Albanian Alps National Park National Park

Address: Albanian Alps (Prokletije/Bjeshkët e Namuna), Shkodër County, Albania

Albanian Alps National Park is a protected area in northern Albania within Shkodër County that preserves a section of the rugged Albanian Alps. The park is known for steep peaks, glacial valleys, alpine meadows and traditional mountain villages.

Hiking and trekking are key visitor activities, with routes that connect villages such as Valbonë and Theth and traverse mountain passes and river valleys. The landscape includes peaks rising above the tree line and deep river gorges that support diverse alpine flora and fauna.

The park was created to protect the region’s mountainous ecosystems and traditional cultural landscapes; management focuses on conserving biodiversity while supporting low-impact tourism and local livelihoods. Many of the valleys have long histories of pastoralism and small-scale mountain agriculture.

The park sits in northern Albania close to the border with Montenegro, within Shkodër County. It occupies remote mountainous terrain inland from the Adriatic coast and is accessed via narrow mountain roads and trailheads from surrounding towns and villages.

• Seasonal access: High mountain passes and trails are seasonal and often snowbound in winter; the main trekking season is late spring to early autumn.
• Trekking routes: Trail routes linking traditional mountain villages are the primary way many visitors experience the park, often as multi-day hikes with overnight stays in village guesthouses.

What to See#

• Valbonë Valley: Valbonë Valley serves as a main trailhead and base for hiking in the eastern part of the park; mountain huts and small guesthouses are available in the valley.
• Theth: Theth village and surrounding valley provide classic trail connections into the park and are a common start or end point for multi-day treks across the mountains.

Access is typically from Shkodër (about 2-3 hours by road) and then by bus or hired transfer to mountain towns like Theth or Valbona. Gravel mountain roads and narrow passes mean travel times can be long; many hikers arrange local guides for trailheads.

• Hiking trails are often unmarked; hire a local guide in Theth or Valbona for safer navigation and cultural context.
• Bring cash-local guesthouses and restaurants rarely accept cards.
• Prepare for steep, rocky paths and sudden weather; good boots and waterproof layers are essential.