If you’re a hiking enthusiast like we are then you won’t want to miss a trip to Valbona and Theth National Parks.
Valbona National Park
No entrance fee required. Pack it in, Pack it out.
Valbona National Park, located in Valbona, Albania, is a breathtaking natural paradise nestled in the Albanian Alps. Covering an area of approximately 8,000 hectares, the park is renowned for its pristine beauty, rugged landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. It is considered one of the crown jewels of Albania’s protected areas.
The park’s most prominent feature is the Valbona River, which cuts through the dramatic Valbona Valley, flanked by towering mountains on either side. The lush vegetation, crystal-clear waters, and soaring peaks create a picturesque setting that attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers from around the world.
The park offers an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, allowing visitors to explore its stunning landscapes. The most popular trek is the Valbona to Theth hike, which takes hikers on a scenic journey through valleys, alpine meadows, and picturesque hamlets. Here, you will find access and meet thru-hikers who are on their way to trek the famous “Peaks of the Balkans” Loop trail spanning 192 kilometers over 3 countries.
The local surrounding communities embrace traditional mountain life, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality and unique cultural heritage of the region. Traditional guesthouses offer comfortable accommodations and authentic Albanian cuisine, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local way of life.
We were speechless when we arrived in Valbona as the surrounding mountains welcomed us off our bus and into their valley. It felt a lot like the alps that span Switzerland which made my Swiss genes jump with excitement. Even the cows were grazing to the beat of the metal bells clanging around their necks. We hope you enjoy this amazing national park are as much as we did.
When to Visit?
From personal experience I recommend planning your trip to Valbona and Theth National Parks in the month of June as this is fringe season before high season starts. Most of the snow on the trails has melted away making for much safer trekking. You will also find less tourists and hikers during May and June as well. However, if you can’t make it in June then others have recommended visiting between May to September. These months will offer less rain and better weather.
Of note: July and August are recorded as the hottest months reaching almost 85 degrees F. For many this doesn’t sound hot but when you are fully exposed to the sun in higher elevation 85 degrees quickly feels like 95 – 100 F. Also, keep in mind that the “summer” trail from Valbona – Theth does not open until June 1st. There is a “winter trail” that is not very well known so it is best if you ask a local guide to assist you with navigation. (2 younger women died 1 month before we hiked here due to poor trail conditions and high risk of avalanche)
Hiking Trails in Valbona
1. Maja Rosit
- Distance: 12.1 miles (Out & Back)
- Total Elevation Gain: 5,606 ft
- Difficulty: Hard (Steep)
- Time of Year: June – September
- Extra: Trail crosses over to Montenegro. There is a coffee bar half way up the trail so bring some cash. Must bring your own water as there is no where to fill up.
- Best Free App for trail: AllTrails or Maps.Me
2. Valbone > Theth
- Distance: 8.6 miles (One Way)
- Total Elevation Gain: 2,562 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start Time: 7:30am (I’d recommend starting before 8am so you miss the chances of afternoon rain/thunder storms that could create a dangerous and slippery trail)
- Time of Year: June – September
- Extra: Multiple Cafes along the way especially at the start of the hike if you need some coffee, soda, beer, water, etc. so bring some cash. This is a thru-hike so be ready to either carry all of your belongings with you, leaving some of your stuff back in Shkoder, OR hiring a horse to carry your stuff to Theth. (We left most of our belongings in Shkoder and just brought a few changes of clothes, snacks, camelback)
- Recommended: Hiking poles (especially for the descent as some parts of steep and hard on the knees) comfortable/supportive hiking shoes (We love our Salomons), SNACKS (you will get hungry), rain poncho/jacket, hat, sunscreen, at least 2-3 liters of water.
- Best Free App for trail: AllTrails or Maps.Me
Theth National Park
Theth National Park is a captivating natural gem located in the heart of the Albanian Alps, specifically in the village of Theth. Spanning an area of around 2,630 hectares, the park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, and pristine wilderness. It is considered one of Albania’s most cherished protected areas.
The park’s centerpiece is the enchanting Theth Valley, which features dramatic peaks, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and lush vegetation. This picturesque setting offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers.
Theth is also known for its traditional stone houses, known as “kulla,” which provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can stay in guesthouses and enjoy local hospitality, traditional cuisine, and cultural activities.
