Via Dinarica Albania
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In many ways, northern Albania has long functioned as the cradle and refuge of Albanian culture. In a region fraught for the last 100 years by questions of legitimacy based on “who was here first?” arguments, the Malësi – or highlands – does get chops. The written historical record is patchy, with long centuries of silence, but linguistic evidence suggests that the highlands have been more or less continuously populated by a coherent people since the early years BCE. The local mythology and identity certainly encompass the fact that while southern Albania succumbed to successive waves of invasion the Highlands have remained for 2,000 years (sometimes stubbornly) unsubdued. Accordingly, the culture of the highlands is proud and independent. Strength is valued, but so is generosity and kindness, presumably in recognition of the survival benefits conferred by intelligent and mutual altruism.
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a 19th century naturalist explorer the mountains of northern Albania is heaven. To date there is no field guide, and little formal research has been done. What there is, is a uniquely pristine and complete ecosystem, accompanied by a rich fund of local lore and knowledge.Valbona and Theth are the main destinations on the Via Dinarica in Albania. “Valbona” is used to refer to the Valbona River, which in turn flows through the valley bearing its name, anda small village in the valley, as well the general area informally. It’s located in the Tropoja District of Northern Albania. This district, bordering Kosovo to the northeast, and Montenegro to the northwest, in combination with the adjacent district to the west, encompasses a region called the Malësi in Albanian, which translates roughly as “The Highlands,” with all the attendant romance conjured up by the English term. A wild, high, mountainous region inhabited by strong and fiercely independent people, the Malësi has for the history of Albania been the region which was never really conquered or subdued by the various waves of invaders during the last 2,000 years of Balkan history. While the proper name of the mountains around Valbona specifically are the Malësi e Gjakovës (after the town of Gjakova in Kosovo), their name is most often translated in English as “The Accursed Mountains,” based on the name given to them by disgruntled Serbian would-be invaders.
Theth is a wonderful village in the northern Albania’s Shkodra region. Set among the peak of the Shala Mountains, Theth is an extremely isolated area that is often inaccessible in the winter months. Legend has it that Theth was founded some 400 years ago by a six brothers who were seeking to escape conversion to Islam by the Ottomans. This would not be the only community in the Balkans that took the highlands for refuge from one invader or another. What you can be sure of is that Theth National Park is blessed with jaw-dropping beauty and offers hikers a paradise all to themselves
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a 19th century naturalist explorer the mountains of northern Albania is heaven. To date there is no field guide, and little formal research has been done. What there is, is a uniquely pristine and complete ecosystem, accompanied by a rich fund of local lore and knowledge.Valbona and Theth are the main destinations on the Via Dinarica in Albania. “Valbona” is used to refer to the Valbona River, which in turn flows through the valley bearing its name, anda small village in the valley, as well the general area informally. It’s located in the Tropoja District of Northern Albania. This district, bordering Kosovo to the northeast, and Montenegro to the northwest, in combination with the adjacent district to the west, encompasses a region called the Malësi in Albanian, which translates roughly as “The Highlands,” with all the attendant romance conjured up by the English term. A wild, high, mountainous region inhabited by strong and fiercely independent people, the Malësi has for the history of Albania been the region which was never really conquered or subdued by the various waves of invaders during the last 2,000 years of Balkan history. While the proper name of the mountains around Valbona specifically are the Malësi e Gjakovës (after the town of Gjakova in Kosovo), their name is most often translated in English as “The Accursed Mountains,” based on the name given to them by disgruntled Serbian would-be invaders.
Theth is a wonderful village in the northern Albania’s Shkodra region. Set among the peak of the Shala Mountains, Theth is an extremely isolated area that is often inaccessible in the winter months. Legend has it that Theth was founded some 400 years ago by a six brothers who were seeking to escape conversion to Islam by the Ottomans. This would not be the only community in the Balkans that took the highlands for refuge from one invader or another. What you can be sure of is that Theth National Park is blessed with jaw-dropping beauty and offers hikers a paradise all to themselves
Arrival
If you are arriving at Adem Jashari Airport (Prishtina), we will pick you up and make a short stop in Gjakova before continuing to Valbona Valley.
