HIGHLANDER Stara Planina is a 100 km long hiking challenge experience that lasts for 5 days and leads you through Serbia’s famous Stara Planina Nature Park. Stara Planina, or Old Mountain, is also called Balkan Mountain, after which the whole of the Balkan region got its name.

HIGHLANDER Stara Planina is calling you to join in an adventure to get to know not just the wild, unspoiled landscape but also more about yourself and to reveal your inner Highlander on its remote and ancient tracks.

1. When is the event?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Stara planina, Serbia is from 17-21. June 2023.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Stara planina, Serbia is from 17-19. June 2023.

HIGHLANDER Orion Stara planina, Serbia is from 17-18. June 2023..

 

2. What are the distances?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Stara planina, Serbia is a ≈ 100 km long hiking experience that lasts for 5 days.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Stara planina, Serbia is a ≈ 50 km long hiking experience that lasts for 3 days.

HIGHLANDER Orion Stara planina, Serbia is a ≈ 25 km long hiking experience that lasts during the weekend.

 

3. What is the cut off time?

This is a hiking adventure, not a race.

The opening hours of the HIGHLANDER Hercules Stara planina, Serbia checkpoints are here.

The opening hours of the HIGHLANDER Pegasus Stara planina, Serbia checkpoints are here.

The opening hours of the HIGHLANDER Orion Stara planina, Serbia checkpoints are here.

4. How do I enter?

To enter the event, you have to complete the registration form we have on the event website.

REGISTER HERE:

HIGHLANDER Hercules Stara planina, Serbia

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Stara planina, Serbia

HIGHLANDER Orion Stara planina, Serbia

Payments can only be done online with a debit or credit card.

Capacity is limited, make sure you don´t miss your slot and register for the adventure!

 

5. How much is the entry fee?

You can register for the event with the individual entry fee or register as a group and get one free entry (Group Registration 3+1).

The pricing is volume-based, the price will automatically jump when capacity is reached.

All prices have a + 5% Active fee.

More information here.

 

6. What is included in my entry fee?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Stara planina, Serbia rules are here.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Stara planina, Serbia rules are here.

HIGHLANDER Orion Stara planina, Serbia rules are here.

7. I have not received the confirmation e-mail – where can I find it?

The confirmation email is automatically sent after doing the payment. Check your inbox and spam folders. If you don’t find it please contact stara.planina@highlanderadventure.com.

 

8. How do I change my personal details (address, e-mail…)?

If it is your first time registering for an event with the Active.com platform, you will create your Active profile. Here you will have access to all registered events, and you can edit some of your personal details.

• Log in to https://myevents.active.com.
• Scroll through the list of registered events
• Choose “Edit Registration Information”
• Make changes to custom questions etc.
• Save changes

If you need to change other information (email address for example), please contact stara.planina@highlanderadventure.com.

 

9. Is there a minimum age to participate?

Yes, participants must be 18 years old on the event day. If you are registering younger participants, please first contact the event organizer.

 

10. What do I need to do during the event week?

On the event week you will need to:

●       Attend the technical briefing

●       Registration check-in: pick up your Participant Kit

 

11. What is the onsite registration procedure?

All participants must register in person at the event prior to the start to collect the Participant´s Kit and sign the event waiver.

We do not send out in the post the Participant´s Kit.

You will receive an email with all the information one week before the event.

 

12. Can someone else register for me?

No, all participants must come to Registration during the opening hours for the Registration Check-in. Each participant must sign the event waiver.

 

13. What nutrition is available during the event?

Food with meat, vegetarian and vegan food.

 

14. What type of clothing should I pack?

Stara Planina morning temperatures in June go as low as 8ºC and daytime as high as 25ºC or more. Showers, fog patches, strong winds, and long periods of sunshine are only a few weather conditions to expect. Prepare for all-weather as well as you can. Getting ready!

 

15. How difficult is it to stay on track?

It is important to adhere to HIGHLANDER markers and hiking trails. Dojkinci, Gostusa and Temska are the closest villages on the trail and checkpoints with trained staff are 20-25 km apart. Always keep the map in hand and follow the signposts to stay on course and arrive safely to your destination.

