The Albanian Alps are one of Europe’s last truly wild mountain regions. Also known as the Accursed Mountains, this dramatic area in the North Albania mountains is full of sharp grey peaks, deep green valleys, turquoise rivers, and small villages where life still follows old rhythms.
For travellers who enjoy nature, hiking, and real local culture, the Albanian Alps offer something special. From gentle village walks to challenging Albanian Alps hiking routes and serious Albanian Alps trekking, this region suits many different travel styles.
It is also one of the best places for long-distance trekking in Albania, with famous routes linking remote valleys. It is also one of the best places for long-distance trekking in Albania, with famous routes linking remote valleys, as explained in our Hiking in Albania: The Ultimate Guide to Trails, Mountains & Insider Tips.
This guide follows a classic route from Shkodër to Theth, with hikes to the Valbona Pass, the Blue Eye of Theth, local waterfalls, and an optional trip to Komani Lake and the Shala River. Along the way, you will also find practical travel tips for Albanian Alps, advice on safety, weather, packing, and budget, and help with choosing the right Albanian Alps accommodation.
Where Are the Albanian Alps?
The Albanian Alps are located in northern Albania, close to the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. They form part of the wider Prokletije mountain range and are one of the most impressive areas in the North Albania mountains.
This region is known for being:
- Wild and dramatic
- Less developed than the Alps or the Dolomites
- Full of traditional villages and family-run guesthouses
Ideal for Albanian Alps trekking and nature lovers.
- Shkodër, the main gateway city
Shkodër is the most common starting point for trips into the Albanian Alps and is easy to reach from Tirana and Montenegro. The city offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, shops, and transport services, making it ideal for planning supplies and routes. Many travellers use Shkodër to organise transport to Theth or Valbona. It is also a cultural city with lakeside walks, local food, and historic sites to explore before heading into the mountains
- Theth, a remote village inside a national park
Theth is a small mountain village located deep inside Theth National Park and surrounded by dramatic peaks. It is known for its stone houses, traditional guesthouses, and peaceful atmosphere. The area offers some of the best Albanian Alps hiking routes, including waterfalls, canyons, and scenic day walks. Theth is perfect for travellers who want nature, quiet surroundings, and authentic mountain life.
- Valbona, a mountain valley linked to Theth by a famous hiking pass
Valbona lies in a wide green valley within Valbona Valley National Park and is another popular base for Albanian Alps trekking. The village is well known for the Theth–Valbona Pass hike, one of the best long-distance trekking routes in Albania. Valbona offers beautiful river views, open meadows, and easy access to longer mountain trails. It suits hikers who want big landscapes, fresh air, and classic alpine scenery.
Shkodër, Gateway to the Albanian Alps
Most trips to the Albanian Alps begin in Shkodër, Albania’s fifth-largest city. Shkodër has a relaxed atmosphere, with bicycles everywhere, lively cafés, and a mix of mosques and churches. It is the perfect place to prepare for Albanian Alps hiking or longer trekking routes.
Rozafa Castle and Mountain Views
Rozafa Castle stands on a hill above the city, where two rivers meet. From the castle walls you can see:
- Shkodër city
- The Buna and Drin rivers
- Distant mountains leading towards the Albanian Alps
The castle is also famous for a local legend about a woman named Rozafa, who was sacrificed to keep the fortress standing. Today, you can walk through the ruins, visit a small museum, enjoy a drink in a café, and take panoramic photos.
Old Town, Bicycles and Lake Shkodër
Shkodër is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Albania. Many visitors rent bikes to explore:
- The old town centre
- Historic religious buildings
- The road towards Shirokë village on Lake Shkodër
Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in southern Europe, lies on the border with Montenegro. Shirokë is a peaceful place for a half-day trip, with lake views and fish restaurants.
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
Spend at least one full day in Shkodër before heading to the mountains. Use this time to rest, explore, and buy cash, snacks, and supplies.