If you are arriving at Tirana Airport, we will stop in Shkodra for a short visit before heading to Theth National Park.
If you are arriving at Adem Jashari Airport (Prishtina), we will pick you up and make a short stop in Gjakova before continuing to Valbona Valley.
If you are arriving at Tirana Airport, we will stop in Shkodra for a short visit before heading to Theth National Park.
Distance – 7.2km, Elevation – 196m, Time – 3,5 Hours
An easy but spectacular trail, this route takes hikers to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Albania. The 25-meter-high Grunas Waterfall plunges into a rocky basin, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Continuing further, the Grunas Canyon provides an even more dramatic landscape, with narrow rock walls carved by the Shala River over centuries. This short hike is perfect for those looking to experience Theth’s natural beauty without a strenuous climb.
An easy but spectacular trail, this route takes hikers to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Albania. The 25-meter-high Grunas Waterfall plunges into a rocky basin, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Continuing further, the Grunas Canyon provides an even more dramatic landscape, with narrow rock walls carved by the Shala River over centuries. This short hike is perfect for those looking to experience Theth’s natural beauty without a strenuous climb.
Distance – 10.2km, Elevation – 350m, Time – 5 Hours
This trail winds through dense forests, traditional Albanian villages, and a crystal-clear river, leading to the mesmerizing Blue Eye, a natural spring of deep turquoise water. The hike is relatively easy, making it perfect for a relaxing yet scenic day in the mountains. The surrounding area, filled with lush greenery and dramatic rock formations, adds to the enchanting atmosphere. The icy cold water of the Blue Eye is a refreshing treat for hikers willing to take a dip after the journey.
This trail winds through dense forests, traditional Albanian villages, and a crystal-clear river, leading to the mesmerizing Blue Eye, a natural spring of deep turquoise water. The hike is relatively easy, making it perfect for a relaxing yet scenic day in the mountains. The surrounding area, filled with lush greenery and dramatic rock formations, adds to the enchanting atmosphere. The icy cold water of the Blue Eye is a refreshing treat for hikers willing to take a dip after the journey.
Distance: 16.4 km (10.50 mi)
Uphill cumulative: 1175m (3855ft)
Downhill cumulative: 940m (3080ft)
Minimal elevation: 730m (2390ft)
Maximal elevation: 1854m (6082ft)
On this hike, you will have a real taste of the Accursed Mountains It’s a diverse hike bookended with mountain villages and filled with picturesque views. You will walk through meadows, woodland, rocky terrain, and crests and see the most southern glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. This trail has very few tourists, despite its highlights-filled experience.
Cultural Note: Valbona is a Muslim-majority valley with some Catholics who migrated from Theth. There is a legend that the village was founded by an orphan who moved there from Vuthaj/Vusanje, in present-day Montenegro.
Uphill cumulative: 1175m (3855ft)
Downhill cumulative: 940m (3080ft)
Minimal elevation: 730m (2390ft)
Maximal elevation: 1854m (6082ft)
On this hike, you will have a real taste of the Accursed Mountains It’s a diverse hike bookended with mountain villages and filled with picturesque views. You will walk through meadows, woodland, rocky terrain, and crests and see the most southern glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. This trail has very few tourists, despite its highlights-filled experience.
Cultural Note: Valbona is a Muslim-majority valley with some Catholics who migrated from Theth. There is a legend that the village was founded by an orphan who moved there from Vuthaj/Vusanje, in present-day Montenegro.
