Theth National Park — Attraction in Shkodër Municipality

Theth National Park, nestled in the rugged beauty of the Albanian Alps, is a true hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. I have visited this pristine wilderness, and I must say that Theth left an indelible mark on my heart.

The park's lush, untouched landscapes offer a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities. Hiking through the Valbona Pass, the park's crown jewel, one can be treated to spectacular vistas of emerald-green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains. The trails are well-marked and cater to a range of skill levels, making it accessible to both seasoned trekkers and novice hikers like myself.

One of the highlights when visiting Theth is the Blue Eye, a mesmerizing natural spring with crystal-clear, turquoise water. The sound of running water and the sight of the surrounding forest create a sense of tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere.

Theth National Park also offers a chance to immerse yourself in Albanian culture. The traditional stone houses and charming villages are home to friendly locals who are eager to share their way of life. I stayed in a guesthouse and relished the hearty Albanian cuisine, a delightful mix of flavors that reflect the region's rich history and heritage.

As a photographer, Theth was a dream come true. The park's landscapes and its abundant wildlife provide endless opportunities for capturing the perfect shot. Whether it's a golden sunset over the peaks or a wildflower in full bloom, every corner of the park is a photo waiting to happen.

Though Theth National Park is still relatively undiscovered by the masses, I found this to be one of its greatest assets. The serene and unspoiled nature of the park allows for a more authentic and peaceful experience. If you're seeking a destination where you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature, Theth National Park in Albania is the perfect place to do just that.

Theth National Park is a place of natural wonder, cultural richness, and serenity. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who craves an adventure off the beaten path. My journey to Theth was an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to return to this hidden gem in the...

We hiked from Theth to the top of the mountain pass, but did not continue to Valbona due to the logistics of having a rental car. It took about three hours from our guest house in Theth (started at 6:30am, got to the peak at about 9:30), but we were moving at a faster than average pace. The descent was considerably faster (about 2 hours with breaks). It was absolutely gorgeous, and if you're comfortable with the challenge and risk, I 100% recommend it. Below is some info if you're considering it. The trail started to get busier at about 8-9am, so if you want trail solitude, you'd want an early start. Overall, it's not too technically challenging except for the last 25m or so where there is a narrow trail on the edge of the mountain with a pretty steep ravine which would be extremely dangerous had there been any snow or rain (snow sticks around until late June, and it can be raining near the peak even if it isn't in at the bottom). Overall, the biggest challenge is the steepness and the length, and if you get tired it's easy to make mistakes, especially near the peak where it is the most dangerous. I can't speak for the descent into Valbona, as we did not do that portion. I would say it's absolutely worth starting from and returning to Theth to reduce the need to plan shuttles to back to Theth from Valbona (or Valbona from Theth). If you were really fit, you could also hike one way on one day, spend some time in either Theth or Valbona, and then hike back another day- the views ascending vs descending are different enough that it would feel like two separate hikes. In my opinion, if you could spend about two-three hours on a stair climber and a decent pace, you can probably manage this hike. It was tough for me, but it was manageable (my watch said I burned nearly 4K kcals, so woohoo). You'll want at least three liters of water per person, and while there are a couple of 'cafes' on the way, if you're at all worried about your guts and the tap water, you need to probably get bottled water from Theth (or Valbona). I would not bring children or animals on this hike as stray dogs are common, as are horses and cows, some of which are neither tame nor...

Theth National Park—officially established in 1966—is a stunning protected area nestled in the Albanian Alps (Accursed Mountains) in northern Albania . The park spans roughly 2,630 ha, with elevations from 600 m up to 2,600 m atop peaks like Radohima and Jezerca .

🌲 Nature & Wildlife • Rich, elevation-gradient forests: oak, beech, pine, fir, and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers like Wulfenia Baldacci . • Fauna includes brown bears, wolves, roe deer, chamois, Balkan lynx, golden eagles, falcons, and rare amphibians and reptiles—making it a biodiversity hotspot .

🥾 Top Things to See & Do Theth → Valbona Hike (Valbona Pass) A challenging 16–18 km trek across the mountains with steep ascents—some of the best alpine scenery in Europe . Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) A mesmerizing turquoise karst spring accessible via moderate trails or 4×4 to Nderlysaj. The water is crystal-clear and ice-cold . Grunas Waterfall & Canyon A scenic, easy-moderate 3–4 km hike to a 25–30 m cascade, where you can swim in the chilly pool . Theth Village Highlights • Theth Church (Kisha e Thethit, est. 1892): iconic stone‑and‑wood village church . • Reconciliation Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit): medieval refuge tower turned museum; entry ~200 Lek . Alpine Meadows & Photography Perfect open spaces dotted with colorful blossoms—ideal for picnicking, wildlife views, and landscape photography .

🧭 Best Times & Getting There • Optimal seasons: late May–June and September–October—avoids summer crowds, snow, and closures (). • Access: about 70 km (2.5 hrs) from Shkodër via winding mountain roads—mostly paved now . Also reachable via minibus or shared jeep (£10). Visitors often combine with ferry ride across Komani Lake .

🏡 Local Stay & Cuisine • Charming guesthouses in Theth (e.g., Bujtina Miqesia, Villa Gjecaj) offering hearty Albanian cuisine—burek, tave kosi, stuffed aubergine—serve both meals & lodging . • Tip: No ATMs in Theth—withdraw sufficient cash...