Accursed Mountains

The Accursed Mountains is a rugged mountain range in the western Balkans that spans northern Albania and extends into eastern Montenegro and western Kosovo. The range is noted for steep limestone and granite peaks, deep glacial valleys and remote pastoral landscapes.

The area offers substantial hiking and mountaineering opportunities, including multi-day traverses and day routes from base villages such as Valbona and Theth. Remote trails lead to high saddles and peaks; Maja Jezercë, at 2,694 metres, is the highest summit and a major objective for climbers.

The range formed through Alpine orogeny and contains sharply incised valleys, high cirques and seasonal alpine pastures. Traditional highland villages, shepherding routes and isolated mountain huts remain important features of the human landscape.

Geographically the mountains lie along the borders of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo in the western Balkans; the nearest major regional centres for access are Shkodër and Kukës in Albania and Plav in Montenegro.

• Highest peak: Maja Jezercë reaches 2,694 metres, making it the highest summit of the Accursed Mountains and the highest peak in Albania.

What to See #

• Valbona Valley: Valbona Valley is a major Albanian base for treks into the core range with mountain lodges, shepherd trails and access to high passes leading into the central massif.
• Theth: Theth is a traditional mountain village and gateway for routes across the range; it provides accommodation and mountaineering services for crossings and day hikes.
• Maja Jezercë peak: Maja Jezercë is the highest peak in the range at 2,694 metres and a focal point for technical hiking and alpine routes in the Albanian sector.