18 March 2025.
The Albanian Alps represent one of the most beautiful parts of the country and hiking here holds its own special kind of magic. Discover the best Albanian Alps hiking trails in this guide.
From the blissful blues of the Adriatic to enchanting Ottoman-era towns, Albania has many beautiful sights, but it is the wild and remote mountains of the Albanian Alps that continue to call me back time and again.
Rippling across the country’s north, they’re a true highlight of any visit to Albania and should not be missed.
Towering limestone peaks pierce the sky and plunge into deep glacial valleys. Vast swathes of ancient forest conceal turquoise springs and crystalline rivers. Flower-strewn meadows studded with lakes meet puckered moonlike landscapes, and cosy guesthouses speckle the countryside serving up some of the best food Albania has to offer.
There are boundless hiking opportunities hidden amongst these mountains making it a playground for casual walkers and intrepid adventurers alike.

The Alps of Albania National Park was only recently established in 2022 as an amalgamation of three existing protected areas – Theth National Park, Valbona Valley National Park and the UNESCO-listed Gashi Nature Reserve which is recognised for its primeval beech forest habitat.
Butting up against the borders of Montenegro and Kosovo, the Albanian Alps form part of the Accursed Mountains, an ominous moniker for this chain of peaks that rise into the highest cluster of the Dinaric Alps range.
For visitors, the two villages of Theth and Valbona are where you’ll find most of the region’s tourist infrastructure and where you’ll likely base yourself during your trip.
In previous years, it was the singular hiking trail that connected the two villages via the Valbona Pass that led to the region’s skyrocketing popularity and for many it remains their sole reason for visiting. However there are plenty of other equally beautiful trails to explore that weave across these remote landscapes and receive very little foot traffic.
After several visits to both valleys, this guide covers exactly how to get to both Theth and Valbona and the best Albanian Alps hiking trails ranked in order of difficulty.

The lovely lakeside town of Shkodra is the gateway to the Albanian Alps and virtually every traveller will need to stay overnight in the city in order to reach the mountains, unless of course you’re travelling with your own vehicle.
Minivans depart Shkodra for Theth and Valbona each morning from where you’ll have access to numerous guesthouses and the area’s best trails.
Several other remote hamlets lie tucked away in the mountains, such as Dobërdoll and Çerem, and offer accommodation for hikers though these are often reserved for those hiking the Peaks of the Balkans trail or exploring the wider area on foot since they’re accessible by 4WD only.


From Tirana, buses depart every half hour from the South and North Bus Terminal (located here) for Shkodra between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m and take around 2.5 hours. There are also a handful of daily buses that depart for Shkodra directly from the Tirana Airport. Check timetables here.
If you’re travelling with your own vehicle, it’s just 2 hours to Shkodra or you can bypass the town completely and head directly to either Theth or Valbona from Tirana. Shkodra is a wonderfully laidback place to visit though so I would recommend spending at least a day here.
—
FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // Tirana is the best place to pick up your rental car in Albania with numerous options available directly from the airport. I recommend using Discover Cars who offers a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.

From Tirana by car, it’s a 5 to 7-hour drive depending on which route you take, either through Kukës or via Pukë and Fierzë. Both have winding sections through the mountains and intersect at Bajram Curri for the final stretch to Valbona.
There are also direct daily buses from Tirana to Bajram Curri from where you can either take a taxi or try to flag down one of the minivans or furgons travelling back from the Fierze ferry terminal to Valbona. Check the bus timetable here.
Most popular though is to take the road and ferry option from Shkodra to Valbona via the beautiful Komani Lake.
For this route, you’ll need to drive or take a minibus from Shkodra to Koman, transfer onto the ferry from Koman to Fierze and then drive or take the bus for the final section to Valbona.

For those travelling by car, check the timetable and reserve tickets on the car ferry here.
It’s worth noting though that with the increased demand during peak periods, the Komani ferry terminal has become extremely chaotic with a narrow tunnel used for both vehicle and foot traffic and a small disorganised embarkation area where trucks come to load and unload supplies, passengers mill around waiting for their boats and vehicles manoeuvre around each other in a tight do-si-do in order to get on and off the boats.
Personally, I would find this fairly stressful to navigate as a driver so be prepared and follow the instructions of the crew waving you about.
For those taking the minibus, most guesthouses in Shkodra can arrange a combination bus/ferry ticket for you with pick up and drop off directly at your guesthouse at either end. Alternatively, minivans depart Shkodra daily at 6:45 a.m from in front of Hotel Rozafa where a combination ticket can also be purchased on board for €26.
The journey has some stunning sections but door-to-door takes 7 to 8 hours so be sure to bring plenty of water and expect to wait, sometimes up to an hour at the changeover points during summer.
For the return trip, minibuses collect you directly from your guesthouse in Valbona at around 10 a.m. and arrive back in Shkodra between 5 and 6 p.m.

