Lake Koman Reservoir

Address: Koman Reservoir (Lake Koman), Shkodër County, Albania

Hours: Ferry services operate daily but schedules vary seasonally

Admission: Fee for ferry (variable); road access free

Lake Koman is a reservoir on the Drin River in northern Albania, within Shkodër County, located at approximately 42.21861 N, 19.89889 E. It was formed by damming the Drin and functions as part of Albania’s hydroelectric system.

The reservoir is noted regionally for its steep-sided valleys and narrow water passages; regular boat services operate along the lake and provide a transportation link between remote settlements. Mountain scenery and the boat trip itself are the main reasons people travel here.

The lake was created when the Drin River was impounded to generate hydroelectric power; the formation of the reservoir transformed a river valley into a navigable waterway and changed local transport patterns by enabling ferry connections.

Geographically it lies in northern Albania’s interior highlands within Shkodër County, set in steep terrain of river-carved valleys and gorges.

• Reservoir purpose: A reservoir on the Drin River created by damming and used for hydroelectricity and transport
• Boat access: Ferry and boat trips operate along its narrow, canyon-like sections

Access: Road from Shkodër or Kukës to the Koman ferry terminal; the ferry crossing to Fierza is the classic route (approx. 2-3 hours). Seasonal schedules-check local operators in advance.

• Take the small car ferry that crosses the reservoir-this is the classic way to travel and provides the best views.
• Pack motion-sickness remedies if prone; the ferry ride through the gorge can be bumpy and long.
• Bring a camera: the fjord-like gorges carved by the Drin river produce dramatic vistas at every bend.