7 Best Hikes in the Albanian Alps: Scenic Trails & Hidden Gems
If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking through untamed valleys, sipping mountain tea with locals, and feeling like you’ve discovered Europe’s best-kept secret—welcome to the Albanian Alps.
Also known as the Accursed Mountains (a dramatic name for a breathtaking region), this rugged corner of northern Albania is a paradise for hikers. Picture this: emerald rivers cutting through deep gorges, wildflower meadows beneath snow-dusted peaks, and ancient trails linking remote stone villages where time seems to stand still.
So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s explore 7 of the best hikes in the Albanian Alps—a mix of scenic trails and hidden gems that will make you fall in love with this wild Balkan beauty.
1. The Theth to Valbona Trail – The Classic Balkan Journey
If there’s one trail every traveler to the Albanian Alps should hike, it’s Theth to Valbona Pass. It’s not just a hike—it’s an experience that feels straight out of a travel film.
The trail connects two of Albania’s most beautiful valleys: Theth and Valbona. Both villages are surrounded by jagged limestone peaks, turquoise rivers, and charming guesthouses run by mountain families.
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Theth, you’ll pass through shady forests, climb rocky switchbacks, and reach the Valbona Pass (1,795 meters)—where the view will stop you in your tracks. From the top, both valleys stretch out like green carpets framed by white peaks.
If you start in Theth, reward yourself with a hearty lunch in Valbona village—perhaps a plate of mountain trout or homemade cheese. Many travelers even make it a two-day trip, spending a night in each valley.
Pro Tip:
To get to Theth, most hikers take a scenic ferry across Komani Lake—a journey that itself feels like a mini adventure.
2. The Blue Eye of Theth – A Short Hike to a Hidden Paradise
Imagine a deep turquoise pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks, fed by icy spring water bubbling straight from the mountains. That’s the Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kaltër)—a natural wonder that looks like it belongs in a fantasy movie.
Distance: 7 km round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail starts from Nderlysa, a small village accessible by car or on foot from Theth. The path follows a crystal-clear river, with wooden bridges and wildflowers guiding your way. When you finally reach the Blue Eye, the color of the water will leave you speechless.
Many hikers can’t resist dipping their feet in, though the water rarely gets warmer than 10°C (50°F)—a true mountain wake-up call!
Don’t Miss: Stop at the small café near the pool where you can sip homemade raki or herbal tea while soaking in the views.
3. Valbona to Maja e Rosit – A Trail to the Sky
For hikers craving a real challenge, Maja e Rosit (Mount Rosi) delivers adventure and reward in equal measure. Standing at 2,522 meters, it’s one of the tallest peaks accessible from Valbona Valley and offers panoramic views stretching across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
Distance: 20 km round trip
Duration: 8–10 hours
Difficulty: Hard
The trail begins at Rrogam village, winding through forests before turning into a steep alpine climb. The higher you go, the more breathtaking it becomes—think endless ridgelines and valleys bathed in golden light.
At the summit, you’ll feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. The views are wild, remote, and humbling—just pure mountain magic.
Tip:
Start early, bring plenty of water, and check weather forecasts. Even in summer, clouds can roll in fast.
4. Theth Waterfall (Grunas Waterfall) – Nature’s Masterpiece
Sometimes, the simplest hikes bring the biggest joy. The Grunas Waterfall is one of those trails—easy, quick, and absolutely worth it.
Distance: 4 km round trip
Duration: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
From the center of Theth village, the path meanders along the river, through pastures and over charming wooden bridges. Before long, you’ll hear the powerful rush of water and see the 30-meter-high waterfall cascading into a deep pool below.
It’s especially stunning in spring when snowmelt swells the flow. And because it’s a short trail, it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a scenic break without a full-day trek.
Bonus Stop: Visit the Theth Church nearby, a picturesque stone chapel with a backdrop of towering mountains—perfect for your postcard shot.