Driving from Shkodër to Theth, Beautiful but Demanding
The drive from Shkodër to Theth is around 80–90 kilometres, but it usually takes 2–3 hours. This journey through the North Albania mountains already feels like an adventure.
You can expect:
- Smooth roads at the start
- Narrow mountain sections with sharp bends
- Steep drops and dramatic views
- Rough or unfinished road parts, depending on the season
Many drivers stop in the village of Boge for coffee, burek, or fresh mountain water. Higher up, viewpoints offer stunning panoramas of valleys and peaks.
Albanian Alps Safety Tips for Driving
- A higher car or 4×4 is recommended
- Drive slowly and carefully
- In winter, snow can block the road completely
If you are not confident driving in the mountains, booking a local transfer is a good option and one of the best travel tips for Albanian Alps.
Theth, Heart of the Albanian Alps
Theth sits in a wide valley surrounded by sharp mountain peaks and is one of the main bases for Albanian Alps hiking. When you arrive, it feels like stepping into another world.
A Village Between Old and New
For many years, Theth was cut off by snow and poor roads. Many families left, but later returned to open guesthouses. Today you will see:
- Stone houses and wooden cabins
- A small but beautiful church
- Animals walking freely near the road
- New guesthouses and campsites
Tourism is growing quickly, but Theth still feels peaceful and authentic.
Where to Stay in Theth, Albanian Alps Accommodation
In Theth you can choose between:
- Family guesthouses, with home-cooked meals, often half-board or full-board
- Campsites, cheap pitches with showers, toilets and great views
- Simple rooms inside older village houses
All of these are part of the wider picture of Albanian Alps accommodation. Prices can be quite good value, for example a family campsite around €15 per night. Many places offer:
- Hot showers
- Traditional dinners with local meat, cheese and vegetables
- Breakfast with fresh bread, eggs, honey and yoghurt
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
In July and August, book your Albanian Alps accommodation in advance. The valley can be full, and you do not want to arrive with no bed for the night.
Classic Hikes in the Albanian Alps from Theth
Theth is a perfect base for hikes of different levels, from long, hard treks to shorter day walks. Many people think some of the best hikes in Albanian Alps start right from the village. Here are the main ones from the stories you shared.
Theth–Valbona Pass (Full Trail or Day Hike)
The Theth–Valbona trail is probably the most famous hike in Albania. Many people do it as part of a 3-day trip, combining mountain passes, remote valleys, and traditional guesthouses along the way. For more practical tips and route details, see our Theth Albania: Hiking Guide to Theth National Park & Alps.
- Day 1: Shkodër to Theth
- Day 2: Theth to Valbona over the pass
- Day 3: Valbona to Fierze, Komani Lake ferry, then back to Shkodër
This route is a classic example of long-distance trekking in Albania, as it joins different valleys and uses buses and boats as part of the adventure.
Some hikers, like in your transcript, choose to:
- Start in Theth
- Walk up to the Valbona Pass
- Then return to Theth the same day
This is a long and tough day (often 7–9 hours of walking). The path:
- Begins on a dirt road
- Becomes a steep, rocky trail
- Has loose stones “like marbles” under your feet
- Can be hard on the knees and very tiring
On the way up, there are small cafés where local people sell:
- Strong Albanian coffee
- Fresh fli (a traditional dish made from many thin layers, cooked for hours)
At the top, the views from the pass are spectacular: jagged peaks, deep valleys and the feeling that you are on the roof of Albania. But almost everyone agrees – it is beautiful and brutal at the same time.
This hike is one of the best hikes in Albanian Alps, but it also shows why good planning and simple Albanian Alps safety tips are important.
Tips for the Valbona Pass hike:
- Start early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
- Wear good hiking boots, not sandals.
- Take water, snacks and sun cream.
- Be realistic: you need a good fitness level for the full climb.
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
If you love challenging Albanian Alps trekking, add the Valbona Pass to your must-do list. If you are unsure, consider walking only part of the trail and turning back when you feel tired.