Thankfully, getting to Theth is far more straightforward with the once rugged access road now being newly paved.
Minivans depart Shkodra daily at 7 a.m. and cost €10, taking around 3 hours to reach Theth via a scenic and very twisty mountain road that cuts across the Thores Pass. Similar to Valbona, transport can be arranged directly through your guesthouse in Shkodra with pick up from the door, otherwise buses depart from in front of Hotel Rozafa.
For the return journey, buses depart for Shkodra at 10:30 a.m from the large gravel parking area near the bridge.

Valbona offers a range of accommodation that spans from social hostels and homely guesthouses, to cosy wood cabins and modern hotels.
As the village sprawls on for nearly 10 km though, it’s worth keeping in mind the proximity of your accommodation to the hikes you intend to do. That is, unless have your own car, are willing to tack on an extra hour or more to your hikes or arrange a taxi to and from the trailheads each day which can become costly.
Overall, my preference and what I find to be the sweet spot for a multi-day visit is to stay around 3 to 4 km from Fusha e Gjesë. This adds about an hour to the Theth to Valbona hike, but puts you close to the trails for Rosni Peak and Prosllopit Pass and within walking distance of a few restaurants and key swimming areas. These top-rated options are listed from south to north within the valley.
Hotel Margjeka | One of the closest options to Fusha e Gjesë where guests love the views, friendly staff and excellent location. It’s a popular choice for those sticking to the Theth-Valbona route and books up in well in advance over summer. Check rates and availability here.
Guesthouse Kol Gjoni | One of the longest running operations in Valbona, I stayed at this charming guesthouse at the southern end of the valley on my very first visit back in 2018 and it appears to still be going strong. The property has expanded considerably and boasts excellent food alongside clean and comfortable rooms with a hostel vibe. All meals included, reservations are essential. Contact via Facebook.
Bujtina Izet Selimaj | This newly built family-run guesthouse and popular restaurant is a decent budget choice, surrounded by a lovely garden. The spartan wooden rooms are simple but have large, bright windows that allow guests to enjoy the beautiful mountain views from bed. Check rates and availability here.
Bujtina Valbonë | This comfortable chalet offers modern private rooms that feel a little more luxurious than your average guesthouse and makes a nice treat after days in the mountains with beautiful views and breakfast included. The only small downside is that it sits right next to the enormous resort which is currently under construction. Check rates and availability here.
Villas Jezerca | A top-rated option offering a range of cosy wooden cabins that face directly onto the mountains with plenty of outdoor space to kick back and enjoy the views. While I didn’t stay here myself, I did enjoy an excellent traditional dinner at their restaurant. Check rates and availability here.

Theth is less spread out than Valbona with most facilities concentrated around the 1.5 km strip that extends between the bridge, the church and the tower.
However, the string of guesthouses extends much further north and south along both sides of the valley. Ideally you want to be located on the east side of the river so it’s a good idea to carefully check the location of your guesthouses when booking.
Bujtina Tinari | One of my favourite guesthouses in the Albanian Alps, Tinari is an absolute gem. I stayed in the cute and cosy top floor room with a balcony that overlooks the valley. Dinner here is exceptional with tiny plates of delicious, traditional food that just seem to keep coming – perfect after a long day of hiking. Highly recommend! Check rates and availability here.
Bujtina Pllumi | Another top-rated option in Theth, Pllumi is located on the hillside behind Tinari and receives rave reviews about the delicious home-cooked meals that use all local produce, wonderful mountain views, comfortable rooms and friendly hosts. Check rates and availability here.


