Syri i Kaltër (The Blue Eye) of Theth
Discover the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Theth's Blue Eye, a natural spring nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps. A must-see!
Nestled within Theth National Park, approximately 7 km from the center of Theth Valley, lies Syri i Kaltër, translated as the Blue Eye. This natural wonder is a spring with a depth of 3 to 5 meters, formed by the Lumi i Zi (Black River) that descends from Kaprre. The pool's mesmerizing blue and emerald hues shift with the seasons, creating a captivating spectacle for visitors. The Black River originates from Maja e Zeze (Black Peak) and is primarily fed by melting snow. It merges with the Lumi i Shala in Nderlysa before flowing into the Drin River at Komani Lake. The surrounding landscape features rocky slopes and verdant vegetation, adding to the allure of this natural attraction. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the cold waters or simply relax on the surrounding rocks, taking in the scenery. A wooden platform has also been constructed above the Blue Eye, offering an enhanced view of the waterfall and the depths of the pool. The best time to visit the Blue Eye is between June and October.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain to the Blue Eye can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring cash, as there are no ATMs or card payment facilities in Theth.
- Visit during the summer months (June-September) for the best weather and trail conditions.
- Download offline maps as mobile signal can be weak in the area.
A brief summary to Syri Kaltër
- 9P7W+PQH, Theth, 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
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Theth, the Blue Eye is approximately a 3.5-hour hike. Follow the road for 5 km towards Nderlysa, a route that winds alongside the river. Once in Nderlysa, cross the bridge and follow the well-marked trail for about 40 minutes to reach the Blue Eye. The initial part of the trail from Nderlysa involves some uphill climbing, but the latter half is a more leisurely walk through a beech forest. Keep an eye out for the Stone Baths of Nderlysa, a series of pink-hued rock pools and waterfalls formed by river erosion.
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Taxi/Car
You can hire a local driver in Theth to take you to Nderlysaj, which is about a 20-minute drive. Expect to pay around 5,000 Lek (approximately 50 Euros) for a round trip, including waiting time. From Nderlysaj, it's a 40-50 minute hike to the Blue Eye. Note that the road from Theth to Nderlysaj is a rural, unpaved road.
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Public Transport
To reach Theth, take a bus from Shkodër. Buses depart from Hotel Rozafa in Shkoder at 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM. A one-way ticket costs 12 EUR per person. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and the bus will drop you off at Mini Market Jezerca in Theth. From Theth, you can then hike or hire a taxi to reach the Blue Eye.
