From Lost Places to Local Delights: Closing Down Our Balkan Tour
As we drive through Germany, closing down our Balkan tour, it’s a good time to reflect on the journey. We left Slovenia this morning, and as of now, we’ve reached Augsburg. It’s been a full day on the road, switching driving duties every hour to keep the long journey manageable. One of the best parts of this lifestyle is that both of us can drive the truck. Annika got her license just last year to prepare for this new chapter, while my license traces back to my military service. We’re both ready to take on any road, anywhere.
Lost Places: Uncovering the Past
One of the most astonishing aspects of our Balkan tour was the abundance of lost places. It’s incredible how many abandoned sites remain freely accessible. In Germany, you’d find fences, cameras, and security to keep you out. Not in the Balkans. We wandered through deserted hotels, ancient swimming pools, and even explored the eerie remnants of a bobsled track from decades past. An abandoned airfield, complete with cavernous hangars used to store planes, was a highlight. We couldn’t believe how easy it was to explore these sites — each one telling a story of the past.
Hiking Adventures: One Trail to Rule Them All
Our hiking adventures were equally memorable, though not always for the reasons we expected. The trails were often narrow, winding through dense undergrowth, forcing us to push through thorny bushes like we were in a fairy tale. What stood out was the trail marking — a white dot with a red circle. Unlike the elaborate signage we’re used to in Germany, where each trail has its own distinct symbol, every Balkan trail seemed marked the same. We joked that we were walking the longest hiking trail ever, looping through the entire region. Despite the challenges, the breathtaking mountain views made it all worth it.
Flavors of the Balkans
We couldn’t talk about our journey without mentioning the food. From Turkish tea and baklava to stuffed peppers, every meal was a delight. One place, however, truly stood out — Mrizi i Zanave near Tirana. Recommended by a close friend, this agricultural restaurant sources nearly all its ingredients on-site, offering a farm-to-table experience like no other. We enjoyed a three-course meal, each dish more delicious than the last. It was one of those culinary memories we’ll cherish.
Urban Discoveries: Free Tours and Roman Heritage
In the cities, we discovered a new way to explore — free tours. These guided experiences, often led by students or history enthusiasts, are free and require a tip at the end. They are worth every cent. We learned about the complex architectural heritage shaped by Roman, Ottoman, Habsburg, and Socialist influences. Split, with its old town set inside a vast Roman villa, was particularly magical. Walking through the ancient corridors felt like stepping back in time.
Meeting People: A Personal Connection
We met so many special people on the road through the Balkans — fellow travelers, former colleagues, and both old and new friends. Each encounter enriched our journey, reminding us of the warmth and hospitality that define the region.
Belgrade was special for personal reasons too. Reconnecting with old colleagues after years brought back memories, and being hosted by a Serbian family gave us insight into the local way of life. It was fascinating to discuss the ongoing political movements while sharing a traditional meal, and we felt a deeper connection to the city.
The last two days of our Balkan tour were spent with two dear friends, Michael and Michele. Our friendship started 12 years ago when Michael and I founded a company together. What began as a professional partnership quickly grew into a deep friendship rooted in shared values and beliefs.
Like us, they have caught the travel bug and are currently exploring the Balkan region as well. It was a no-brainer to plan a joint stop at a campsite. We spent our time catching up, enjoying good food, and hiking together. It was the perfect way to round off our journey — sharing stories and creating new memories with long-term friends who truly get our passion for travel.
Traveling as a Living History Lesson
Traveling through the Balkans has been like stepping into a history book — only more vivid and tangible. I never truly enjoyed history as a school subject, but seeing these places and hearing the stories firsthand has made me realize how fascinating it really is. This tour reminded us that travel is more than just movement; it’s about learning, connecting, and living the past in the present.
What’s Next: Preparing for New Adventures
As we wrap up our Balkan journey, the next four weeks are already filling up. Back in Germany, we have a series of important appointments — TÜV, a notary meeting, and catching up with friends. The truck will also get some maintenance to be ready for our next adventure. Plus, we’re heading to the Abenteuer Allrad fair to support the Twiga team and showcase our truck for a week.
After that, a new chapter unfolds as we embark on our next big chapter — exploring Iceland’s scenic roads and majestic waterfalls. We can’t wait to see what this new adventure has in store!
Explore. Dream. Discover.