 

16. What weather conditions should I expect?

All-weather types!

You might see anything from sleet to summer temperatures of 25ºC.

 

17. Can I bring my dog?

Yes, you can.

Your dog must always be kept on a leash.

 

18. Can I sleep in mountain lodges or huts?

No. Sleeping is allowed only in tents and sleeping bags that are required HIGHLANDER gear for all participants. Mountain lodges and huts have limited space and could not accommodate all HIGHLANDER participants.

Sleeping in a tent is a special experience and one of the best parts of a true hiking adventure.

 

19. I have never hiked, but I feel physically ready. Can I register?

Of course!

HIGHLANDER is not for professional hikers and mountaineers only. It welcomes nature lovers hungry for activity and adventure. HIGHLANDER is very safe and not overly challenging. A minimum hiking experience is required. We suggest starting a training regimen in the months leading to the event.

 

20. How can I best prepare for HIGHLANDER Stara Planina, Serbia?

All participants should be physically prepared for tackling a 100 km hike smoothly. We recommend 100-200 km of light hiking in the months leading to HIGHLANDER to prepare for the trail.

Above all, you must be able to carry a heavy backpack (practice with a 5-7 kg and increase gradually to 15-17 kg). Make sure you can walk in your hiking shoes and break them in prior to the event.

 

21. Do I need to bring my own food?

It depends on you and your body. We all have unique eating habits and feel full at different rates. We will provide 3 meals per day for each participant. Food will be available at checkpoints.

 

22. Do I have to stop at each checkpoint?

The trail has mandatory checkpoints. You have to collect all checkpoint stamps.

Checkpoints are open at specific times. Staff will stamp your HIGHLANDER ID. Outside staff working hours (or similar), you will stamp your own ID.

 

23. Do I have to set up my tent close to checkpoints?

No. You can bivouac anywhere you like within the designated areas by the Organizer.

 

24. What if I have gear trouble?

Checkpoint staff is trained for such cases. Feel free to consult them with any gear malfunction or similar issues.

 

25. Will you be providing transportation to the start?

Yes. A bus will take you from Pirot to the HIGHLANDER start position at Stara planina. Private transportation arrangements are allowed.

 

26. I will be staying in Serbia after the event. Will HIGHLANDER provide transportation to my next destination after the event?

No. The Organizer will only provide transportation to the HIGHLANDER start position. Any other transportation arrangements are your responsibility.

 

27. Is there cellular service on the course?

In general, yes. There are however areas not covered by cellular service.

 

28. Are hiking poles a good idea?

A great idea!

 

29. Can I share my gear with other participants?

Yes. Gear that can be shared includes tent, gas/gasoline/alcohol cooker, compass, first aid kit. Participants sharing gear must reach checkpoints and finish within 30 minutes apart.

 

30. Will you be designating sleeping areas?

Yes. There will be designated bivouacking sites defined based on the conditions issued by the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia.

 

31. What do I receive when I complete HIGHLANDER?

If you complete HIGHLANDER successfully, you will get a HIGHLANDER Finisher Badge and Certificate.

 

32. Will HIGHLANDER take place in case of bad weather?

Yes.

 

33. I have a specific diet. Will vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options be available at checkpoints?

There is a specific question in the registration form.

Vegetarian options will be available at all checkpoints. Vegan and gluten-free options will not be available

 

34. Side Events:

More information coming soon.

 

35. Withdrawal/Transfer process:

Please find all the information here.

 

36. Who do I contact regarding event photos?

More information coming soon.

 

37. Where can I sign up to volunteer?

Become a volunteer by simply clicking on REGISTER!

 

38. Is there a location for Lost&Found belongings?

During the event week: please ask the staff members.

After the event: please contact stara.planina@highlanderadventure.com.

 

39. How can I contact the event organizers?

You can contact us via email at stara.planina@highlanderadventure.com.