1 Week NORTHERN Albania Itinerary for Hikers

It may come as a surprise to many travellers, but the north of Albania is riddled with mountains whose peaks soar well above 2,000m. In this post I’ll outline the best 1 week northern Albania itinerary for those looking to explore the alps, go hiking, and see Albania’s two most beautiful national parks: Theth and Valbona.

I spent 1 week+ travelling the north of Albania after spending 1 month+ exploring the rest of the country. Here’s my 1 month Albania itinerary, for reference. I found 1 week to be just enough time to fit the highlights of the alps in without rushing too much. If I were to do this trip again however, I’d spend more than 1 week in the north of Albania.

Before I get into this 1 week northern Albania itinerary, I’ll direct you to this post – my hiker’s guide to the Albanian Alps. This post here is a snapshot of all-things-northern-Albania. My hiker’s guide goes into greater detail regarding everything you need to know when planning a trip to northern Albania.

Skip ahead:

• FAQ Northern Albania
• Public transportation in Northern Albania
• Know before you go travel tips
• What to wear and packing for Northern Albania
• 1 week northern Albania itinerary

1 week northern Albania itinerary

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~ Taylor ♡

Downloadable Map of Albania

I’ve created a map of Albania equipped with 200+ pinned locations including:

• Hiking trails, national parks, caves, waterfalls & beaches
• Historical, cultural & religious sites
• Lodging options, restaurant recommendations & transit hubs
• Main points of interest, big cities, beach towns and mountain villages

Each pin has photos, a description, direct booking links, and external itineraries (when applicable).

The map is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and was designed to be a digital tour guide when you’re on-the-go.

This map has all of Albania’s best and will save you loads of pre-travel research time.

DOWNLOAD MAP

Quick Albania Travel Guide:

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Currency: Albanian LEK (aka ALL). This is a closed currency so you’ll need to wait until you’re in Albania to exchange $.

Transportation: to enter the country you can find 1 international airport in Tirana, 1 port in Saranda (daily ferry arrivals/departures to Corfu, Greece), and a bus line from Montenegro. Buses are very cheap here, but unreliable. Driving is chaotic, I’d recommend sticking to buses. There are no trains within the country.

Phone: purchase a local SIM card from Vodafone – the plans are cheap and they include lots of data, however international minutes are typically not available.

Language: Albanian, however you can get by with English. Google translate is recommended for smaller cities/villages.

Safety: I found Albania to be very safe. I and my fellow travellers had no trouble with theft and I felt comfortable walking around as a solo female at night. People are generally very welcoming here, but always keep your wits about you – no matter where you travel.

Helpful Info: don’t drink the tap water or bring a purifying bottle like this one. Bring an international travel adapter, and notify your bank before travelling.

Purchase my Albania map which is downloadable to google maps on your phone. It has 200+ pinned locations around the country – all available at your fingertips.

Albania is one of the last “undiscovered” countries in Europe. Plan your trip while prices & tourism levels are low!

Helpful Albania Blog Posts

• 18 Helpful Tips You Should Know BEFORE Travelling Albania
• 30+ Best Things to do in Albania: Excursions, Tours, and Destinations
• 17 Best Places in Albania
• 1 Month Albania itinerary
• Backpacker’s Guide to the Best Hostels in Albania
• Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps
• 10 Reasons to Visit the Shala River aka the “Thailand of Albania”

1 week northern Albania itinerary – hiking

FAQ: Northern Albania

How much time should I plan to spend in northern Albania?

You should spend at least 1 week in the north of Albania. If your travel timeline allows, spending more than 1 week in northern Albania is ideal.

Is it cold in Albania’s mountains?

It’s cold in Albania’s mountains during winter. In winter the alps get a fairly large amount of snow. In summer temperatures at elevation can reach 35 degree+. The shoulder seasons hold variable temperatures, but it typically warms up quickly here and stays warm for longer in the fall compared to mountainous regions in more northern countries.

Can I visit northern Albania/the Alps if I’m not a hiker?

Absolutely. Although hiking through northern Albania is the “classic Alps experience,” you can go to Theth or Valbona and spend a few days relaxing in the valley bottom rather than summiting peaks. It is still 100% worth it to go to the Albania Alps if you don’t hike.

Are there hotels in Theth and Valbona?

There are guesthouses in the Albanian Alps. In both Valbona and Theth you can plan to lodge at a guesthouse who will house you and cook your food at an additional cost.

How do I actually plan 1 week in northern Albania?

To plan a trip to the north of Albania I recommend first reading this post (my hiker’s guide to the Albanian Alps) and staying with Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder. The staff at Wanderer’s helps plan your trip in advance and stores your luggage while you’re away hiking.

