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National park in Albania
Photo: Shkelzen Rexha Gjakovë, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Valbona National Park, also called the Albanian miracle of Alps, is a part of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna. It lies between high and craggy peaks bordering Thethi National Park, Gashi River, Plava and Gucia (Montenegro), all strictly protected natural areas. It is a transboundary park (Albania/Montenegro) with the highest biodiversity value of the country's mountain mainland. This park is also referred to as the Gem of Albania.
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Bredhi i Rragamit
One of the most famous natural monuments in the Valbona Valley, this centuries-old spruce tree is known for its massive trunk and impressive height, surrounded by dense alpine forest and mountain scenery.
Ujëvarat e Valbonës
Crystal-clear mountain springs and small waterfalls fed by the Albanian Alps, famous for their turquoise water and untouched natural surroundings. The area is a popular stop for hikers and nature lovers.
Protected spruce forests that form part of the Valbona Valley National Park ecosystem, offering rich biodiversity, fresh alpine air, and scenic hiking routes through the mountains.
Spectacular glacial valleys shaped during the Ice Age, featuring dramatic rocky landscapes, alpine meadows, and panoramic views of the Accursed Mountains. The area is especially attractive for trekking and photography.
Zallet e Motinës
You begin by crossing old farmland, then into beech forest, where after a bit you can find spots where you can get most of your body into the icy cold water, then emerge into sunshine at the slightly spooky Sands of Motina.
A great walk, but challenging mainly because of its length. The first part goes up the car’s road to Çerem, then turns off east to follow a little access road to the mobile phone antennas. This little road passes through abandoned orchards which are full of plums in late summer. At shepherds' huts (stans) near the antennas you turn north, and after a bit of steep hair-pinning emerge in the wide and windy meadows of the stans.
Bajram Curri Cave
From Lugu i Silkut you can begin to explore this open, airy region. You’ll pass two sets of abandoned shepherds' huts (stans) on the way down, which should afford even the least imaginative plenty of fodder for musing about the life that was once lived here. After that, the last few hours are a twisty windy path down through the Zhari – forest – of Bjezhz, where at some point you will pass the biggest tree we’ve ever seen here.
The Prroni i Picimalit path begins in the strawberry fields of Mas Kollate, where a trail head sign will alert you to the start of red & yellow trail markings. Following the red & yellow markings all the way will end walkers up by the eastern end of the Dragobi Cave path.
Liqeni i Xhemës
From Hotel Rilindja, or from the Quku i Valbonës Guesthouses, or from the road (there’s a little sign), walkers can follow the single yellow hashes to Liqeni i Xhemës. More of a small pond really, the lake is spring-fed, still and beautiful and strange pure blue.
From Quku i Valbonës, you can easily spend a day rambling along the southern banks of the Valbona River, heading east back towards Bajram Curri and ending up in Dragobi. You’ll pass an abandoned farmstead in Mas Kollate, and further on fabulous fields of wild strawberries in July, then pass through fairy tale old growth Beech forest. If it’s raining, you’re likely to find many fire salamanders.
This path goes up the western bank of the River of Çeremi.It’s better than walking on the car road, and shorter than the Stanet e Gjarpërit (Serpent's Hut) path.
A 9 km hike one way starting at Begaj village. Only about 150 m rise in elevation Allow 2-3 hr one way. A water canal built along the edge of the mountain to bring water to lands in the Begaj village which is close but higher up from Gashi River elevation. Fascinating engineering. This is a parallel valley to the more popular Valbona Valley. The canal is used only during dry season from June–August. The rest of the year it is walkable although it can by muddy in places. You may also walk on the wall of the canal although it is precipitous in places.
Family-run hotel restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine, including grilled meat, homemade bread, local cheese, and fresh mountain dishes in a peaceful alpine setting. Outdoor seating is available during summer months.
Rustic restaurant known for traditional northern Albanian specialties such as fërliku (roasted lamb), mountain trout, and homemade dairy products, with scenic views of the surrounding Albanian Alps. Popular among hikers during the trekking season.
Village-style roadside bar in Dragobi popular with locals and hikers. Serves coffee, beer, homemade raki and light drinks in a relaxed atmosphere with mountain views. Casual dress; no reservation needed.
Informal guesthouse bar offering homemade drinks including raki and local wine, along with coffee and refreshments for travelers hiking through the valley. Outdoor seating available. Casual atmosphere; reservations not required for drinks.
Offers private rooms, traditional Albanian food and a quiet mountain setting popular with travelers exploring the valley. Casual atmosphere.
This is the most comfortable option, if your goal is to settle in for a while in luxury. It offers full board options, luxury rooms in traditional settings, self service kitchen and village settings. Prices range from €30-50.
One of the oldest operating guesthouses in Valbona, located near the road toward James Lake. Offers four rooms, modern bathrooms and full-board meal options.
Small family-run guesthouse and hostel with home-cooked meals, full-board options and modern bathrooms. Budget-friendly accommodation popular with hikers.
Simple campsite in the center of the valley with space for tents and basic facilities for hikers and backpackers.
Restaurant and campsite in central Valbona offering tent space, meals and basic camping amenities for travelers exploring the national park.
From the capital city, Tirana, it costs €8 to come to Bajram Curri and from B. Curri to Valbona Valley €2.50 from Gjakova). Like the rest of Albania their schedules depend on demand.
Read in the guideWhen you are there you can get around by car, bicycle or better by foot so in this way you can perfectly enjoy the view.
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Podgorica · International · TGD
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