Gjeravica is the highest officially recognized peak in Kosovo and the second-highest summit in the Accursed Mountains and the entire Dinaric Alps, surpassed only by Jezercë. It's a place where rugged alpine scenery meets a striking sense of remoteness, drawing hikers from across the western Balkans.

Unlike most Accursed Mountains peaks, which are defined by limestone karst, Gjeravica has a noticeably different geological character. Several glacial lakes dot the approach to the summit, the largest being Gjeravica Lake, tucked just below the peak and marking the source of the Erenik river. The surrounding slopes are rich with chestnut, oak, beech and conifer forests, and in summer wild strawberries grow along the trails. The best hiking window runs from June to October; during winter and early spring, snow lingers on the upper sections and proper alpine gear becomes essential. From the top, the panorama stretches across Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro, with a clear sightline toward Jezercë to the southwest.

How to reach the summit

• Village of Junik - trails within Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, moderate to demanding

Practical information

• The route runs through Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, which protects the surrounding alpine ecosystem
• Gjeravica is officially the highest peak in Kosovo, though Great Rudoka is sometimes cited unofficially

In September 1998, during the Kosovo war, the area around Gjeravica was the site of fierce fighting between local forces and Yugoslav troops — a striking contrast to the peaceful alpine wilderness hikers find here today.