{"id":359825,"date":"2026-07-31T08:29:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T08:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/the-albanian-alps-hiking-theth-to-valbona-2023\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T08:29:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T08:29:36","slug":"the-albanian-alps-hiking-theth-to-valbona-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=359825","title":{"rendered":"The Albanian Alps: Hiking Theth to Valbona (2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"


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You might not expect a country known for its beaches and turquoise water to also have snow-capped mountains, but that is what makes Albania so great. The Albanian Alps are just as spectacular as the more popular Alps, but with much less crowds and more affordable prices. Specifically the Albanian Alps are called the Accursed Mountains and with a name like that, who wouldn\u2019t want to visit! <\/p>\n

The most popular thing to do in the Albanian Alps is the 20 km hike from Theth to Valbona.\u00a0 However, getting in and out of these areas, will require time. While the hike is only one day, it takes one day to get to Theth and one day to get back to Shkoder from Valbona. Therfore the minimum amount of time needed is 3 days, but we think 4 or 5 days will make the journey more enjoyable.\u00a0 While we loved the Theth to Valbona hike, it was only one of the great parts of our 5 days in the Albanian Alps. <\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t into hiking, you can also spend time in either Theth or Valbona soaking up the mountains. If you do this, pick one (Theth would be our pick) because even though they are only 20 km apart as the crow flies, you cannot travel by car between the two easily.<\/p>\n

Albanian Alps Itinerary<\/span><\/h2>\n

This is our recommended itinerary:<\/p>\n

Day 1: Travel Shkoder to Theth<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 2: Theth Waterfall and the Blue Eye<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 3: Theth to Valbona Hike<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 4: Valbona to Shkoder via Komani<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can do a 3-day trip if you are short on time; just combine day 1 and 2. You can also add days in either Theth or Valbona if you want to do more hiking in Albania or simply soak up the magic of these valleys. Note that you can do this itinerary in reverse and first visit Valbona and hike over to Theth. We really don\u2019t think it matters which way you do it, although we liked visiting Theth first. <\/p>\n

Be sure to also check out our full 2023 guide to Albania<\/a> with the best places to visit, tips and more. <\/p>\n

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Gateway to the Albanian Alps: Shkoder<\/span><\/h2>\n

This area of Albania is remote and takes some time to get to.\u00a0 The gateway to this area is Shkoder, a really nice city on Lake Shkoder along the Montenegro border. We only spent one half day in Shkoder, but it is a city you could definitely spend a couple of days in if you had the time.\u00a0 In addition to the beautiful lake, there is an interesting castle and nice pedestrian central area. Skhoder is 2 hours north of Tirana \u2013 an easy drive or you can take the bus.<\/p>\n

Those wanting to do the hike between Theth and Valbone, can choose to start at either side.\u00a0 Those who want to visit the mountains, but not do the hike, should base themselves in Theth.\u00a0 Theth is getting easier and easier to get to as its popularity increases.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

The best place to stay in Shkoder for hikers is Wanderers Hostel<\/a> which are pros at helping you organize your visit to the mountains. If you would prefer a private room, the Cocja Boutique Hotel<\/a> is a great option with very reasonable prices. <\/p>\n

Getting to Theth<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are really 3 options for getting from Shkoder to Theth:<\/p>\n