When is the best time of year to visit the Albanian Alps?

May to October is best for hiking. If I personally did this trip over I would visit northern Albania in September when temperatures are slightly cooler and tourism levels are lower.

1 week north Albania itinerary

Public Transportation in Northern Albania

Albania’s public transportation can be a bit finicky. There’s no passenger train and the only international airport rests in Tirana. There are taxis available, however compared to the local bus system taxis are definitely more expensive. Intracity bus routes cost around 1€ and regional routes, operated via mini bus, are typically 6€ – 12€.

The main methods of entry into Albania are flying into the Tirana International Airport, catching a ferry from Corfu (Greece) into Saranda, or taking a bus from Montenegro.

Plan to take the bus when you’re in Albania, but be aware the bus can be tricky. There are no online schedules which means you’ll have to rely on locals to find information for pickup times and pickup locations.

When it comes to public transportation in northern Albania, things look different. Currently, public transportation consists of mini buses, ferries, and hiking. I explain this more later in this post but quickly, your itinerary will most likely look like: mini bus from Shkoder to the Komani Lake ferry port, ferry to Fierza, mini bus to Valbona, hike to Theth, mini bus back to Shkoder.

Should you bring your car to the alps?

Yes you should bring your car if you plan on visiting Theth, then going directly back to Shkoder. Yes you should bring your car if you plan on going to Valbona to spend extended time hiking there, NOT hiking to Theth, then returning the way you came.

No you should not bring your car to the alps if you plan to visit both Valbona and Theth and complete the hike between the two parks.

The best 1 week north Albania itinerary for hikers

Know Before you Go: Northern Albania Edition

For general Albania pre-travel tips, this post lays it all out.

All adventures in northern Albania begin in Albania’s ancient city, Shkoder. As such, this 1 week northern Albania itinerary will begin and end here.

The mountains in the north of Albania are called the Accursed mountains which belong to the highest section of the Dinaric Alps – a stretch of mountains connecting the Balkan region from Albania to Kosovo and Montenegro. The highest mountain, Maja Jezercë in Valbona Valley, stands at 2,694m (8,839ft).

Hiking season in the alps runs from May to October, with September being the best month for cooler temperatures and less people. Early season you may still find colder temperatures and even some snow. Peak summer is HOT and busy. At altitude temperatures reached 35 degrees+ when I was there.

In Skhoder there are plenty of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels. Once you arrive in the alps you’ll stay in locally run guesthouses with other hikers. The food you eat in the alps is cooked by the guesthouse owners – there are no restaurants here aside from the guesthouse kitchens. Many guesthouses offer packed lunches for the days you’re out hiking. I recommend bringing extra snacks.

When I visited in 2022 I paid around 175 euros for my trip to Valbona and Theth. This number will rise swiftly with the influx of tourism in Albania. I recommend bringing around 2050 euros of the local currency with you for your trip to Valbona and Theth – just to be on the safe side. Chances are you’re not going to touch this amount, however once you arrive in the alps it’s cash-only. No card, and there are no ATMs to withdraw from.

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What to Wear & Pack for Northern Albania

Packing for northern Albania is different than packing for southern Albania. In the south your attire will mostly consist of beachwear and cute summer outfits. In the north, hiking clothing and hiking gear is more appropriate.

When I visited northern Albania I left my large backpack in Shkoder at the Wanderer’s Hostel with all my belongings from technology to nice clothes. I only brought a 24L daypack and a 10L dry bag with me to the alps. The 10L bag held all the extra items I couldn’t fit in my 24L pack. If you have a 30L-35L bag that should be perfect for your trip to northern Albania.

I brought a camera, bathing suit, extra socks, 2 hiking outfits that I sink-washed in between hikes, a travel towel, toiletries, comfy sleeping clothes (shorts & a T), and a light sweater. For footwear I had hiking boots and brought a pair of crocs for “camp shoes.” Trail runners are more than fine for the alps. I even saw people hiking in regular running shoes. This hydration pack was also a lifesaver for staying hydrated in the blistering heat!

This ^ was in July. If you’re visiting during spring or fall a pair of pants, a thicker sweater, and maybe even a thin pair of gloves would be wise. Pay attention to the weather before you go and judge what you need accordingly – everyone is different.

Some form of sun protection is recommended too. I always opt to wear clothes rather than sunscreen so my hiking outfits consisted of shorts, a long sleeve, sunglasses, and a hat. I also started my hikes around 4:00am-5:00am to beat the heat.