Blue Eye of Theth (Syr i Kaltër)
The Blue Eye of Theth is another highlight of the area, a deep, bright turquoise pool with a powerful waterfall. The water is so cold that people can only stand in it for a few seconds. It is an easier option than the pass, but still a great Albanian Alps hiking day.
You have two main options:
- Hike all the way from Theth village, about 3 hours each way.
- Take a local bus to Nderlysaj (Nderlys or Nderlysaj), then walk the last section (about 2.2 km from where the bus stops).
The trail includes:
- A narrow, scenic road down the valley
- A simple bridge over the river
- Forest paths and rocky ground
- A small café near the pool with food, drinks and a viewpoint
Many visitors try to:
- Swim or jump into the Blue Eye (very cold but fun for some)
- Walk across the small bridge above the waterfall if they are not afraid of heights
Tips for visiting the Blue Eye:
- Wear sturdy shoes, some parts are slippery.
- Bring a towel and warm clothes if you plan to swim.
- If you do not enjoy long walks, use the bus option to shorten the hike.
Theth Waterfall, Canyon and Lock-in Tower
For an easier day in the Albanian Alps, stay closer to the village. Around Theth you can:
- Walk to a beautiful waterfall, with cold pools below
- Play by the river in shallow swimming holes
- Visit the historic lock-in tower (kulla), used in the past for protection during blood feuds
- See the small stone church of Theth, first built in the 19th century
These walks are usually shorter (around 45 minutes each way to the waterfall). The paths are still rocky, so good shoes are helpful, but the level is more manageable for families with children.
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
Even if you are not a serious hiker, you can still enjoy the Albanian Alps with short walks to the waterfall, church and tower.
Do not skip the valley just because the long hikes look hard
Komani Lake and the Shala River, Turquoise but Touristic
Another popular day trip from the Shkodër area is the Komani Lake and Shala River excursion.
The journey usually includes:
- A drive from Shkodër to Koman on a rough, winding road
- A boat ride along Komani Lake, a man-made lake for hydroelectric power
- A smaller boat up the Shala River, sometimes called the “Thailand of Europe” because of its bright turquoise water and steep rock walls
Along the Shala River you will now find:
- Guesthouses and wooden decks on the riverbank
- Sunbeds and bars
- Music and busy restaurants in high season
The scenery is still beautiful, clear water, high cliffs and forested slopes, but many travellers feel it is more commercial and crowded than they expected. Some tours give limited time at the river, and the day can feel rushed.
Pros:
- Gorgeous colours and mountain views
- Lunch often included, good value for the full day
- Simple access by organised tour
Cons:
- Can feel over-touristic
- Less time to relax and explore
- Little or no local guiding or explanation on some trips
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
If you book a Shala River tour, ask in advance how long you will have at the river, how big the group is and what is included.
Choose a trip that matches your style, chill and quiet, or busy and social.
Food and Local Life in the Albanian Alps
One of the best parts of travelling in the Albanian Alps is the food.
Typical dishes include:
- Burek / Byrek: flaky pastry with cheese, spinach or meat
- Fli: many thin layers of batter cooked over hours, served with cream or yoghurt
- Goat or beef: often grilled and very fresh
- Roasted vegetables: peppers, aubergine, potatoes
- Thick yoghurt and local cheese
- Strong Albanian coffee
- Rakia: homemade plum or grape brandy
Many guesthouses cook everything from their own land: milk, cheese, meat and vegetables. It feels very “farm-to-table”, but in a simple, family way.
You will also see:
- Horses wandering near bins and sometimes playing with rubbish
- Children helping in the garden or with animals
- Families who have owned their land for hundreds of years returning to run guesthouses after decades away
This is another reason why the Budget for Albanian Alps can be quite friendly: you often get fresh, organic food and simple rooms for a fair price.
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
Support local families by eating at your guesthouse at least once a day and trying traditional dishes you cannot find at home.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Albanian Alps
To make your trip safe and enjoyable, keep these points in mind. This section works like a simple Albanian Alps packing list, plus basic Albanian Alps safety tips and money advice.
When to Go
- Late spring to early autumn (roughly May–October) is best for hiking.