5. Valbona to Kukaj and Rama Peak – Hidden Gem Trail
Want something quieter and less touristy? The Kukaj and Rama Peak hike might just steal your heart. It’s a local favorite—less crowded, but equally stunning.
Distance: 12 km round trip
Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The trail starts from Valbona village and leads to Kukaj, a small, picturesque hamlet dotted with traditional stone houses. From there, you can continue to the grassy slopes of Rama Peak (1,800 m) for sweeping views over the Valbona Valley.
What makes this hike special is the tranquility—you might spot eagles soaring above or hear cowbells echoing across the valley. There are no crowds, just pure mountain peace.
Tip:
Pack snacks or grab a homemade lunch from a local guesthouse—many families in Kukaj sell fresh bread, cheese, and yogurt to hikers.
6. Lepushe to Taljanka Peak – Cross-Border Beauty
Technically straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro, the Lepushe to Taljanka Peak trail offers a rare chance to see two countries from one summit.
Distance: 14 km round trip
Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
You’ll begin in the village of Lepushe, one of the most beautiful settlements in northern Albania, surrounded by rolling green meadows. The trail climbs gradually to Taljanka Peak (2,056 m), rewarding hikers with panoramic views over both the Albanian and Montenegrin Alps.
On clear days, you can see as far as Prokletije National Park and the peaks of Montenegro’s Durmitor range.
Why It’s Special:
Few trails combine this much natural beauty and cultural crossover—pack your passport just in case you wander into Montenegro!
7. Kelmend Region Trails – Where Time Stands Still
The Kelmend region, tucked into Albania’s far north, is a hidden gem even within the Albanian Alps. The landscapes here are wild, dotted with limestone cliffs, chestnut forests, and tiny mountain villages like Tamara, Vermosh, and Selca.
There’s no single “best” trail—it’s a network of ancient footpaths used for centuries by shepherds and traders.
Distance: Varies (5–20 km depending on route)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Popular routes include:
- Vermosh to Lëpushë: A peaceful valley walk between two of Albania’s most scenic villages.
- Selca Loop Trail: A circular route offering stunning views of the Cem River Canyon.
The beauty of Kelmend lies in its authenticity. You’ll meet locals who still live traditional mountain lifestyles, serving guests homemade honey, cheese, and wild berry jams.
Don’t Miss:
Visit Tamara village for a drink at a riverside café and watch the mountains glow pink at sunset—it’s a scene straight from a dream.
Tips for Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Before you lace up your boots, here are a few quick tips to make your adventure even smoother:
- Best Time to Visit:
June to September offers the best weather and accessibility. Earlier or later in the year, some passes may still have snow. - Accommodation:
Stay in family-run guesthouses—they’re cozy, affordable, and include delicious home-cooked meals. - Trail Markings:
Most popular trails are marked, but bring an offline map (Maps.me or AllTrails) just in case. - Local Currency:
Bring some cash in lekë. ATMs are limited in mountain villages. - Respect Nature:
The Albanian Alps are pristine—let’s keep them that way. Pack out all your trash, and tread lightly.
Why the Albanian Alps Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
Let’s be honest—when most travelers think “Alps,” they picture Switzerland or Austria. But the Albanian Alps offer something far more raw and intimate. It’s where you can hike all day and meet only a handful of people, where hospitality is heartfelt, and where nature still feels untouched.
Each step here feels like an invitation—to slow down, to breathe, to rediscover adventure. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or tranquility, the trails of Theth, Valbona, and Kelmend will reward you with something rare: the feeling of discovery.
So, when you plan your next European escape, skip the crowds and head for the mountains that time forgot. The Albanian Alps are calling—and trust me, once you answer, you’ll never forget their voice.
🌄 Final Thoughts
The 7 hikes above are just the beginning. The Albanian Alps are vast, mysterious, and still largely unexplored by mass tourism. Every valley hides another trail, another waterfall, another panoramic ridge waiting to be discovered.
So go ahead—lace up, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and let the trails lead you to places your heart will remember long after your boots are dusty.