1 week northern Albania itinerary for hikers

1 Week Northern Albania Itinerary

Now without further ado – the reason you’re all here. My 1 week northern Albania itinerary. For the best “user experience” you can download my Albania map which will give you a visual representation of everything mentioned in this post plus a quick way to reference the information when you’re on-the-go.

This 1 week northern Albania itinerary is focused solely on Shkoder and the alps. It’s jam packed and almost every minute is accounted for. If you have the extra time, I would recommend stretching this trip a little longer so you can fully enjoy it without the rush.

7 day north Albania itinerary for hikers and backpackers.

Albanian Alps Tours

• This day trip to Theth from Shkoder encompasses a quick hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, the church of Theth, and the Rozafa Castle in Shkoder. It’s the perfect way to see Theth in 1 day if you’re short on time. If you’re coming from Tirana, you can book the same day trip here.
• This 1 day jeep tour from Shkoder involves a little more hiking than the tour above, but you’ll also have the chance to see the Grunas Waterfall.
• This multi-day trek through the Peaks of the Balkans is one of the most famous hikes in Eastern Europe. The trail crosses through 3 countries; Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.
• If you feel more comfortable hiking with a guide, this 3 day tour starts and ends in Tirana. Transportation is preplanned and you’ll get to complete on the famous Valbona-Theth hike with guidance – no preplanning required. You can book this tour via Viator or Get Your Guide.
• This day trip to the Shala River departs from both Shkoder and Tirana.

7 Day northern Albania itinerary for hikers

Day 1: Tirana to Shkoder

We’ll start this 1 week northern Albania itinerary off in Tirana, assuming this is where you’ll fly into. Tirana is Albania’s capital city and a great place to learn about the country’s communist history. Since this 1 week northern Albania itinerary is focused on the alps though, I’m recommending you try to make your way to Shkoder the same day you arrive. Leave Tirana asap.

If your flight lands in the morning or mid day you should have no problem making your way to the regional bus station (GPS location), then catching a bus to Shkoder. Once you’re in Shkoder I highly recommend staying with Wanderer’s Hostel as they’ll help plan your trip to the alps and store your extra luggage while you’re away.

When you arrive in Shkoder you’ll have enough time to sort your bags out for hiking and wander the city. Here’s my guide to Shkoder for some activity recommendations. You’ll have to choose your activities based on your arrival time.

If you’re unable to make it to Shkoder on day 1, here’s my 2 day Tirana itinerary. You can reference that post to find a few activity recommendations in Tirana to keep you occupied until you depart for Shkoder the following morning.

Where to stay in Shkoder

• #1 recommendation: Wanderer’s Hostel. They host lively events, can help plan your trip to the alps, and most importantly will store your luggage while you’re out hiking.
• Backpackers: Aside form Wanderer’s there’s also Shkodra Backpackers.
• Mid-range: Shkodra apartment and the Sol Hotel.
• Luxury: Hotel Colloseo & Spa, and the Grand Hotel Europa offer you the 5 star experience in Shkoder.

Day 2: Shala River

Assuming you were organized and planned your trip in advance on day 2 you’ll be catching an early mini bus from Shkoder which will take you to the Komani Lake Ferry Port.

The Shala River is often overlooked by travellers, however I highly recommend staying a night here. The Shala River is located off Komani Lake. There are guesthouses lining the bottom of a canyon floor next to the bright blue river which flows from the mountains. It’s truly a magical place and if you stay here overnight, you can watch the stars and horses under fairy lights next to a beach bar. Need I say more?

The owners of the guesthouse you choose to stay with will pick you up at the Komani Lake Ferry Port and drop you off the following morning so you can catch another ferry in the direction of Valbona.

If you prefer to visit the Shala River as a day trip instead, you can book a day tour here.

1 week north Albania itinerary + Shala River

Where to stay on the Shala River

• Riverside Komani Lake – is located around the corner from the Shala River on Komani Lake. Staying here allows for a quieter experience as the day tourists go straight to the river. The meals cooked here are all made from locally sourced ingredients and they have a beautiful deck overlooking the river. The Balkoni hike can be accessed from here.
• Bee Eco guesthouse and Blini Park Guesthouse are both located right in the main area of the Shala River. This means your stay may not be as quiet, however there are horses and dogs roaming around the riverside beaches. Riverside bars and patios are available and there are dazzling fairy lights at night. The evening vibes here are quite literally magical.

Day 3: Valbona Valley National Park

After arriving back at the Komani Lake ferry port you’ll catch a ferry which will take you to Fierza. From here you’ll catch another mini bus to Valbona where you’ll be dropped directly at your guesthouse. Remember to sort your transportation in advance, or lodge with Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder who will sort everything for you.

