Valbona Valley National Park: A Hiker's Paradise in the Albanian Alps
Discover the untouched beauty of Valbona Valley National Park in the Albanian Alps: hiking, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Valbona Valley National Park, nestled in the Albanian Alps, is a haven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. With its dramatic mountain scenery, lush valleys, and pristine rivers, the park offers a tranquil escape and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Accursed Mountains. Established in 1996, the park protects a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the brown bear, wolf, and lynx.
A brief summary to Valbona Valley National Park
- 8706, AL
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- The best time to visit Valbona is from May to October, when the weather is sunny and dry, ideal for hiking.
- Bring sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and layers of clothing, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
- Consider storing your luggage in Shkoder if you're planning to hike to Theth to avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
- Check the weather forecast and trail conditions with locals before embarking on any hikes.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Valbona Valley National Park via public transport, begin by taking a bus from Tirana or Shkoder to Koman. From Shkoder, the minibus to Koman typically leaves around 6:30 AM from Rozafa Hotel. From Tirana, the bus departs around 5:00 AM. The bus trip from Tirana to Komani Lake costs approximately 15 euros. At Koman, transfer to the Koman Lake Ferry, which departs at 9:00 AM. The ferry trip to Fierze costs around 7 euros per person and takes approximately 3 hours. If you are traveling with a car, you may take the car onboard, costing approximately 30-40 Euro for a standard 5-seater vehicle. It is recommended to reserve your place for the car at least 1 week in advance during the high season (June – September). Upon arrival in Fierze, minibuses will be waiting to take you to Valbona. This final leg of the journey costs approximately 7 euros per person. The ride takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Car
To reach Valbona Valley National Park by car, the fastest route from Tirana is via the highway to Kukës, Gjakovë in Kosovo, and the Qafa e Morinës border crossing. Alternatively, you can take a narrow, winding road from Kukës via Krumë. From Puka, head southeast on SH21 for about 25 kilometers. After reaching the junction near Bajram Curri, take the left onto SH24. Continue on SH24 for approximately 30 kilometers until you reach the Valbona Valley National Park entrance. Be sure to have cash on hand as there might be a small entrance fee to access the park. Expect to drive for at least three and a half hours from Tirana to Koman due to the terrible road in the final stretch. Parking is available at Hotel Fusha e Gjese Rragam, near the start of the Valbona-Theth trail.
Discover more about Valbona Valley National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Guesthouse Mehmeti
3.8 km
Experience Albanian hospitality in the heart of the Alps. Guesthouse Mehmeti: Your gateway to Valbonë Valley's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Guesthouse Arben Selimaj
4.0 km
Experience Albanian hospitality in Bajram Curri, gateway to the Alps. Cozy guesthouse with stunning views & local charm awaits!
Bujtina Albjoni
4.0 km
Experience Albanian hospitality amidst stunning mountain scenery at Bujtina Albjoni, your gateway to the Valbona Valley National Park.
Bujtina Arturi
4.0 km
Experience Albanian hospitality in the heart of Valbonë Valley, with stunning views and easy access to hiking trails.
Centerpark Valbona
4.1 km
Escape to Centerpark Valbona in the Albanian Alps: Cozy cabins, stunning views, and endless outdoor adventures await in Valbona Valley National Park.
Bujtina Malaj
4.2 km
Experience Albanian hospitality in the heart of the Alps at Bujtina Malaj, your gateway to Valbona Valley National Park's stunning beauty.
Maja e Thatë
6.6 km
Hike or climb Maja e Thatë for stunning views of Valbona Valley National Park, Albania, a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
Altin Ismailisufi
8.2 km
Experience Albanian hospitality at Altin Ismailisufi Guest House, a serene retreat in the heart of Çerem, surrounded by the Albanian Alps.
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8.9 km
Explore the breathtaking mountain pass in Albania, a hidden gem perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering stunning vistas and outdoor activities.
Guest House "Vucetaj"
12.7 km
Discover tranquility and local charm at Guest House Vucetaj, your perfect escape in the heart of Montenegro's natural beauty.
Gërla waterfall
12.8 km
Experience the breathtaking Gërla Waterfall in Vusanje, Montenegro, a serene nature preserve perfect for hiking and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
Grlja Canyon
12.8 km
Explore Grlja Canyon in Montenegro - A breathtaking natural attraction with stunning views, rich biodiversity, and thrilling outdoor adventures await.
Theth National Park
13.0 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Theth National Park, a natural gem in the heart of Albania's Albanian Alps.
theth, albania
13.2 km
Discover Theth, Albania: A hidden gem in the Albanian Alps, offering stunning scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable hiking experiences.
Chestnut Hill - Kodra e Geshtenjave
13.3 km
Discover Chestnut Hill (Kodra e Geshtenjave): A scenic Albanian Alps retreat with chestnut-infused cuisine and adventurous activities.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hotel Valbona- Tourism Development and Info Center
3.9 km
Explore the breathtaking Albanian Alps with a stay at Hotel Valbona – where comfort meets local culture and adventure awaits.
Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës
3.9 km
Explore the enchanting Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës, a historic watermill surrounded by stunning landscapes, rich culture, and authentic Albanian experiences.
Bunkers of Valbona
4.1 km
Discover the Bunkers of Valbona: a fascinating glimpse into Albania's Cold War history set against breathtaking mountain scenery.
Valbona valley
4.1 km
Explore Valbona Valley: A Stunning Albanian Alpine Paradise for Nature Lovers and Adventurers.
Valbonë
4.2 km
Discover Valbonë, Albania: A pristine alpine getaway with stunning scenery, hiking trails, and traditional hospitality in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Valbona valley river
4.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Valbona Valley River, a hidden gem in the Albanian Alps perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Panoramic view on the valley Valbone
6.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Albanian Alps from this easily accessible viewpoint in the heart of Valbone Valley National Park.
Valbona - Theth Hiking Trail
6.7 km
Experience the breathtaking Valbona - Theth Hiking Trail, where stunning landscapes and rich culture come together in the heart of Albania's Albanian Alps.
Zla Kolata
7.0 km
Experience breathtaking views and adventurous hiking at Zla Kolata, a must-visit peak in the Albanian Alps for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Valbonë River
7.3 km
Valbonë River: An idyllic oasis of tranquility in the heart of the Albanian Alps, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Ujëvara e Rrogamit - Rrogami Waterfall
8.4 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Ujëvara e Rrogamit, a hidden waterfall in the Albanian Alps, offering a serene escape and stunning natural vistas.
Valbonë-Teth viewpoint peak
9.2 km
Hike to Valbonë-Teth Viewpoint Peak for panoramic vistas of the Albanian Alps, where nature's beauty meets cultural richness.
Maja Jezercë
9.4 km
Explore the breathtaking Maja Jezercë, the highest peak in Albania, offering stunning views and challenging hikes in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Valbona Pass
9.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Valbona Pass, a hiker's dream in the heart of the Albanian Alps, perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Prokletije
9.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Prokletije, Albania's hidden gem, where adventure awaits amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Relax Valbona Hotel Restaurant
3.6 km
Discover authentic Albanian flavors in a serene riverside setting at Relax Valbona Hotel Restaurant.
Hotel Rilindja
3.8 km
Discover comfort and charm at Hotel Rilindja in Albania - your perfect getaway surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Guest House - Restaurant - Hotel NATYRA
3.9 km
Experience authentic Albanian hospitality at Guest House - Restaurant - Hotel Natyra amidst breathtaking mountain views in Valbone.
Villa Dini
3.9 km
Discover tranquility at Villa Dini in Valbona Valley - your perfect guest house retreat amidst Albania's stunning landscapes.
Bujtina Izet Selimaj (Restaurant)
4.0 km
Discover authentic Albanian cuisine at Bujtina Izet Selimaj while enjoying stunning views of Valbona Valley's majestic mountains.
Guesthouse Drinos Valbonë
4.0 km
Experience authentic Albanian hospitality at Guesthouse Drinos Valbonë amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
Cabins of Valbone
4.1 km
Experience serenity at the Cabins of Valbone, where rustic charm meets breathtaking views in Albania's pristine wilderness.
Hotel & Restaurant Breezy
4.1 km
Discover comfort and culinary delights at Hotel & Restaurant Breezy in Valbonë – where stunning nature meets authentic Albanian hospitality.
Center Park Valbona Bujtina Restaurant & Coffee
4.1 km
Experience authentic Albanian cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at Center Park Valbona Bujtina Restaurant & Coffee in Valbonë.
Restaurant Tradita
4.1 km
Discover authentic Albanian flavors at Restaurant Tradita in Valbonë - where tradition meets taste amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Bar Restorant Valbona Dritan Selimaj
4.1 km
Discover traditional Albanian flavors at Bar Restorant Valbona Dritan Selimaj, where culinary excellence meets breathtaking mountain views.
Valbona Resort and Spa
4.1 km
Experience luxury amidst breathtaking landscapes at Valbona Resort and Spa in Albania's stunning Valbona Valley.
Guesthouse Kol Gjoni
4.3 km
Experience the tranquility of Northern Albania at Guesthouse Kol Gjoni - your perfect retreat amidst stunning landscapes.
Hotel Margjeka
4.3 km
Discover tranquility at Hotel Margjeka in Albania, where stunning views of Valbona Valley meet warm hospitality and comfort.
Hotel Fusha e Gjesë Rragam
4.6 km
Experience serene comfort at Hotel Fusha e Gjesë Rragam in Valbonë, Albania – your gateway to adventure in the stunning Albanian Alps.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Valbona
4.1 km
Explore Valbona's vibrant supermarket, where local flavors and essentials meet the charm of Albanian hospitality.
