids and I are planning a late May trip to Kotor, Montenegro and Dubrovnik(again)…just before the cruise ships get to full capacity because I really hate the crowds they bring and in full research mode of the best hikes (with good food or else they’ll hate me).

Thanks for reading Hiking Vacations in Europe, the quick hit newsletter that highlights off-the-beaten path travel, hiking and outdoor cultural experiences.

Feel free to share it with other adventurers that may like it.

Morgan (follow on Youtube) @CravethePlanet

Today’s Nature Upgrade:

• My Video: Kotor Bay Hike

• Vacation Highlight: Albania Group Hiking Tour: 8 Days Hidden Valley Trek between Villages

• Culture & News: New Germany Travel podcast & BBC Balkan Hike Experience

Kotor Montenegro: Hiking Video

1. Watch it 🎥 👉 Hiking in Kotor Montenegro (Where to go when the Alps are covered in Snow)

• Insanely beautiful views

• Steep hike on Southern Europe’s only Fjord

• Cats….

Everyone loves to travel to the lovely Adriatic coast in summer, but I fully believe May is the ideal time to visit the Balkans. The weather is warm, the crowds are non-existent and the hiking, rafting and EATING are amazing.

The prices are great, and Montenegro even uses the Euro. Albania is next on our bucket list.

However, if you do not like cats…do not come to Kotor 🤣

👉 Watch it here: Kotor Bay Hike

🎯 Read: 13 Best Adventure Travel ideas for Montenegro

Hiking Vacation Ideas & Deals

Small Group Hiking Tour in Albania: Late May

• Group Tour

• Guided

• Perfect for Shoulder Season

So where to trek in the off-season??? Most trails in the Dolomites and Alps open up in mid-June. Otherwise, you should be a mountaineer. Seriously!

But, just to the East is the Dinaric Alps of the Balkans…and they are safe to hike in late May. Yay!

My daughter and I had a fabulous experience with the Skyhook company on a multi-day trek in Morocco last year. I like them because of the incredible pricing, ease of booking and their long relationships with local guides.

While I’ve not taken this direct tour - it’s worth considering as navigating solo through the hidden Zagoria Valley may be challenging (at least on first try).

Albania is def an up and coming destination for Alpine scenery, lakes and unparalleled hospitality. We love trekking in Romania and Montenegro so Albania is up next!

👉 Check out Tour Here: Albanian Hidden Valley Trek 8 Days

🎯 Read: This tour includes: they will transfer your luggage, take care of all the accommodations/food and a local guide will walk with you. It’s really just a show up and hike kind of group tour.

In partnership with

This week’s issue is in partnership with Skyhook Adventures. Small Group Adventures with Local Guides, at Local Prices.

Culture Corner

Community & News

New Podcast

• Germany Travel

• Authentic

• By 10 year American Expat

🇩🇪Germany…the land of pretzels and bier is SO much more! My friend and fellow American expat Leanna is launching her new podcast all about Travel to Germany that is Authentic and fun.

Watch on Youtube (or wherever else you listen to podcasts). It’s called “Wander in Germany Travel Podcast”.

You’ll find some really cool hidden gems and she’s based out of Bavaria - I’m slightly jealous of her close connection to the Alps.

What did you think about this post? What did you like most? What do you want to see less of? Is there a place or hike you want me to cover?

I’d love to hear what you think of this.

Hit reply and let me know.

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Let’s Believe in the Way…

-Morgan

You can find all previous tips here.