Valbona Valley National Park.

Why Visit Valbona?

Valbona remains one of the least disturbed ecosystems in Europe. The valley is home to brown bears, wolves, lynx, and golden eagles. It is the perfect destination for those who want to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in high-altitude wilderness. It is also the starting point (or ending point) for the legendary hike across the Valbona Pass to Theth, making it a crucial stop on any comprehensive Albanian Alps itinerary.

Top Things to Do in Valbona

• Hike the Valbona to Theth Pass: The most famous trek in Albania. The 17-kilometer trail takes you out of the Valbona Valley, up a steep ascent to the 1,795-meter Valbona Pass, and down into the village of Theth.
• Trek to Maja Jezercë or Maja e Rosit: For advanced mountaineers, Valbona is the ultimate base camp. Maja e Rosit (2,524m) is a challenging but non-technical hike. Maja Jezercë (2,694m) is highly technical and should only be attempted by experienced alpine climbers.
• Explore the Xhema Lake: A short, easy walk brings you to this small, hidden karst lake surrounded by dense beech forest.
• Walk the Valbona Riverbed: In summer, parts of the river dry up, leaving a massive, bright white expanse of river stones.

How to Get to Valbona

The most popular way involves an epic boat journey. From Shkoder, take a minibus to the Koman Ferry Terminal, then a 2.5-hour car ferry ride across Komani Lake to Fierza. From Fierza, a 45-minute minibus ride takes you through Bajram Curri and up into the Valbona Valley.

Landmarks in Valbona

Valbona Pass Qafa e Valbonës

The 1,800 m crossing to Theth, once the only mule trail between the two valleys. A 15 km hike, 6 to 8 hours.

Alpine meadows

Wildflower valley floors along the lower trail, before the climb toward the pass.

Kukaj

A remote highland hamlet in the upper valley.

Dragobia

A river gorge with a partisan-era cave, near the valley entrance.