Both Theth and Valbona are essentially made up of a road lined with guesthouses and hotels with a couple of restaurants and small stores.
Neither really has a centre and many visitors are caught off guard to learn that each village is extremely spread out and sprawls on for many kilometres – around 10 in Valbona’s case. Therefore, when choosing your accommodation, it’s well worth considering how close you want to be to the trails you’re keen to hike, particularly if you’re visiting without your own transport.
For Valbona, you’ll often see reference or signs for Fusha e Gjesë which essentially indicates the end of the paved road at the south of the valley where it meets the pebble track that continues up the dry riverbed and is marked by a hotel of the same name.
This is the official trailhead for many hikes and is marked by a yellow hiking sign but is also commonly used as a yardstick for comparing distances within the valley given its sprawl.
Rragam is a tiny community that sits near the head of the valley south of Fusha e Gjesë, while Bajram Curri is a large town and major hub of activity with sits at the other end of the Valbona Valley.


Theth on the other hand is broadly divided into Qender or centre and Fushe which roughly translates as fields and is connected via a dirt road which sticks along the river and a maze of tiny laneways that peel off and lead to the various guesthouses.
These days the two areas more or less bleed together but are focussed around the bridge where you’ll find the visitor centre, a large gravel parking area, the main village shop and a tight knot of guesthouses, and extends south where you’ll find the iconic Theth Church and the Reconciliation Tower.
Other key hamlets within the valley include Gjelaj perched on the hill north of the bridge, Nikgjonaj which sits along the riverbank further north and Okol located further still on the west of the river.
Facilities you might be accustomed to in other European mountain towns, like plentiful restaurants, cafes, ATMs or other general shops are extremely scarce in both Valbona and Theth.
This is not necessarily a bad thing but it does mean you should arrive well prepared and equipped for several days in the mountains and ensure you stock up with snacks, cash and all hiking gear in Shkodra or Tirana before arriving.
There are two ATMs in Theth located at Mini Market Jezerca, but none in Valbona with the closest being in Bajram Curri. Given Albania’s steep ATM fees, it’s well worth bringing all the money you’ll need for accommodation, meals, transport and other incidentals with you.
You’ll find a small grocery story in each village though prices are highly inflated so I’d recommend stocking up in the city before arriving where you’ll also have far more choice.

Power outages are also reasonably common, especially in Valbona, and while many properties are equipped with generators, some are not, so ensure you charge your devices fully when you have the opportunity and consider bringing a battery pack as a backup.
Almost all guesthouses serve meals where you can indulge in a multi-course feast of traditional Albanian fare. Some of the best food I’ve eaten in Albania was in these mountains, crafted with incredible pride and love from old recipes handed down through the generations. Full or half board options that include breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch are common but it’s worth checking prices and packages with your guesthouse before arriving.
Alternatively, there are a couple of restaurants located in either village serving up typical combinations of grilled meats, salads and soups.
On the trails themselves, you’ll also find a few small cafes where you can purchase coffee, mountain tea, soft drink and beer, with the occasional treat of homemade yoghurt with honey and blueberries in season.


I’ve visited both Theth and Valbona multiple times over the years and the changes have been stark with an explosion of guesthouses and resorts arriving to both valleys – some are charming and tasteful additions to the landscapes, while others are monstrous eyesores that detract heavily from the spectacular scenery.
Tourism is one of the biggest sources of income within these communities, but unfettered development without the required infrastructure in place to handle the volume of visitors it attracts is already having consequences.
Waste management is a huge issue across Albania and sadly these mountains are no exception. Piles of trash accumulate at disposal points which are then ripped to shreds by stray dogs. Litter is also very commonplace and often ends up in the once pristine waterways that filter into the country’s main river systems.
As a responsible visitor, you can minimise your footprint by bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it – trust me, it’s ice cold and delicious – rather than buying bottled water, declining all plastic bags even if they insist because ‘it’s free’, and limiting the amount of packaging you’re bringing in and taking it with you when you leave.
Further, aim to support the small local establishments, like the family-run guesthouses or seasonal cafes, many of which have operated here for years and are open only during the warmer months.


Distance | 2 km // 10 km (from Rragam // Fusha e Gjesë)
Duration | 1 hour // 3 hours
Elevation Gain | 190 m // 381 m
Difficulty | Easy
Location | Valbona Valley
Trailhead | Rragam // Fusha e Gjesë
—
Tucked away in the lush belt of forest that wraps around the base of the Valbona Valley, the Valbona Waterfall, is perhaps not among the area’s most beautiful walks, but it’s a short and easy option with lovely views along the final stretch.
It’s also particularly popular for families with young kids whose little legs might struggle with the steep trails that climb out of the valley, whereas here they can enjoy a beautiful patch of forest, a strip of boulders to scramble up and hop across and a small pool and waterfall to splash about in at the end.