Hiking Trails in Theth
1. Theth > Valbona
- Distance: 8.6 miles (One Way)
- Total Elevation Gain: 2,562 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start Time: 6:30 – 7:00 am (I’d recommend starting before 8am so you miss the chances of afternoon rain/thunder storms that could create a dangerous and slippery trail)
- Time of Year: June – September
- Extra: This was has a steeper incline than going the opposite direction but a much more gradual decline. There is one cafe along the way (about 1-1.5 hours from the start of the hike) if you need some coffee, soda, beer, water, etc. so bring some cash. This is a thru-hike so be ready to either carry all of your belongings with you, leaving some of your stuff back in Shkoder, OR hiring a horse to carry your stuff to Valbona. (We left most of our belongings in Shkoder and just brought a few changes of clothes, snacks, camelback)
- Recommended: Hiking poles (especially for the descent as some parts of steep and hard on the knees) comfortable/supportive hiking shoes (We love our Salomons), SNACKS (you will get hungry), rain poncho/jacket, hat, sunscreen, at least 2-3 liters of water.
- Best Free App for trail: AllTrails or Maps.Me
2. Hiking to Waterfall Theth (Granasi)
- Distance: about 3.8miles/6.2km
- Difficulty: easy – moderate
- Start time: before 9am
- Time of Year: May – September
- Extra: Easy to moderate trail starting from the town center and going south. Trail is pretty easy to follow on AllTrails or Maps.Me (Just make sure your blue dot is following the black trail lines) Beautiful waterfall and stunning flowers, trees, and views on the way. This trail can be combined with the “blue eye” trail as it is on the way.
- Swimming? Probably not. Depending on the season there may not be enough water to swim in. Also…the water is FREEZING! This is no exaggeration as it is runoff from snowmelt in the mountains! We normally swim in most bodies of water but this one gave my feet headaches within a few seconds.
- Recommended: Comfortable hiking shoes, sunglasses, hat, water (at least 2 Liters), snacks
3. Hiking from Theth > The Blue Eye
- Distance: about 10miles/17km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start time: before 7am
- Time of Year: May – September
- Amount of Time: 6-7 hours (Total)
- Extra: This hike is gorgeous and so worth the long day of hiking!
Trail starts from the town center and goes south. Trail is pretty easy to follow on AllTrails or Maps.Me (Just make sure your blue dot is following the black trail lines) Gorgeous hike along the LEFT side of the Theth river with beautiful flowers, trees, and views on the way. If you don’t mind adding an extra 3-4 miles you can combine this hike with the Theth Waterfall Hike (above) as it is on the way. I recommend you start early as the last few miles of the hike does not have much tree coverage and early bird gets the Blue Eye with less people! - Swimming? Yes, BUT it is FREEZING, so make sure you slowly enter the water so that you don’t shock your system especially being EXTRA hot from hiking 5-7 miles.
- Recommended: Comfortable hiking shoes, sunglasses, hat, water (at least 2 Liters), snacks, rain jacket,
4. Peaks of the Balkans
The MEGA Hike of the Balkans!!!
- Length of Complete Circuit: 119miles/192 km through Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo.
- Total days to complete circuit: 10-13 days depending on skill level.
- More Information? Visit Peaks of the Balkans website for detailed information about this hike and what to expect. Before you go make sure to research any visas or special permission needed as you will be hiking through 3 different countries.
Unfortunately we were not able to hike this trail as we had just learned about it during our thru-hike from Valbona to Theth. We will DEFINITELY have to return to complete this hike as it looks incredible!
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly B&B: Kulla e Sadri Lukes B&B. Maria, the host, is the Albanian grandma you never had. She doesn’t speak much English but makes the most out of it! If there is a lot of guests in the house you may even get lucky and experience a roasted sheep for dinner! It was delicious! Great breakfast (included) and dinner (reasonable price)! It is a little far from the main “town” of Theth which is the only downside BUT it is definitely work the extra 1.5 miles.
- More options: Theth has LOTS of accommodation options! From camping, airbnb, hotels, hostels, B&B, fancy hotels. Most everyone living there has turned their houses into rooms to rent or fields to park your camping set-up in for a small price. We used Booking.com to find our B&B so we could also read reviews ahead of time.
Happy Hiking and Enjoy the Beautiful Albanian Alps!
Comment below for any recommendations/questions/comments.