If your desire for travel is breathtaking views and wild adventures, then the Albanian Alps are a treasure chest of all the above! With its jagged peaks, lush valleys, and sparkling lakes, this magical region is perfect for anyone who loves nature. In between the thrilling hikes and the charming villages, there’s so much to explore. Grab your gear, and let’s dive into these stunning spots together!
Valbona Valley
This stunning national park in northern Albania covers 8,000 hectares. It’s filled with beautiful waterfalls, glacial springs, and lush forests, making it a hiker’s paradise. Plus, you might spot some brown bears, boars, and wolves wandering around, adding a bit of adventure to your visit!
Theth National Park
Just a stone’s throw from the Montenegro border, Theth National Park is all about breathtaking nature across 2,630 hectares. With deep valleys and towering peaks, it’s a wildlife lover’s dream. Don’t miss the famous Lock-in Tower—an iconic symbol of Albanian hospitality that tells its own story!
Blue Eye of Theth
Known for its bright blue waters, the Blue Eye of Theth is a mesmerizing natural spring. Just 7 km from Theth, a scenic hike will take you there. It’s steeped in legends and is a must-visit spot for hikers and swimmers looking for a cool, refreshing dip.
Rragam Village
At the top of Valbona Valley, Rragam Village stands. This spot is a peaceful retreat famous for its lovely waterfalls and the Valbona River. If you love hiking, canoeing, or fishing, this place is ideal to unwind and enjoy the stunning natural beauty all around you.
Shala River
With its stunning turquoise waters, the Shala River cuts through northern Albania’s beautiful topography. You can only reach it by boat from Koman Lake, and this makes it an adventure to uncover a hidden gem. It’s a great place for kayaking or a refreshing swim in nature’s embrace!
Lake Koman
The serpentine waters of Lake Koman wind like liquid emerald through the heart of the Albanian Alps, stretching 34 kilometers through a dramatic gorge carved by time and water. As your boat glides across these tranquil waters, each bend reveals a new vista more breathtaking than the last—untamed forests.
Zla Kolata
Standing tall at 2,534 meters, Zla Kolata is Montenegro’s highest peak, right on the border with Albania. It’s known for its sharp limestone cliffs, which make it a challenging climb, but the views from the top are totally worth it! Adventurers often start their hikes from Valbona or Cerem.
Qafa e Valbonës
This breathtaking mountain pass connects the Valbona and Theth valleys. Along the well-loved trail, hikers are treated to breathtaking sights of rugged peaks that stand at 1,795 meters and beautiful alpine meadows. Typically taking about six to seven hours to complete, the hike promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Maja e Jezercës
The tallest peak in the Dinaric Alps, Maja e Jezercës reaches 2,694 meters and is lovingly dubbed “The Queen of the Alps.” It’s a favorite for experienced hikers, with routes leading through stunning spots like Lugu i Valit and Buni i Jezerces. The climb is challenging but rewarding!
Gashi River Valley
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gashi River Valley is a hidden treasure in the eastern Albanian Alps. Spanning 3,000 hectares, it features rugged terrain, glacial lakes, and beautifully arranged beech forests. This untouched paradise is home to brown bears, wolves, golden eagles, and more—it’s a wildlife wonderland!
Vermosh
This village is Albania’s northernmost village and is a charming spot with breathtaking mountains and valleys. It’s perfect for hiking and birdwatching, and you’ll find traditional customs alive and well here. Be sure to explore the unique Vermosh River, which flows from west to east; an interesting twist of nature!
Shkodra Lake
Lake Shkodra is the largest lake in Southern Europe, sitting between Albania and Montenegro. Surrounded by stunning mountains, it’s a wildlife haven, part of a nature reserve for many species. The tranquil waters are great for a day out on the boat, and the lush surroundings of this place are perfect to relax and enjoy the view.
Gjakova Highlands
This mountain region personifies rich folklore and beautiful scenery, with rivers, lakes, hills, and caves to explore. Known as Malësia e Gjakovës, the Gjakova Highlands sit between Albania and Kosovo. It’s a playground for outdoor lovers, perfect for hiking, fishing, boating, and hunting adventures.
Fushë Arrëz
A charming town in Shkodër County that intrigues visitors with its relaxed vibe, Fushë Arrëz is surrounded by the stunning Malësi e Madhe mountains. It’s a great base for hiking and exploring. You can enjoy the local architecture and delicious cuisine while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Ropojana Valley
The valley, located in Prokletije National Park, is a breathtaking area that spans the border of Albania and Montenegro. It features dramatic peaks and pristine lakes for hikers and nature enthusiasts. With its vibrant wildlife and lush scenery, it’s a fantastic playground for outdoor activities!
Grunas Waterfall
Gorgeous Grunas Waterfall in Theth National Park drops 25–30 meters, a sight you can’t miss! You can hike from Theth Village to reach it, and if you do it on sunny days, you’ll spot a rainbow often dancing at the bottom. For the brave, swimming in the chilly waters is an unforgettable experience!
Lake of Buni Jezerce
Buni Jezerce is a breathtaking glacial lake in the Prokletije Mountains, sitting high at 1,980–2,100 meters and you can reach here from Vusanje in Montenegro. This makes it a great spot for remote hiking adventures. Its clear waters reflecting the peaks is a serene escape for nature lovers.
Lëpushë
At 1,260 meters, Lëpushë is Albania’s highest village, situated in a beautiful glacial valley. With well-marked hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and waterfalls, a hiker will feel right at home. If you love traditional dishes and local crafts, this will be a truly unforgettable visit to this enchanting alpine setting.
Curraj i Epërm
Another picturesque village in the Albanian Alps and a favorite spot for hikers— Curraj i Epërm—is a natural crossroads connecting Thethi, Valbona, and Koman Lake. Camp along the river, enjoy the local culture, savor the local cuisines, and dive into community activities to get the full experience of this beautiful area.
Rugova Canyon
The canyon, near Peja in Kosovo, is a stunning natural wonder stretching 25 km with depths of up to 1,000 meters. Its steep slopes and cascading waterfalls are awe-inspiring. Explore the only Via Ferrata in Kosovo, and you might spot some of the diverse wildlife that calls this canyon home.
