Journey Across Eastern Europe • From the Carpathians to the Balkans and the Baltic Sea

A cinematic short film created from my original photographs, brought to life through motion and light.

Join me on an unforgettable journey across Eastern Europe’s wildest landscapes — from the towering Carpathian Mountains of Romania to the remote valleys of Albania’s Zagoria region.

In Romania, I explored the rugged beauty of Piatra Craiului National Park, drove the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway, and wandered through the mysterious Bran Castle — the home of the Dracula legend. I even came face-to-face with a wild bear.

In Bulgaria, I ventured into the serene Rhodope Mountains, uncovering the quiet charm and folklore of the region.

In North Macedonia, I followed my guide Vlade from Mountain Rescue through pathless wilderness — carving a trail through overgrown forests, across undiscovered mountain peaks and the shimmering beauty of Lake Ohrid.

In Albania, I journeyed through the Zagoria Mountains, following a horseman across the Blue Mountains and descending the dramatic Dembel Pass. From Permet’s hot springs to the vibrant streets of Tirana, and across the legendary Valbona Pass in the northern Accursed Mountains — every step revealed another side of this stunning, untamed land. Along the way, I faced feral mountain dogs, and shared life with a village schoolteacher in a remote Albanian mountain village.

In Hungary, I crossed the great Danube River to reach Budapest, a city split between the hills of Buda and the broad boulevards of Pest. I watched the Chain Bridge glow at sunset, wandered the courtyards of Fisherman’s Bastion, and stood on the terraces of Buda Castle as trams rattled along the riverbanks far below — a city of music, grandeur, and spirit.

In Poland, I explored the timeless beauty of Kraków, walking beneath the spires of Wawel Castle and through the echoing lanes of the old town. South in Zakopane, I climbed into the Tatra Mountains, where pine forests open to high pastures and mist rolls over the ridges — a meeting place of hikers, shepherds, and mountain wind.

In Ukraine, I travelled to Kyiv, a city of domes and history rising beside the Dnipro River. I stood before St. Sophia Cathedral, wandered the golden streets of Podil, and watched the evening light fall across the bridges — a city filled with resilience, memory, and soul.

In Estonia, I reached Tallinn, where medieval towers look out over the Baltic Sea. Its narrow lanes and quiet courtyards feel timeless, yet alive with creativity and northern light. Here, between stone walls and sea air, the journey found its quiet ending — a reflection on distance, endurance, and the beauty of the road itself.

This is a story of wild places, forgotten paths, and human connection — an adventure through some of Europe’s last true wildernesses.

Keywords:
Eastern Europe cinematic travel film, Romania cinematic film, Transfagarasan Highway, Bran Castle, Piatra Craiului, wild bear Romania, Bulgaria mountains, Rhodope Mountains, Macedonia travel, Lake Ohrid, Albania hiking, Zagoria Mountains, Dembel Pass, Permet Albania, Valbona Pass hike, adventure travel Europe, Balkan travel film, wild Europe, Sead Seferovic, off the beaten path, authentic travel Europe, Eastern Europe exploration, mountain adventure, wilderness journey, untamed Balkans, adventure travel, Krakow old town, Poland hotography, Zakopane Tatra Mountains, Budapest travel film, Danube River, Romania adventure, Kyiv Ukraine, Tallinn Estonia, Baltic travel, Balkan travel, untamed Balkans.

The music track is based on the poem "The Blessed Damozel" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

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Watch the full adventure and subscribe for more off-the-map journeys and wilderness expeditions across Europe and beyond:    / @seadseferovicworld