Peaks of the Balkans (Day 10): Three Peaks Loop, Prokletije National Park
An undisputed highlight of Montenegro’s Prokletije National Park, the spectacular Three Peaks Loop lies just beyond the official Peaks of the Balkans route and features some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the entire range. From Vusanje, it’s an easy side trip that absolutely shouldn’t be missed!
This short but high-impact day hike traverses a spectacular ridgeline above Grebaje Valley, visiting the summits of Popadija (2,030m), Talijanka (2,057m), and Volušnica (1,879m) for genuinely mind-blowing views over the jagged limestone towers of the Karanfili Mountains. With huge alpine landscapes and constant views along the loop, it’s no wonder this has become one of the most popular hikes in Montenegro.
This comprehensive guide to Day 10 of Peaks of the Balkans contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!
>>> Read my Peaks of the Balkans hiking guide for the full 12-day adventure itinerary
Peaks of the Balkans: Day 10 overview
Stats are based on my Peaks of the Balkans adventure route, incorporating scenic detours, side-summits, and high variations to the standard trail wherever possible:
- trail time: 4hrs
- distance: 10km
- elevation: 1000m gain/loss
- side summits & variations: transfer to/from Grebaje Valley to hike the Three Peaks Loop
*Trail times are reflective of our personal moving time (excluding any extended breaks where we removed backpacks)— these times are most useful as an estimate!
Transfer from Vusanje to Katun Maja Karanfil
The Three Peaks Loop trailhead is located directly behind the charming little cabins of Katun Maja Karanfil, approximately 30min by road from Vusanje. We arranged transport directly through Guesthouse Vucetaj and paid 60€ for both the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, which seemed entirely reasonable (considering the driver had to spend 2hrs in the car).
Katun Maja Karanfil to start of the loop (1hr)
Following a sign for Volušnica in the grassy meadow immediately behind Katun Maja Karanfil, ascend gently through shady beech forest on an obvious and well-maintained path.
Just under an hour and approximately 500m of elevation gain, the route emerges from the trees into a lush alpine basin beneath the ridgeline linking Popadija, Talijanka, and Volušnica. This junction marks the start of the loop itself, where hikers can continue in either direction.
We’d recommend hiking the loop anticlockwise (heading right), tackling the steepest section on the ascent (rather than crushing your knees on the downhill) and enjoying ever-improving views of the Karanfili Mountains as the trail traverses all three summits along the ridge.
Start of the loop to Popadija (45min)
From the meadow junction, the trail climbs steadily through open grassland and up a distinct trail along the far side of the ridge towards Maja Popadija (2,030m), gaining around 400m over the next 45min.
With every step upwards, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as the jagged towers of the Karanfili Mountains begin to rise above the grassy basin. Views in the opposite direction are also incredibly impressive, peaking over into the mountainous perimeter of the neighbouring valley.
About 900m above the trailhead, emerge onto the summit of Popadija, the first peak of the loop. We found the best views just beyond the summit at the concrete border marker indicating the boundary between Montenegro and Albania, but truly every angle is spectacular— and the best views of the day are still to come!
Popadija to Talijanka (15min)
From Popadija, the route up to Talijanka is clearly visible along the grassy ridgeline immediately to your right. Dipping briefly to a saddle between the two peaks, it’s a quick 30m ascent up to the highest point of the loop and second peak of the day, Talijanka (2,057m).
Although separated by only a short distance, the views improve dramatically from this high vantage point above Grebaje Valley.
The Karanfili Mountains are nearly close enough to touch, a chaotic wall of limestone towers, knife-edge ridges, and near-vertical cliffs that look more like the Italian Dolomites than anything we expected to find in the Balkans.
This was definitely one of the moments that convinced us Montenegro is among Europe’s most underrated hiking destinations!
>>> check out my Montenegro road-trip itinerary for more epic hiking destinations
Talijanka to Volušnica (30min)
When you’re finally able to pull yourself away from the spectacular backdrop at Talijanka, the route continues along the ridgeline towards Volušnica, losing elevation gradually as you pass countless spur trails leading to equally phenomenal viewpoints.
Guided groups seem to hike only to this summit before returning to the valley, so Volušnica tends to be busier than either Popadija or Talijanka— I’d recommend finding a quiet rocky perch for your snack break somewhere along the ridge before reaching the summit.
The walking is easy, the views are entirely unobstructed, and the Karanfili Mountains remain front and centre throughout the traverse. Every few minutes seems to reveal a new angle of the limestone towers, making it difficult to resist stopping for yet another photograph!
After around 30min, reach the rocky summit of Volušnica (1,879m), the final peak of the day.
Volušnica to Katun Maja Karanfil (1.5hrs)
From Volušnica, descend roughly 20min back to the meadow junction where the loop began. The final hour follows the same forest trail back to Katun Maja Karanfil, losing 500m through cool shade.
Whenever you start the hike, I’d recommend scheduling your return transfer for about 6-8hrs later, allowing ample time for photographs, scenic snack breaks along the ridge, and lunch back at Katun Maja Karanfil (we love their breaded chicken with cream, essentially a local chicken schnitzel).
Combined with tomorrow’s journey through the Great Valley of Lakes, this side trip showcases some of the very best scenery in Montenegro’s Prokletije National Park!
Night 10: Guest House Vucetaj
Spend a second night at Guesthouse Vucetaj before tomorrow’s early start towards the Great Valley of Lakes and Theth.
Located near the river in Vusanje, the guesthouse offers a mix of private rooms, cottages, and dormitory accommodation, all with beautiful views across the valley. Full board in a private room costs 35€ per person, and between the warm hospitality, excellent food, and willingness to coordinate transfers throughout the surrounding valleys, it’s the perfect base for exploring this corner of Prokletije National Park.
>>> Contact Guesthouse Vucetaj on WhatsApp to reserve a room (+382 69 419 680)
For more information on what to expect in the guesthouses on Peaks of the Balkans, check out this post: Peaks of the Balkans guesthouses: where to stay & what to expect
Read more about Peaks of the Balkans
- start here >>> Peaks of the Balkans hiking guide & 12-day itinerary
- Day 1: Valbona to Çerem via Prosllopit Pass + Zla Kolata summit
- Day 2: Çerem to Dobërdol
- Day 3: Dobërdol to Gacaferi via Gjeravica summit
- Day 4: Gacaferi to Milishevc
- Day 5: Milishevc to Rekë e Allagës + Via Ferrata Shpellat
- Day 6: Rekë e Allagës to Drelaj via Hajla summit
- Day 7: Drelaj to Babino Polje
- Day 8: Babino Polje to Plav
- Day 9: Plav to Vusanje via Bora Peak
- Day 10: Three Peaks Loop
- Day 11: Vusanje to Theth via Great Valley of Lakes + Maja Bojës summit
- Day 12: Theth to Valbona
- navigate confidently on & off the trail >>> Peaks of the Balkans GPS map
- essential gear >>> Peaks of the Balkans packing list
