Shala River Trip
Komani Lake: Albania's Hidden Gem
Komani Lake: Albania's Hidden Gem
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Komani Lake, Albania: a hidden paradise of stunning scenery and serene boat tours through dramatic canyons.
Komani Lake, a man-made reservoir created in the 1980s, offers a breathtaking journey through narrow canyons and verdant mountains in Northern Albania. Often compared to Norwegian fjords, it provides a unique and serene escape into the wild heart of the Albanian Alps.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Shala River Trip
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
7 am-9 pm
Tuesday
7 am-9 pm
Wednesday
7 am-9 pm
Thursday
7 am-9 pm
Friday
7 am-9 pm
Saturday
7 am-9 pm
Sunday
7 am-9 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Shkoder, take a minibus to Koman. The minibus departs at 6:30 AM and costs €7. You can book a ticket online through the Komani Lake Ferry website, indicating you need a minibus from Shkoder. The minibus can pick you up from your accommodation. From Tirana, a bus leaves at 5:00 AM from Gazheli Petrol Station, costing €12. This bus will drop you off in Koman before 9:00 AM. Make sure to book in advance.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Shkoder or Tirana. A taxi from Shkoder to Koman costs around €70, while from Tirana, it's approximately €150. Ensure the taxi is booked in advance.
Ferry
Once in Koman, board a ferry to Fierze. Several ferry companies operate, including Berisha, Rozafa, and Alpin. Passenger tickets cost around €10-€15. Check the latest timetables as they can be seasonal. You can buy tickets online or in Koman. If you are taking a car, prices vary depending on the company and size of the vehicle. Online booking is recommended.
Local tips
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Bring warm clothes, as the ferry ride can be chilly, especially in the early morning.
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Pack snacks and drinks since the options on the ferry may be limited.
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Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially if traveling with a vehicle, to secure your spot.
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Bring cash, as card payments are not widely accepted in the area.
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Consider booking a tour that combines Lake Komani and Shala River for a seamless experience.
Discover more about Shala River Trip
Lake Komani, an artificial lake formed in 1979, is one of Europe's highest dams of its kind. This hidden gem is located in Northern Albania, near Shkoder and Valbona Valley National Park. The lake was created when a hydroelectric power station was built on the Drin River.
Cruising through the narrow canyons and past towering mountains with crystal-clear waters is a photographer's dream. The lake stretches over 34 km. The Drin River, which feeds into Lake Komani, is formed by the Black Drin and White Drin rivers. The Shala and Valbona rivers' crystalline waters meet in Lake Komani.
Visitors can take a ferry ride that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours through stunning landscapes. The ferry was originally used to transport locals and goods. The lake provides access to the Albanian Alps, with mountain peaks over 2,000 meters high. You can also explore the Shala River, known as the "Thailand of Albania," with its turquoise waters.
A brief summary to Shala River Trip
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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