Mountain and Rural Tourism

The territory of Albania has several regions where mountain and rural tourism is well-developed. Among the most important are:

Albanian Alps: Western Alps - Razëm - Bogë - Theth - Vermosh
Razëm
The alpine tour of Albania is not complete without a visit to the Western Alps (Alpet Perëndimore). Here you will enjoy something unique: you will walk, breath, sleep and eat amidst the legends starting from Homer and ending with the modern tales of our days. This tour gives you the chance to enjoy a unique place at the heart of the Albanian Alps, Gropa e Thethit.
The journey to this mountainous area begins from the city of Shkodra and leads to the closest stop – 41 km away from Shkodra – the city of Razma, situated on a blackberry hill at the feet of the Veleçik Mountain. Razma stands amid infinite forests of pines and birch trees. There are also many meadows and amazing alpine pastures. The journey to Razma is possible even in the winter when the snow is at its highest level. There are several hotels already and others are on their way to completion. The most common activities are excursions, mountain climbing, skiing, and. during the summer, camping.

BOGA

The road will lead you from Razma to the village of Dedaj and then onto Boga, a village surrounded by the Alps and described by Edith Durham in her book The Burden of the Balkans. Boga is the perfect place for mountain climbing, skiing, and spelunking. Among the most famous caves, you can visit the Cave of Mulliri (“Mill”), Akullore (“Ice Cream”), and Njerëzve të lagun (“Wet People”). The Cave of Puci is one of the most attractive, situated at 1,087 m above sea level. It is 5 km long and rich in stalactites, stalagmites, and wall veils. The cave has many levels, five alone in the center. By passing through its galleries you can connect with another cave, the Cave of Husi.
Thethi
After Boga, you will reach the main tourist center of the entire area, Thethi, located 70 km from Shkodra. Before arriving at Thethi you must pass Qafa e Tërthores at 2,000 m above sea level. From here, you descend to Gropa e Thethit, crossed by a stream with the same name.
The area is rich in attractive sights like the Cascade of Grunas, 25-30 m high. You will be amazed by the cold-water sources of Okol and the caves "Birrat me rrathë" (“Round Holes”) and "Arapi". In the park, you can amuse yourself by trekking, mountain climbing, skiing (especially on the eastern slope), or fishing, mountain biking and exploring caverns. The flora is impressive: the most common tree of the area is the beech, which covers almost 90 percent of the surface of the park. There are different types of flowers such as Eulfenia of Baldachi discovered by the Italian botanist Baldachi, which can be found only in Theth. The fauna is just as rich, distinguished by the Golden Eagle and Rreqebull. The waters of the Stream of Theth are home to marble trout.
While in Theth you can stay in local hostels with traditional alpine architecture. The characteristic dish of the area is "fërliku" (baked meat) and different plates of trout. From Theth, the trip continues to the valley of the Shalë River approaching the heart of the Alps.

Vermosh

Another interesting spot of the Western Alps is Vermosh, part of the northern-most region of the country. Vermosh is 95 km away from the city of Shkodra. Vermosh is part of the region of Kelmend, a name that originates from the Roman word "Clemens", meaning gentle, simple, and good. The first thing that catches the eye during this journey is Qafa e Rrapshit where you can see the crystal-clear waters of the Cemi River that create a beautiful contrast with the surroundings. During summer, the ponds of the river are perfect for sunbathing.
Vermoshi stands in an alpine field at 1,100 m above sea level surrounded by high slopes. You can entertain yourself by trekking, mountain climbing, skiing, or fishing for trout. If you want to try something special from the traditional cuisine, be sure to taste the diary products of the area!
The journey to this part of Albania will give you not only the chance to live between a mythical atmosphere and the contemporary world, but will also let you taste the proverbial hospitality known and mentioned by every foreigner who has visited this place.
Albania Eastern Alps: Valbona River Valley – Canyon of Shoshan – Dragobia – Selimaj – Rragami
The Valbona River Valley lies in the eastern part of the Albanian Alps. A national park of 8,000 hectares, it is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Albania. The park lies at 20-30 km from the alpine city of Bajram Curri. Before entering the valley you will find the water source (vrellen) of Shoshan located only 3 km away from Bajram Curri. This karstic source heads to the Valbona River creating an attractive canyon 2-3 m wide and 50 m deep.
After entering the valley, you will pass several picturesque villages. The first, with alpine style houses, is called Dragobia, and it is where the valley narrows. Past Dragobia, at the foot of a mountain where the Cerremi stream joins Valbona, there is the famous cave where the national hero Bajram Curri was besieged and killed. The city than took his name. Valbona (or Selimaj) is located 25 km away from the city of Bajram Curri and is the most important inhabited center of the valley. It is full of traditional houses that create a picturesque view in symmetry with the natural wonders of the valley, which widens again at this point.

In Selimaj, you will find a comfortable and traditional hotel, or you may have the opportunity to stay at a village home, for the inhabitants' generosity and hospitality are well known. The zone is also known for its characteristic regional cooking, with specialties such as mazja, flija, and pitja masterfully prepared in traditional village kitchens.
Beyond Selimaj, the road continues through the valley among marvelous views of nature with rich colors of both springtime and of the snow that covers the peaks of the craggy mountains. The final village before you arrive at the source of the Valbona River is Rragam. Rragam is a remote village surrounded by virgin and intact nature. The whole valley has such rare colors and beauty that one may think a divine hand made it. On one side, you see the crystal-clear waters of the Valbona, and on the other the sharp but verdant mountain edges. Up until May you can enjoy the contrast of the clean white snow on the treetops against the blue sky. The flora of the national park includes a variety of plants and trees, the most wide-spread formations of which are the Hormoq tree. The rest consists of beechwoods, arnen, walnuts, chestnut trees, and wild apple trees. There are also many forest fruits such as bilberries and strawberries.

he animals in the park include bears, wolves, and wild cats, while on the rocks there are herds of wild goats. Down in the river there is the so-called "marble trout", a rare fish of the crystal-clear waters of the Valbona with an exquisite and special taste.
The valley, the park, and all the surroundings are known for snowfall, which starts in early November and lasts almost until May. The average level of the snow in this region is 100 cm. There are lots of outdoor activities that can take place in the national park, such as fishing, excursions and trekking throughout the valley and the streams (Cerrem, Kukuaj), canoeing along certain parts of the river, and skiing or mountain climbing. Valbona may also serve as a starting point if you wish to climb the Jezerca Mountain, the second highest mountain in Albania.