Peaks of the Balkans trail difficulty rating

The Peaks of the Balkans Trail was designed with the support of DAV, which is German Mounteneerung Association and every segment of the trail was evaluated as moderate. This was an evaluation based on European mounteneering scale. However before you hike you should look at distances and eleveation change in order to consider your fitness. Alo, have in mind that for these hikes you have full days with luncjh in your backpack so there is a possibility to take many breaks.

Additionally, you should consider the length of the trail and if you want to take a break in the middle of the trail to recuperate for one day.

The rating of the trails is done differently by different organisations no official rating system classifies the trail as “very difficult” or “technical.” We have made a summery of different rating systems of the trail and evaluated peaks of the Balkans based on them.

Before you decide read: The mosr determined Hiker in the Peaks of the Balkans

Rating System	Difficulty Level	Scale Range	What It Means	Why This Rating Applies
SAC Scale (Swiss Alpine Club)	T2 – Mountain hiking	T1 → T6	T2 is a standard mountain hiking route with clear paths, some steep sections, and occasional hand use for balance, without exposure or technical difficulty.	• Daily elevation gain under 1,000 m • Distances under 15 km • Mountain terrain (700–2,300 m) • No ropes or technical climbing
Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)	Class 1 – Walking on established trails	Class 1 → Class 5	A Class 1 trail is an easy, well-defined path with no need for hands and minimal risk.	• Elevation change under 1,000 m • May include steep up/down • No exposed climbing or scrambling
European Trekking Scale	Moderate (up to 800–900 m ascent)	Easy → Very Hard	A moderate trail involves steady walking with up to 800–900 m of ascent and uneven terrain, suitable for hikers with basic fitness.	• Average ascent around 800 m/day • Maximum ascent 1,267 m • Long distances (18–23 km) • Several consecutive mountain days → fatigue

Peaks of the Balkans rated by SAC Scale (Swiss Alpine Club)

Using the SAC Hiking Scale, the Peaks of the Balkans is rated T2 on a scale from T1 to T6 s: – Mountain hiking.

SAC Levels

T1 – Easy hiking
T2 – Mountain hiking
T3 – Demanding mountain hiking
T4 – Alpine hiking
T5–T6 – Serious alpine terrain

Our expert Rating for the Peaks of the Balkans: T3

Why T3?

Daily elevation gain < 1,000 m → typical for T2–T3
Distances often over 15 km → consistent with T2
Mountainous terrain (700–2,300 m / ~2,300–7,000 ft)
No technical climbing or rope use → stays below T4
Daily descents < 1,000 m → also typical for T3

Peaks of the Balkans rated by Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

Under the Yosemite Decimal System, used widely in North America, the Peaks of the Balkans fits Class 1 – Walking on established trails.

YDS Hiking Classes

Class 1: Walking on established trails
Class 2: Steep hiking
Class 3: Scrambling, occasional use of hands
Class 4: Exposed climbing
Class 5: Technical climbing with protection

➡ Rating for the Peaks of the Balkans: Class 1

(Steep mountain hiking with no mandatory scrambling.)

Why Class 1?

Elevation changes (under 1000 m / ~3,500 ft per day)
Steep sections on multiple stages
No required use of hands or exposed scrambling, which would move it to Class 3

Peaks of the Balkans rated tourism general rating or European Trekking Scale

On the European difficulty scale (Easy → Moderate → Hard → Very Hard), the Peaks of the Balkans falls as Moderate.

European Levels

Easy: Short days, small ascent
Moderate: Up to 800–900 m ascent
Hard: 900–1,500+ m ascent
Very hard: >1,800 m ascent or technical terrain

➡ Rating: Moderate

Why?

Average ascent under: 1000 m per day
Maximum ascent: 1,200 m
Long daily distances: often 18–23 km
Have in mind Multiple consecutive mountain days, leading to accumulated fatigue

Peaks of the Balkans trail difficulty rating