The Albanian Alps, known locally as the "Accursed Mountains" (Bjeshkët e Namuna), offer some of Europe's most dramatic and least-visited mountain scenery. The villages of Theth and Valbona are the gateways to this wilderness.
Theth National Park
A remote village accessible only by a winding mountain road, Theth feels like stepping back in time:
- Traditional stone kulla (tower houses)
- The iconic Church of Theth
- Grunas Waterfall (a 30-minute hike)
- The Blue Eye of Theth (natural spring pool)
- Lock-in Tower (historic blood feud refuge)
Valbona Valley
On the eastern side of the mountains, Valbona offers:
- Stunning valley views
- Traditional guesthouses
- Access to hiking trails
- Connection to Kosovo via Bajram Curri
The Theth-Valbona Hike
The famous trail connecting these two valleys is one of Europe's great day hikes:
- Distance: 13 km
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highest point: Valbona Pass (1,795m)
Getting There
From Shkodra (2-3 hours from Tirana):
- Minibus to Theth (3 hours on rough road)
- Ferry across Lake Koman + minibus to Valbona
Best Time to Visit
June to September when the pass is snow-free. July and August are busiest. The villages are largely inaccessible in winter.
Accommodation
Both villages have family-run guesthouses offering:
- Simple but clean rooms
- Hearty home-cooked meals
- Genuine Albanian hospitality
- Prices around €25-40 per person including meals