After 4 day hiking in Via Dinarica everybody deserved holiday
After breakfast we are going ro Fierz port
And we have 2 hours boat trip until Shala River during the way we croas the Koman lake and we will arrive amazing part of Alb Alps
Include Only Lunch
Optional activity Kayak and Zipline
After breakfast we are going ro Fierz port
And we have 2 hours boat trip until Shala River during the way we croas the Koman lake and we will arrive amazing part of Alb Alps
Include Only Lunch
Optional activity Kayak and Zipline
Departure
If you joined the tour from Kosovo, your departure will be from Tirana Airport, with a short stop in Shkodra along the way.
If you joined the tour from Tirana, your departure will be from Prishtina Airport, with a short break in Gjakova on the way.
If you joined the tour from Kosovo, your departure will be from Tirana Airport, with a short stop in Shkodra along the way.
If you joined the tour from Tirana, your departure will be from Prishtina Airport, with a short break in Gjakova on the way.
Accommodation
The accommodation is in a simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge-style with simple bathroom facilities. Rooms are likely to accommodate between two to five people per room and it may be necessary for male and female groups to share the room unless noted otherwise on your request, but not guaranteed in each guesthouse. It always depends on the availability of rooms.Sheets and blankets, towels, shampoo, warm water, and other basic services are provided, but we recommend packing a travel towel and sleep sack just in case.
Private rooms at an additional cost; limited availability.
The accommodation is in a simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge-style with simple bathroom facilities. Rooms are likely to accommodate between two to five people per room and it may be necessary for male and female groups to share the room unless noted otherwise on your request, but not guaranteed in each guesthouse. It always depends on the availability of rooms.Sheets and blankets, towels, shampoo, warm water, and other basic services are provided, but we recommend packing a travel towel and sleep sack just in case.
Private rooms at an additional cost; limited availability.
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The food in this part of the world will be something you will eagerly anticipate at the end of each day. Food is freshly cooked in a traditional manner and has a mix of Balkan, Turkish, and European influences. At the guesthouses, the breakfasts are simple, homemade bread with locally grown vegetables, dairy products, and eggs. Dinners include traditional soups, meat dishes, vegetables, and pies. Guesthouses also will provide you with a packed lunch – often including a sandwich with cheese and vegetables.Vegetarianism and diets will not be a problem as the homestay families can provide alternatives. However, the choices are basic and limited.Consider bringing your water bottle to refill along the way. You can get water from mountain streams or in guesthouses tap water as this is also drinkable water. However, if you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we recommend you take water treatment tablets with you.
What's Included
Accommodation: 5 nights in family guesthouses or mountain lodges (shared rooms)
Meals: Daily breakfast & dinner, plus picnic lunches during hikes
Transportation: All transfers as per itinerary (including airport pickup & drop-off)
Professional Guide: English-speaking mountain guide throughout the tour
Luggage Transfer: By donkey between villages — each donkey can carry max. 4 backpacks. Please bring a flexible hiking backpack, max weight 15 kg. Hard suitcases are not allowed.
Entrance Fees: To national parks and cultural sites mentioned in the itinerary
Hiking Permits: As required for protected areas
Support Vehicle: For luggage and emergencies (where accessible)
Not Included
International flights
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
Tips for guide/driver
Group Size : 10-12
Price : 650 / per person
Accommodation: 5 nights in family guesthouses or mountain lodges (shared rooms)
Meals: Daily breakfast & dinner, plus picnic lunches during hikes
Transportation: All transfers as per itinerary (including airport pickup & drop-off)
Professional Guide: English-speaking mountain guide throughout the tour
Luggage Transfer: By donkey between villages — each donkey can carry max. 4 backpacks. Please bring a flexible hiking backpack, max weight 15 kg. Hard suitcases are not allowed.
Entrance Fees: To national parks and cultural sites mentioned in the itinerary
Hiking Permits: As required for protected areas
Support Vehicle: For luggage and emergencies (where accessible)
Not Included
International flights
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
Tips for guide/driver
Group Size : 10-12
Price : 650 / per person
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