Is trekking safe in south Slavic countries?

2/27/2015 9:11:13 AM

I have not “trekked” through the Balkans but I have cycled unaccompanied with no support through Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia and found the people very friendly and helpful and the overall experience ‘safe’. Although my description of safe may differ from yours.

I stayed in a hostel/b&b for one night in Podgorica but the rest of the time I was bivouacking on the side of the road, in random shelters etc.

I think the locals that I did meet either did not understand my thick Yorkshire accent so were bemused by what I was saying or thought I was completely mad cycling through Europe on my own and didn’t see me as a threat. But I have to say there was not one incident in the 6-7 days I was cycling through that I was ever in an unsafe situation.

2/27/2015 6:42:23 AM

You should go. I’ve never been to Montenegro, but I have been to various places in Dalmatia, and I have spent a good deal of time in and around Sarajevo, where my mother in law lives.

I’m not sure exactly what you mean by “trekking” (and I have no idea what you mean by “integrist”). Land mines are a problem in Bosnia, but the problem is dwindling, thanks to mine removal activities. Mined areas are well marked. Well established hiking areas are perfectly safe. Outdoor recreation is popular in Bosnia, so people have been walking on these trails for nearly two decades now since the end of the war.

My mother in law lives in Sarajevo, and she belongs to several mountaneering clubs. She routinely travels with them to Croatia and Montenegro as well as around Bosnia, and my wife and I have gone hiking with her several times in Bosnia.

As long as you take care to plan your itinerary in a well-traveled place, you will be safe from mines. The most obvious ways to achieve that are to use a guidebook or to go with a local guide or group tour.

As far as hitchhiking and land mines, sure, it’s a good idea not to run off into the woods. Most of the signs I’ve seen for mines are in rather remote parts of the mountains. Again, if you are on well-traveled roads, you will not have to worry about mines.

I do not know what rules exist for camping. Again, if you stick to established camping areas, you will have no need to fear mines.

With respect to crime, sure, there is crime. Like organized criminals in the rest of Europe, Bosnia’s organized criminals are not particularly interested in robbing tourists; their activities are more on the wholesale level. Street crime exists, too, of course, as it does in every large city. If you exercise the same caution you would exercise anywhere, you will be fine.

However many people might want to cause you trouble, 10 times more people will be friendly and helpful. The scenery is beautiful, too. I definitely recommend it.

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Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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