Prokletije

The Prokletije, also known as the Accursed Mountains, is a mountain range in the western Balkans. It spans across Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, with parts near Serbia. The Albanian name for the range is Bjeshkët e Nemuna.

Geography: A chain of limestone peaks along the Albania–Montenegro border, the range is part of the Dinaric Alps. It is characterized by rugged terrain, deep canyons, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys, forming a high, sparsely populated border zone.

Peaks and geology: The highest summit is Maja e Rosit (Roshit) at around 2,500 meters. Other high points are located within the same range, exceeding typical alpine elevations. The area supports diverse flora and fauna, including species adapted to karst and alpine environments.

Protection and use: Much of the range lies within protected areas and national parks across the three countries. It is a popular destination for hiking, trekking, and ecotourism, with notable valleys such as Theth and Valbonë in Albania serving as gateways for visitors.

Human presence and significance: The region has long been inhabited by alpine communities that practice shepherding and seasonal agriculture. In recent decades, cross-border cooperation has grown to support conservation, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage preservation.