From Rragam, the path is initially flat and feeds through the forest before climbing gently towards the Rragami River and ascending a final burst of uphill where the route cuts back and forth across rocky terrain and a spray of boulders to the base of the falls.
Valbona Waterfall tumbles over three levels across a curved cliff face of slate-grey sedimented rock, though it can be somewhat inconsistent, being most impressive in early spring when the river swells with snowmelt or after heavy rainfall. For much of the year though they’re reduced to a feeble trickle which many visitors will find underwhelming.
Still, few things beat cooling your feet in icy spring water on a hot summer day and you’ll be rewarded with impressive views towards the striking peaks of Grykat e Hapëta, Çet-Harushës and Peçmarës standing proudly along the eastern flank of the Valbona Valley.
—-
READ MORE | Visit Valbona Waterfall

Distance | 4 km
Duration | 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain | 293 m
Difficulty | Easy
Location | Theth Valley
Trailhead | Reconciliation Tower
—
On the southern fringes of Theth, the trail to Grunas Waterfall makes another short and sweet standalone hike, though is best combined with the Theth Blue Eye for a wonderful circuit.
From anywhere in the village, make a beeline for the Reconciliation Tower and pick up the path from here which hugs the banks of the river and swings across Theth’s charming red bridge before entering a patchwork of fields and veering into the forest.
The final section ascends more steeply into a rocky ravine to the base of the Grunas Waterfall which plunges over a mossy rock face into a clear pool. Similar to Valbona Waterfall, it changes with the seasons and is heavily driven by snowmelt and rainfall, however, in general, Grunas is markedly more impressive that its counterpart.
Don’t miss the nearby viewpoint nearby that gazes directly into the Grunas Gorge and its turquoise rapids gushing far below.


Distance | 5 km // 13.5 km
Duration | 1.5 hours // 5 hours
Elevation Gain | 375 m // 660 m
Difficulty | Easy
Trailhead | Reconciliation Tower
—
Wedged between verdant forested peaks, the brilliant Blue Eye of Theth is the crown jewel which feeds the mesmerising aqua ribbon that surges through the valley.
This area has changed enormously in recent years, most notably with the new paved road which connects Theth with Ndërlysaj and means you can skip most of the walk and begin from here.
Alternatively stick to the original hiking route which threads along the east bank of the crystalline Theth River beneath the towering peaks that surround the valley before crossing over the bridge to Ndërlysaj. Adding the short detour to Grunas Waterfall along the way is well worth it.


From here, the trail darts into a narrow gorge alongside the spectacular river to reach the irresistible pool of the Blue Eye and its small cascade.
Though it will give you brain freeze, be sure to take an invigorating dip in the bone-chillingly icy pool while you’re still hot from the hike.
It’s worth noting that as one of the more accessible walks in the Albanian Alps, the Blue Eye is extremely popular while also being reasonably small so expect there to be considerable crowds during peak periods.

Distance | 13 km (plus distance to/from your guesthouse)
Duration | 6 to 8 hours
Elevation Gain | 1,150 m // 967 m (from Theth // Valbona)
Difficulty | Moderate
Location | Theth Valley and Valbona Valley
—
The Theth to Valbona hike over Valbona Pass has exploded in popularity in recent years and is arguably Albania’s most visited trail.
The hike can be completed in either direction – Theth to Valbona or vice versa – and while there’s an ongoing debate around which is best, rest assured, it’s equally as spectacular either way, though my personal preference is to start from Theth.
Given the ease of accessing Theth, it has also become reasonably common to hike directly to Valbona Pass and back again making this side of the valley by far the busier of the two.


From Theth, the official trail begins a short way outside the village along a gravel road which provides some fantastic views, before transitioning into a narrow trail that meanders steeply through changing forests and open meadows, over a small stream and past a lively mountain cafe and some rocky terrain to reach Valbona Pass (or Qafa e Valbonës).
Scramble up to the slightly precarious craggy outcrop for a spectacular uninterrupted panorama which takes in the sweeping Valbona and Theth Valleys that plunge away sharply on either side and are flanked by walls of bare rugged peaks.
It’s an iconic view and easily the most famous in the Albanian Alps.
Onwards, the path begins its long descent into the far quieter Valbona Valley via many rocky switchbacks until the terrain begins to flatten through the small community of Rragam and brings you onto the gleaming white river bed for final stretch towards Fusha e Gjesë.
—
READ MORE | Hiking Theth to Valbona

