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Valbona Valley: A Hiker's Paradise in the Albanian Alps

Discover Valbona Valley: Hike through dramatic peaks, explore pristine wilderness, and immerse yourself in the heart of the Albanian Alps.

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Nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps, Valbona Valley National Park is a breathtaking escape into pristine wilderness. Known for its dramatic peaks, diverse flora and fauna, and the crystal-clear Valbona River, it's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

A brief summary to Valbona valley

  • CVGF+P67, AL

Local tips

  • Bring cash, as there are no ATMs in Valbona and credit cards are not widely accepted.
  • Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Pack for all types of weather, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
  • Check with local tourist offices for updated trail maps and information.
  • Consider visiting the Shala River, known as the 'Thailand of Albania,' before or after your trip to Valbona.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Tirana or Shkoder, take a minibus to Koman. The minibus from Tirana to Komani Lake is about €12. From Shkoder, the minibus to Koman leaves around 6:30 AM from Rozafa Hotel and costs about €8. From Koman, take the ferry to Fierza, which costs around €10 and takes 2.5-3 hours. From Fierza, minibuses wait to take you to Valbona for about €8. The whole journey from Tirana to Valbona costs about 30 euros.

  • Taxi

    From Bajram Curri, a taxi to Valbona costs approximately €2, but confirm the price before starting the journey. Taxis may also be available from Fierza after the ferry arrival, but prices should be negotiated.

  • Walking

    Within Valbona Valley, many guesthouses and trailheads are accessible by walking. From the main road, follow signs to your accommodation or the start of hiking trails. For example, the Valbona Waterfall trail is a 2 km walk from Rragam.

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Discover more about Valbona valley

Valbona Valley National Park, often called the 'Gem of Albania,' is a protected area encompassing 80 km² of the Albanian Alps. The valley boasts diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles. Historically, the valley has served as a cultural crossroads, with well-preserved traditions in its villages. The park's landscape features towering peaks, including Maja e Jezercës (2,694 m), the highest in the Albanian Alps. The Valbona River, with its turquoise waters, flows through the valley, adding to the scenic beauty. Karst topography, characterized by caves, springs, and sinkholes, is also prominent. Valbona offers numerous hiking trails for all experience levels. The most famous is the Valbona-Theth trail, a 15km path connecting Valbona with Theth National Park. Other popular hikes include Maja Rosit and the trail to the Jezerca Lakes. The park is generally best visited in the summer and winter.

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