- In summer, days are long but trails and roads are busier.
- In winter, snow can close the road to Theth and block high passes.
If you are not sure when to visit Albanian Alps, think about what you want:
- For green valleys and fewer people: late spring and early autumn
- For warm weather and longer days: summer, but more crowds
The seasons are a big part of Albanian Alps weather, so always check the forecast before any long hike.
What to Pack, Albanian Alps Packing List (Basics)
- Good hiking shoes or boots
- A small daypack
- Water bottle, snacks and sun cream
- Rain jacket and warm layer – mountain weather changes fast
- Simple first aid kit
This simple list can be your starting point for an Albanian Alps packing list. Add extra layers if you come in spring or autumn.
Money and Connectivity, Budget for Albanian Alps
- Bring enough cash in Albanian lek, especially for Theth.
- Card payments and ATMs are not always available in the valley.
- Mobile signal can be weak in some areas.
The Budget for Albanian Alps is usually lower than in Western Europe. You can often enjoy:
- Local meals for a fair price
- Guesthouses and campsites that are cheaper than similar places in the Alps
- Good value tours like the Shala River trip, even if they feel a bit rushed
Respect for Nature and Villages, Albanian Alps Safety Tips
Tourism is growing quickly in the Albanian Alps. With that growth comes more:
- Construction
- Rubbish
- Traffic
Please:
- Take your waste back with you.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Be respectful when taking photos of local people and homes.
These simple actions are part of good Albanian Alps safety tips and good travel tips for Albanian Alps in general.
Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
Travel like a guest, not a conqueror. If you love wild places, help to keep the Albanian Alps clean and respectful for future visitors and for the local families who live there.
Suggested 4–5 Day Itinerary in the Albanian Alps
Here is a simple plan using the places and experiences from the transcripts. It can help with both planning and with your Budget for Albanian Alps, because you know how many nights you need in each place.
Day 1: Shkodër
- Arrive in Shkodër
- Visit Rozafa Castle
- Explore the old town and try pizza, burek and local wine
- Optional bike ride to Lake Shkodër / Shirokë
Day 2: Shkodër to Theth
- Drive or take a transfer via Boge to Theth
- Stop for coffee, burek and mountain views on the way
- Check in to your guesthouse or campsite
- Evening walk to the church and along the river
Day 3: Valbona Pass (full or partial hike)
- Early start for the Valbona Pass trail
- Coffee and fli at a mountain hut
- Reach the pass and enjoy the views
- Return to Theth for a cold beer and hearty dinner
Day 4: Blue Eye and Waterfall
- Take the bus to Nderlysaj and hike to the Blue Eye
- Optional quick swim in the freezing water
- Afternoon visit to the waterfall and lock-in tower
- Second night in Theth
Day 5: Komani Lake & Shala River or Return to Shkodër
- Option A: Return directly to Shkodër and continue your Albania trip.
- Option B: Join a Komani Lake & Shala River day trip for more turquoise water and mountain views, then return to Shkodër in the evening.
Final Thoughts, Why You Should Visit the Albanian Alps Now
The Albanian Alps are changing fast. New roads, new guesthouses and more tours are coming every year. At the same time, the region still feels raw, wild and deeply local.
You can:
- Hike to high mountain passes
- Swim in ice-cold blue pools
- Drink water straight from the springs
- Eat simple food grown a few metres from your table
- Sleep under some of the clearest night skies in Europe
If you have ever dreamed of visiting a place that feels like a mix of Switzerland’s mountains and Balkans village life, but with fewer crowds and lower prices, the time is now.
This is one of the best regions for Albanian Alps trekking, weekend trips and longer long-distance trekking in Albania.Travel tip for Albanian Alps:
Add the Albanian Alps to your itinerary when you plan your Hiking in Albania trip.
Book your Albanian Alps accommodation in Shkodër and Theth, pack your boots using a simple Albanian Alps packing list, and give yourself at least 3–5 days in this region. You will leave tired, happy and already planning to return.