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Village in Kukës, Albania
Photo: Arlind Axhami, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Shishtavec is a village in Kukës County in eastern Albania that represents rich unique folklore, endless varieties of customs, traditions, stories, songs, legends and inspiring landscape. At 1,260 metres above sea level, the village is one of the highest in Albania and a well-known ski area. It is 100 km from Albania's capital, Tirana.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Guri i Mengjesit (Murga)
This sandy-rock formation, found in southern Shishtavec is on the list of Albanian natural monuments. This stone, easily visible on the horizon, used to be a reference point since antiquity and the reason behind the name is the fact that during sunrise, the sun's rays create a crown around the structure. It is found at a 1.900 m latitude and for quite some time now, it has turned into a must for visitors coming from all over the world. Horse riding has been a widely practised activity in this area since a long time ago and it continues to this day.
Gryka e Vanave
Vana’s Gorge is a deep gorge between Koritnik Mountain and Gjallica Mountain in Kukës, created by the erosion of rocks from Lumë, part of the Korab-Koritnik National Park.
Guri i Shqipes
Is situated near Borje village in Shishtavec municipality 1580 m above sea level. It constitutes a rocky escarpment, 100 meters long, 80 meters wide and 27 meters high.
Dushkaja e Novosejes
is situated nearby Noveseje village 1410 meters above the sea level. It represents an oak forest of 3 ha, well above the normal altitude where oaks grow. Trees are 4-5 m height, trunk diameter 7-10 cm.
Pylli i Meshteknes
is located in Shishtavec village, about 30 ha, at 1300-1390 m above sea level with height at 13-17 m, trunk diameter at 20-30 cm aged between 40-45 years. The forest is decreasing year by year because of natural reasons.
Liqeni Novosej
Another attraction in the area is Novosej Lake surrounded by a pine forest.
Rrobulli i Lakut të Topojanit
Festa e "Shen Gjergjit"
(Saint George’s day) symbolises the arrival of spring in the mountain areas. It is celebrated throughout the Shishtavec area, but especially in the village of Borje. The celebration is held on the 6th and 7th of May. The first day belongs to young men who offer tree branches with green leaves to their girlfriends early in the morning. The celebration continues throughout the day with several competitions held between men (throwing stones, pulling a rope, horse riding, etc). On the second day of the celebration (the 7th of May), traditional music and dances are performed until meal time when the lamb is served as the main dish.
Dita e Emigrantit
This day, which is celebrated on 1-st of August, aims at the joint meeting of immigrants with fellow citizens. This is a very good opportunity for everyone to get to know nature, traditional clothes, songs, dances, etc.
Dita e Patates
The “Potato Day” intend to gather all potatoes producers, processors and dealers from the region in order to increase community responsibility and promote the attractiveness of the Shishtavec area and well known for potatoes production with its unique taste and quality.
By bus
By car
On Foot
The most beautiful hiking trails head to Shishtavec. Check the "Do" section for more.
Horse-riding
Car rental
Renting a car is possible, in Kukës, but not necessarily a good idea if you are not used to driving here.
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Prishtina · International · PRN
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