Valbona Valley National Park: A Balkan Gem
Discover the untouched beauty of Valbona Valley National Park in the Albanian Alps: Majestic peaks, pristine meadows, and thrilling hiking trails await!
Nestled in the Albanian Alps, Valbona Valley National Park is a pristine landscape of towering peaks, verdant meadows, and the crystalline Valbona River, offering a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With well-marked trails, traditional guesthouses, and breathtaking scenery, it's a must-visit destination in the Western Balkans.
A brief summary to Valbona Valley National Park
- 8706, AL
Local tips
- Visit during spring or early autumn for the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the uneven terrain comfortably.
- Pack layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Check the latest trail conditions with locals before embarking on a hike.
- Bring cash, as many local establishments do not accept credit cards.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Tirana, take a bus to Shkoder (approx. €3.50). Then, a minibus from Shkoder to Koman Lake (part of a combined ticket) departs around 6:30 AM. A ferry across Koman Lake (€7 per person, €30-40 per car) takes about 3 hours. Finally, a minibus from Fierza to Valbona costs around €7 per person. Check schedules in advance as they can be inconsistent.
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Car
From Tirana, drive to Koman (approx. 4 hours), then take the car ferry to Fierza. From Fierza, follow SH24 for about 30 km to Valbona Valley National Park entrance. Parking is available near Hotel Fusha e Gjesë. Parking was free as of Fall 2022, but it's always good to confirm locally. Be prepared for a bumpy ride on the final leg.
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Walking
From the center of Valbona village, the Valbona-Theth trail begins near Hotel Fusha e Gjesë Rragam. Follow the path to the right, marked with red and white trail markers. The hike to the pass takes about 3-4 hours. Ensure you have appropriate hiking gear and check weather conditions.
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.
Bunkers of Valbona
4.2 km
Explore Albania's communist past amidst the stunning scenery of Valbona Valley National Park.
Valbona valley river
4.3 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Valbona Valley River in the Albanian Alps: crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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.
Valbona - Theth Hiking Trail
6.7 km
Experience Albania's stunning natural landscapes on the Valbona-Theth Hiking Trail, a moderate trek through the Accursed Mountains connecting picturesque villages.
Zla Kolata
7.0 km
Explore Zla Kolata, Montenegro's highest peak, for breathtaking views and thrilling hiking adventures in the stunning Prokletije mountain range.
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.
Valbona Pass
9.4 km
Hike through the heart of the Albanian Alps, crossing dramatic mountain passes and offering breathtaking views every step of the way.
Prokletije
9.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Prokletije in Albania, where majestic peaks and rich biodiversity await adventurous travelers.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës
3.9 km
Explore the enchanting Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës, a stunning historic mill in the Albanian Alps, offering breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage.
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
4.3 km
Discover the untouched beauty of Valbona Valley in the Albanian Alps: Majestic peaks, pristine rivers, and unforgettable hiking adventures await.
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.
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.
National Park Prokletije
11.8 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of National Park Prokletije, Montenegro's untouched natural paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.
Waterfall Grunas - Theth
11.9 km
Discover the breathtaking Grunas Waterfall in Theth National Park, a natural monument offering a refreshing escape in the Albanian Alps.
Ropojana valley
11.9 km
Explore Ropojana Valley: A breathtaking escape into Montenegro's natural beauty, perfect for hiking and tranquil moments.
Kaskada e Grunasit
12.0 km
Discover Kaskada e Grunasit, a stunning waterfall in Theth National Park, offering a refreshing escape into Albania's breathtaking landscapes.
Theth valley viewpoint
12.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Albanian Alps from the Theth Valley Viewpoint, a must-see destination in Theth National Park.
Oko Skakavice
12.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of Oko Skakavice, a picturesque reservoir in Montenegro, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Oko Skakavice 'The Eye'
12.1 km
Discover Oko Skakavice: The Eye of Montenegro, a stunning turquoise lake nestled in Prokletije National Park, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Bujtina Polia
12.6 km
Experience the beauty of Theth at Bujtina Polia, a perfect blend of comfort, local culture, and adventure in the Albanian Alps.
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
Hotel Valbona- Tourism Development and Info Center
3.9 km
Experience the serene beauty of Valbonë at Hotel Valbona, your gateway to adventure and local insights in Albania's stunning landscapes.
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.
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.
AnnA Market 12
14.1 km
Explore AnnA Market in Bajram Curri – your one-stop supermarket for fresh produce, local snacks, and everyday essentials in Albania.
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.
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.