Distance | 15.7 km
Duration | 8 hours
Elevation Gain | 1,260 m
Difficulty | Moderate
Location | Theth Valley
Trailhead | Theth Bridge
—
Though not quite as popular as the Valbona Pass, Peja Pass (or Qafa e Pejës) is another beautiful trail that overlooks the majesty of the entire Theth Valley.
Departing from the centre of Theth, the trail heads north along the along the gleaming pebble roads that cling to the bank of the Theth River before pitching up sharply to begin the steep ascent up the head of the valley.
For much of the way you’ll be concealed in spiky coniferous forests until you climb above the tree line and bend around the striking cliffs and craggy terrain via a rubbly switchback trail to reach Peja Pass nestled between the imposing monoliths of Maja Harapit and Maja Kolajet which stand as sentinel on either side.
From this lofty perch, the wide green valley unfurls below, framed by stark pinnacles that pierce the sky in all directions.
Shimmy through the rocky channel that marks the pass for a look at the small pond of Peja Lake which lies cradled in the basin beyond.

Distance | 16.4 km return
Duration | 8 hours
Elevation Gain | 1,024 m
Difficulty | Moderate
Location | Valbona Valley
Trailhead | Here
—
Rosni Peak or Maja e Rosit straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro and is undoubtedly among the most beautiful hikes in all of Albania.
It’s one of the best kept secrets in the Albanian Alps and, in my humble opinion, is the most spectacular Valbona hike with unparalleled views across the surrounding mountains.


Beginning from the dry riverbed of the Valbona Valley, the Rosni Peak trail climbs gradually through the settlement of Kukaj and a beautiful patch of beech forest, entering a wide grassy bowl that extends beneath the gnarled rocky summit.
Onwards, the trail skirts around the basin and past a small mountain hut, before swinging through a narrow channel and arriving at the Saddle of Farumi located along the border ridge.
From here, the final ascent is extremely steep but the rewards from the summit at 2,524 m are phenomenal gazing across the chiseled triple peak of the Kollata massif, the extraordinary spires of the Ropojana Valley, the hulking beast of Maja Jezerce which plunges into the Valley of Great Lakes, and the green swathe of the Valbona Valley and its formidable eastern wall extending far below.
On a clear day, it’s pure mountain magic.
—
READ MORE | Hiking Rosni Peak

Distance | 14 km
Duration | 8 hours
Difficulty | Difficult
Elevation Gain | 1,588 m
Location | Valbona Valley
Trailhead | Valbona Bridge
—
The ascent to Prosllopit Pass was one of my favourite days along the Peaks of the Balkans, but it also makes a magical standalone day hike with the option to tackle the demanding Kollata Peak (Maja e Kollatës) which soars above the Valbona Valley.
Setting off from the Valbona Bridge, a barely-visible scramble of a path veers off and is engulfed in forest, beginning a steep and steady climb through a remarkably peaceful tract of ancient beech trees where you’ll catch glimpses of Valbona unfolding below.


Emerging above the tree line, the incline eases and the landscapes open up into a grassy valley strewn with white rocks, wildflowers and some enormous boulders. Towering on either side, the wildly impressive Kollata massif and vertiginous cliffs of Maje e Thate guide the way to Prosllopit Pass.
Saddled on the border ridge, from here you can gaze across Montenegro’s spectacular Prokletije National Park towards the green cap of Bor Peak before turning back, or crane your neck up to the intimidating cliffs of Kollata and consider taking on the tough 1.6 km ascent to the summit which soars to 2,552 m.
Unfortunately, the peak was wrapped in a turban of thick cloud during my visit and just wasn’t safe to climb given the rough terrain, but it’s high on my list for my next visit.

Distance | 13 km // 20 km (from Rragam // Fusha e Gjesë)
Duration | 10 hours // 12 hours
Elevation Gain | 1,610 m // 1,929 m
Difficulty | Difficult
Location | Valbona Valley
Trailhead | Rragam // Fusha e Gjesë
—
Soaring above Valbona Valley, Maja Jezercë is an absolute monster.
Referred to with fond trepidation as the queen of the Accursed Mountains, indomitable Jezerce is the highest peak in the entire Dinaric Alps range and the second highest in Albania.
She’s also one of the most challenging hikes in the Albanian Alps and should not be underestimated – this one is for confident and experienced hikers only and a solid level of physical fitness and mental resilience are essential.