Shepherd's Rest Mountain Coffee and Tea House
10.2 km
Experience the beauty of Vusanje at Shepherd's Rest Mountain Coffee and Tea House, a perfect blend of nature, coffee, and tranquility.
Theth
11.5 km
Explore Theth, Albania's breathtaking hiking area, where nature's beauty and rich culture converge in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Kulla e Ngujimit
12.6 km
Discover Kulla e Ngujimit, a charming cafeteria in Thethi, Albania, where stunning mountain views and local flavors await every traveler.
Mini Market Jezerca
13.0 km
Explore the heart of Theth at Mini Market Jezerca - your local hub for fresh goods and authentic Albanian culture amidst stunning landscapes.
petrol Station
13.0 km
Explore the Albanian Alps: Fuel up in Theth for an unforgettable adventure in nature's paradise.
2A Cafe
14.2 km
Discover the cozy charm of 2A Cafe in Bajram Curri, where delicious coffee and refreshing beers await in a friendly atmosphere.
Minimarket
14.2 km
Discover authentic Albanian flavors and local produce at Minimarket in Bajram Curri, your go-to grocery store for fresh delights.
Rroba Angleze Emily
14.2 km
Explore stylish apparel and local craftsmanship at Rroba Angleze Emily, a trendy clothing store in Bajram Curri, Albania.
Mobile Shop ADi
14.2 km
Mobile Shop ADi in Bajram Curri offers expert phone repairs and quality accessories to keep you connected during your travels.
Murataj Bakery
14.2 km
Discover the authentic taste of Albania at Murataj Bakery in Bajram Curri, where tradition meets flavor in every bite of freshly baked goodness.
Shop Tropoje
14.2 km
Discover authentic Albanian flavors and local products at Shop Tropoje in Bajram Curri, a must-visit grocery store for tourists.
G&J Hajdarmataj
14.3 km
Discover the essence of Albanian cuisine at G&J Hajdarmataj, a beloved grocery store in Bajram Curri offering local flavors and fresh ingredients.
Ballkoni Luleve
14.3 km
Explore the enchanting Ballkoni Luleve for authentic Albanian souvenirs, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and local artistry in the heart of Bajram Curri.
Bar caffe Dardania
14.3 km
Experience the sweet flavors of Bar Caffe Dardania, the premier ice cream destination in Bajram Curri, Albania, offering delightful treats in a cozy atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar & guesthouse
4.0 km
Experience the charm of Dragobi at this inviting bar and guesthouse, where local culture and warm hospitality meet in a breathtaking setting.
Bar & Guesthouse “Metaliaj”
4.0 km
Discover the enchanting Bar & Guesthouse Metaliaj in Dragobi, Albania – a perfect blend of local charm, stunning views, and delightful beverages.
Riverside Valbone
4.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Riverside Valbone, where nature meets comfort in the heart of Albania's stunning landscapes.
Bar-Camping
7.3 km
Discover the charm of Bar-Camping in Gjelaj-Rrogam, a unique blend of outdoor adventure and refreshing local drinks in Albania's stunning landscapes.
Bar&Restaurant Emanueli
7.7 km
Discover the flavors of Albania at Bar&Restaurant Emanueli, a culinary treasure in Rragam offering local dishes in a cozy setting.
Bar Kafe Gjoka
12.0 km
Discover the charm of Gjelaj at Bar Kafe Gjoka, where refreshing drinks and stunning views create the perfect escape in Albania.
Bar&Grill & Music Waterfall
12.5 km
Experience the fusion of flavors and melodies at Bar&Grill & Music Waterfall, where every meal is a celebration amidst nature's beauty.
IBC Legata
12.5 km
Experience the charm of IBC Legata, a serene bar in the breathtaking landscapes of Fushe - Thethi, Albania, perfect for relaxation and local flavors.
Bar kafe kodra e lterit
13.0 km
Relax in the serene surroundings of Bar Kafe Kodra e Lterit in Theth, Albania, where stunning views and local charm meet.
Oda Lounge Bar
14.1 km
Discover Oda Lounge Bar in Bajram Curri, Albania - a vibrant cafe offering a delightful menu in a lively atmosphere.
Snow Bar Shisha & Lounge
14.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Snow Bar Shisha & Lounge in Bajram Curri, Albania, where relaxation meets local culture in a perfect blend.
MADO Lounge Tropoja
14.2 km
Experience the essence of Bajram Curri at MADO Lounge Tropoja, where relaxation meets local flavor in a vibrant atmosphere.
Bar Caffe Jehoni
14.2 km
Discover the charm of Bar Caffe Jehoni in Bajram Curri, where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
Bar tropoja
14.3 km
Discover the charm of Bar Tropoja in Bajram Curri, where local drinks and stunning views create an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Bar Valbona
14.4 km
Discover the lively ambiance of Bar Valbona in Bajram Curri, a perfect spot for enjoying local drinks and mingling with friendly locals.
