Six Weeks, Three Countries, One Return Route: Planning the End of Our Balkan Tour
I’m writing this lines in a quiet forest in Montenegro, soaking in the view you’ll find at the top of this post. It’s one of those postcard-perfect moments — but even here, surrounded by beauty, the thought of the end starts to creep in. Not the kind of end that closes a door, but the kind that nudges you gently into your next chapter.
With six weeks remaining in our Balkan tour, we have to start planning our return to Germany. An end of our first big trip is in sight. And in one way, its an end, in another way it is a transition to the next adventure.
You might be wondering — why are we stopping? Two significant commitments anchor this timeline and make it clear that, while the journey continues, this chapter must come to a close:
Stiftungsfest of KDStV Nibelungia
As a board member ("AH Vorstand") of my fraternity, I committed in 2021 to support our fraternity to the best of my ability. Despite our travels, monthly online meetings have kept me engaged. However, the yearly Stiftungsfest requires a personal presence, reaffirming promises made to my fellow "Bundesbrüder" years ago.
Abenteuer & Allrad in Bad Kissingen
Europe's premier overlanding event, akin to the IAA for off-road enthusiasts is taking place in Bad Kissingen.
Last year, Twiga invited us to support them at this cornerstone fair — an invitation that speaks to mutual trust and commitment. Our vehicle will be proudly displayed at their booth, a tangible representation of years of dreaming, planning, and building. Having attended the event as guests in previous years — gleaning inspiration from others' journeys and vehicles — we're honored to now contribute on the other side. This commitment is our chance to pay it forward: to Twiga, whose craftsmanship brought our vision to life, and to fellow travelers who might just be at the beginning of their own adventure.
In addition to these two main commitments further responsibilities have emerged: medical check-ups, annual TÜV inspection — a mandatory vehicle safety check in Germany — and servicing our KTM motorcycle. Our heating system in the truck requires attention due to water ingress while long drives through heavy rain. These tasks necessitate multiple stops in Germany and the Netherlands before the Abenteuer & Allrad event.
With all this lined up — doctor visits, inspections, and service stops — it would be easy to shift into checklist mode. But we’re determined to make the most of the time that’s left, to slow down and truly absorb the last stretches of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Croatian coast.
On top of that, a planned reunion with a dear friend embarking on his own travel journey adds a deeply personal highlight to our itinerary — one that will mark the last big moment of our Balkan tour. It's a fitting close to this chapter, anchored in friendship, shared stories, and the joy of reconnecting before the road takes us home.
Whether it’s reuniting with a close friend in Croatia, supporting my fellow Bundesbrüder at the Stiftungsfest, or standing side by side with the Twiga team at Abenteuer Allrad, these moments are acts of commitment. Commitment transforms colleagues into friends and contractors — like Twiga — into true allies, turning shared goals into deeper partnerships and meaningful connections.
This weeks highlights
This week reminded us that travel isn’t just about the number of places you visit — it’s about the moments that surprise you, challenge you, and make you laugh when you least expect it.
One unforgettable stop was Kruja, where we ended up in a narrow street that led to a small bridge — unfortunately, not tall enough for our rig. With no other choice, we had to turn around in that tight alley, completely blocking traffic in both directions. About ten cars waited patiently on both ends as we slowly maneuvered our way out. To our relief, everyone stayed remarkably patient — maybe because they had no choice! We’re pretty sure we became the talk of the town that day. Sadly, no photos or videos exist — we were too focused on getting out and honestly, taking out the camera might’ve pushed our luck with the onlookers.
The next day we returned to Kruja on the motorbike, free of clearance issues, and we were rewarded with cinematic mountain views and the lively charm of the old bazaar — a peaceful contrast to the previous day's chaos.
We also spent a lovely afternoon in Tirana, where we met friendly locals and enjoyed some truly memorable food. One moment that stood out next to the obvious sightseeing we did? At a bustling restaurant, we skipped the menu and simply told the waiter, “We’ll have what the table next to us is having.” It turned out to be an unexpectedly fantastic choice — though it started with two beers. As anyone who knows us, will understand, meant I had to drink both! Still, the meal was delicious, the experience fun, and the waiter looked both amused and impressed by our spontaneous order.
Another memorable stop took us to the middle of nowhere — quite literally — to a farm that also runs a restaurant. Everything they serve, except for salt and pepper, is produced right there on-site. We had an incredible lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, a place that truly lives up to the hype. Thanks to two wonderful ex-colleagues who happen to know the owner, we secured a reservation for Easter Saturday only 24h prior. The setting was peaceful, the food unforgettable, and the experience felt like a hidden gem shared with us. If you're ever in Albania, make sure this place lands high on your bucket list. It's an absolute must.
What’s next?
By next week, we will have completed our full loop through the Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania (twice!), a touch of Greece, and now Montenegro, with Bosnia and Herzegovina soon to join the list. Each country left a different mark on us, offering a diverse palette of impressions and experiences.
Next week, we’ll wrap up this loop with reflections on what made each Balkan country uniquely unforgettable. Until then, we’ll keep doing what brought us here in the first place.
Explore with curiosity, Dream big, and Discover the magic in every unexpected moment.