As the head photographer for the HIGHLANDER series, each year I cover several events at stunning locations across the globe. Some of these locations I return to year after year. One of them is HIGHLANDER Stara Planina (Old Mountain) in Serbia, where I found myself this year for the fourth time (previously in 2023, 2022 and 2021).

From July 2 to 6, the majestic Stara Planina hosted the fifth edition of HIGHLANDER, a unique long‑distance hiking and camping challenge under the slogan “Walk on the Edge”. This year brought together over 250 outdoor enthusiasts from Serbia and across the region, all aiming to earn the coveted HIGHLANDER title.

Every edition of this event tells its own story. The scenery and atmosphere are never the same, shaped not only by the weather but also by the people taking part. It’s the participants who truly set the tone. At aid stations, in camp, or at the places where they stop to sleep, I find some of my favorite moments to capture.

That’s when emotions are at their most visible, such as the fatigue on a face, the quiet triumph of someone who’s overcome the day’s challenge, or the pure joy of being in the mountains. These emotions are the soul of the event.

Last year, the organizers changed the route, introducing sections of Stara Planina we hadn’t seen in previous editions. This year’s course followed that same trail, and as always, new terrain brought fresh energy to the photography, new angles, new light, new perspectives.

For the first time in the event’s history, the mountains spared participants the usual rain, fog, and storms. Instead, they faced blazing sunshine and unusually high temperatures, a different but equally demanding test of endurance for both participants and photographers.

Weather plays a huge role in what you capture through the lens. Blue skies and harsh sunlight may sound idyllic, but they’re not always a photographer’s best friend. Every shift in weather changes the mood of the landscape and transforms it entirely.

The routes that participants covered led through some of the most remote parts of the mountains. Some were reachable by car, but others required us to hike in on foot. That’s why careful planning was essential. Knowing in advance exactly when and where we needed to be to wait for participants to pass by was crucial in taking photos and covering all aspects of the event.

What truly makes HIGHLANDER Serbia special is the energy of the organizers. They live and breathe this event all year round, not just for the five days it takes place. You can see it and feel it in every detail. Through my photographs, I’ve tried to capture not only the atmosphere of the event but also the year‑long dedication and passion that make it happen. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say a great picture is worth two thousand, and my favorite photographs are always the ones that speak for themselves.

Over the course of five days, HIGHLANDER participants tackled different route format:

  • Hercules: the most challenging, with 103 km and 5,191 m of ascent over five days.
  • Pegasus:60 km with 3,313 m of ascent over three days.
  • Orion: 30 km with 1,960 m of ascent over two days and one night under the stars.

HIGHLANDER is not a typical race with winners, only those who complete the challenge and immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the mountain. The routes followed the dramatic ridgeline of Stara Planina, skirting the natural border between Serbia and Bulgaria. Nature rewarded participants’ efforts with sweeping views, vast open landscapes, waterfalls, and unforgettable sunsets.

By the end of the adventure, 157 participants rang the finish bell at Babin Zub, marking the successful completion of their journey. The youngest finisher was just nine years old, while the oldest was 64, a proof that this challenge is open to anyone with determination and spirit.

Supported by local municipalities, tourism organizations, the Serbian Mountaineering Association, and numerous outdoor brands, HIGHLANDER Stara Planina has once again confirmed its place as one of Serbia’s most inspiring outdoor events.

ABOUT HIGHLANDER

HIGHLANDER is a global series of hiking events that brings together nature lovers from around the world. This unique movement, which began in 2017 in Croatia, offers participants the opportunity to take on exciting hiking challenges lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the chosen route. The event is now held across four continents, with 17 events currently on the calendar.