About Albanian Alps

The Albanian Alps (Alpet Shqiptare), also known as the Accursed Mountains, form the rugged northern frontier where Albania meets Montenegro and Kosovo. This limestone massif contains some of the most affordable alpine trekking in Europe — the iconic Theth-to-Valbona hike crosses the Valbona Pass (1 795 m) through beech and pine forests, while the 192 km Peaks of the Balkans trail circuits through three countries. Theth village anchors the western side with its stone kulla (defensive tower houses), the Grunas Waterfall, and the Blue Eye of Theth (a frigid mountain spring). Valbona Valley on the eastern side offers wide glacial meadows beneath peaks exceeding 2 500 m. The region supports brown bears, wolves, and lynx, and traditional guesthouses serve farm-to-table meals for €10–15. The hiking season runs June through September; outside these months, snow covers the high passes. Infrastructure has improved significantly since 2020, with new asphalt roads connecting Theth to Shkodra (2.5 hours).