Above Rragam, the Maja Jezerce trail peels of the well-trafficked Theth to Valbona foot path and climbs steeply up a spectacular adjacent valley into the bleak and barren dolomitic landscapes that dominate the upper mountain plateau.
Moving through this desolate moonscape, the trail conditions become increasingly difficult, crossing long, sloped scree fields, exposed rocky ledges and large boulders, and navigating around lingering snowdrifts and steep, slippery sprays of rubble, but perhaps most intimidating is the several metres long rock climb with chain support and final scrambly ridge traverse that leads to the commanding peak.
For keen hikers, conquering this mighty summit is a fantastic adventure and wholly memorable experience with an enviable vantage point overlooking the vast Valbona Valley and the spiky karst peaks of the spectacular surrounding landscapes.
—
READ MORE | Climbing Maja Jezerce

Distance | 192 km
Duration | 10 days
Difficulty | Moderate
Location | Accursed Mountains of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo
—
Spanning nearly 200 km and three countries, the spectacular Peaks of the Balkans brings you from ancient beech forests to hilltop wildflower-strewn meadows, mirror-like alpine lakes to turquoise springs, middle-of-nowhere villages to bustling mountain towns, and deep valleys to sculpted peaks that reward hikers with some of the best views you’ll find anywhere this side of Europe.
Though the official route extends for 10 days, there are many variations and detours that can be used to curate your own perfect multi-day hiking experience, along a shorter or longer route that encompasses the Albanian Alps.
I loved everything about this trek, so much so that I couldn’t resist returning to cover even more ground across these beautiful mountains.
—
READ MORE | A Complete Peaks of the Balkans Trail Guide


Most visitors spend just three days in the Albanian Alps but avid hikers could easily lose a week exploring these magnificent mountains, either crossing between the Theth and Valbona Valleys or focussing on one or the other.
For those seeking an even longer visit, consider taking on the fantastic Peaks of the Balkans trail.
3-Day Albanian Alps Itinerary – The Classic
The vast majority of visitors to the Albanian Alps enjoy this classic three-day visit built around the popular Theth to Valbona trail.
Day 1 | Travel from Shkodra to Theth. Hike to the Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall.
Day 2 | Hike from Theth to Valbona.
Day 3 | Travel from Valbona to Shkodra via Komani Lake.
—
4-Day Albanian Alps Itinerary – Theth Valley
See the best of the Theth Valley from its turquoise waterways to most beautiful mountain passes.
Day 1 | Travel from Shkodra to Theth. Hike to the Theth Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall.
Day 2 | Hike from Theth to Peja Pass. Stroll around Theth and see the church.
Day 3 | Hike to Valbona Pass and return to Theth.
Day 4 | Travel from Theth to Shkodra.

4-Day Albanian Alps Itinerary – Valbona Valley
A great option for keen hikers eager to escape the crowds and experience the immense beauty of Valbona Valley.
Day 1 | Travel to Valbona by car or minibus/ferry via Komani Lake. Walk to Valbona Waterfall or enjoy a swim in the icy turquoise water of the Valbona River.
Day 2 | Hike Rosni Peak.
Day 3 | Hike to Prosllopit Pass and/or Kollata Peak.
Day 4 | Travel from Valbona to Shkodra via Komani Lake, or directly to Tirana via Bajram Curri.
—
6-Day Albanian Alps Itinerary – The Keen Hiker
A stunning week of hiking in the Albanian Alps recommended for fit and experienced hikers only.
Day 1 | Travel from Shkodra to Theth. Hike to the Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall.
Day 2 | Hike from Theth to Rragam. Take optional detour to Valbona Waterfall.
Day 3 | Climb Maja Jezerce, returning to Valbona.
Day 4 | Hike to Rosni Peak. Enjoy a swim in the icy turquoise water of the Valbona River.
Day 5 | Hike Prosllopit Pass and/or Kollata Peak.
Day 6 | Travel from Valbona to Shkodra via Komani Lake, or directly to Tirana via Bajram Curri.
When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that most destinations travelling to/from Valbona take a full day, while arriving to Theth will leave you with a full afternoon to hit the trails.
When passing through Koman, there is also the option to visit Shala River which has become extremely popular in recent years and could be added as an additional day to any of the above itineraries.

* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *


















