Brezovica could be a hikers’ paradise, but poor infrastructure and a lack of information once again don’t make it easy to enjoy this beautiful area on foot. Most of the facilities by the ski lifts close down for the summer months, although the Woodlands Hotel plans to open all year round, and Dane Rent and Service offers mountain biking and guided tours outside the ski season.
There are no easily obtainable maps – a pre-war walking guide does exist but has virtually disappeared from circulation. If you’re looking for an unguided stress free stroll, use the ski slopes as paths. You can make a long circular walk taking one of the main pistes up and the other main slope down. It’s worth keeping an eye on organised hikes by Arben Islami, known in the summer as Hiking Njeri, on the website www.njeri.net/hiking, although the text is in Albanian. Contact Arben through the Facebook group Hiking Njeri, which has information in English.
Landmines remain a problem in the Sharr mountains, so do not stray off paths, do not enter fenced-off areas and keep your eyes peeled for signs. As ever, it’s more prudent to take a guide with you.