The ferry along Komani Lake is an adventure in itself. The deck/indoor seating areas are often crowded and it’s hard to find a spot. However Komani Lake is known as the “Thailand of Albania” which makes the seating struggle worth it. The lake’s sparking green water and funky mountains make this trip very enjoyable.

Once you arrive in Valbona I recommend dropping your bags and heading outside for a wander. Within walking distance you’ll find Xhema Lake and the Old Mill of Valbona which are great photo-ops.

7 day north Albania itinerary hiking

Where to stay in Valbona

• Nicest option: Drino’s Guesthouse is absolutely lovely. I stayed here one night and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Drino’s family owns a delicious restaurant nextdoor too.
• Budget stay: Bujtina Albjoni
• Cabin style: Villas Jezerca

Day 4: Maja Rosit

Maja Rosit is easily the most beautiful hike I did while I was in Albania, so you can imagine why it made this 1 week northern Albania itinerary.

The trek itself is long and has a decent amount of elevation gain so a good level of fitness is recommended. The reward for your efforts will be highly rewarded though. The peak requires a scramble to summit, however there’s a pass lower down which crosses the border into Montenegro, looking into Prokletije National Park where you’ll see an impressive wall of mountain.

If you hike in July you’ll find insane fields of wildflowers. Additionally, this hike is lesser known so you’ll have the trail mostly to yourself. Keep in mind the majority of this trail is exposed to the sun. I was not able to bag the summit as I ran out of water at the pass.

Here’s my Maja Rosit hiking guide with more information about this trail.

Day 5: Valbona to Theth Hike

On day 5 of this 1 week northern Albania itinerary, plan to do the most iconic hike in the Balkans: the Valbona-Theth route.

This hike is another fairly long trail in the alps (10-15kms depending on where your guesthouse is), connecting Valbona to Theth. Hiking is the ONLY way to travel between the two parks unless you want to do the whole ferry/mini bus loop back to Shkoder.

I’m an avid hiker and if I’m honest this trail wasn’t overly impressive in comparison to Maja Rosit, however this trail is bucket list and necessary to get to Theth. Most of the time you’ll be in the trees, however there is one beautiful viewpoint from the pass around the mid section of the trail.

By the time you arrive in Theth it’ll likely be afternoon, so plan to spend the remainder of the day relaxing. Enjoy the mountain views and a fresh-cooked meal from your guesthouse owners – you deserve it!

I recommend reading my Valbona-Theth trail guide which contains much more detailed information and tips for this hike.

1 week north Albania itinerary for backpackers

Where to stay in Theth

• Shpella Guesthouse is definitely the most sought after lodging destination in Theth. You must book this in advance as it does fill up during the summer months.
• Guest House Rrashkadoli is where I stayed due to the killer price point. This spot is a bit further from the main area and hiking trails in Theth, however the owners are some of the most wholesome people I’ve ever met and the place is so cozy and quiet.
• Guesthouse Villa Gurra has a nice central location at a good price point.

1 week northern Albania itinerary – Theth

Day 6: Theth National Park

Day 6 is another fairly big day of hiking. This 1 week northern Albania itinerary is definitely hiking-heavy, however in the alps, we hike.

There are two Blue Eyes in Albania. One in Saranda and one in Theth. The one in Theth is within hiking distance to the village. Along the trail to it you’ll pass by the Grunas Waterfall and the Grunas Canyon. My advice is to start this hike early as these trails are busy and it’s a long, hot day outside. Make sure you bring plenty of water and food. There are a few guesthouses and stands along the way where you can purchase things, but they will be pricey and limited.

The Blue Eye of Theth is located here which is around 8kms from the village centre in Theth. Depending on where your guesthouse is located this trail may be longer or shorter. Budget minimum 2-3hrs on the way there and the same on the return journey. I recommend hiking on the East side of the Shala River, on the opposite side of the main road. The east side is where you’ll find the canyon and waterfall, plus more shade and the absence of constant cars driving past you.

This excursion will likely take all day, so when you return to your guesthouse plan to eat a nice meal and chill the rest of the day.

Day 7: Return Journey

On day 7 of this 1 week north Albania itinerary, you’ll make your way back to Shkoder via another mini bus which will pick you up early in the morning near the centre of the village. On the return journey you’ll have to endure windy, steep roads which may be difficult for those with motion sickness.

You’ll arrive back in Shkoder by latest midday which should give you enough time to get back to Tirana the same day. I wouldn’t plan to fly out the same day as the buses are unreliable.

If you fly out the following day I’d recommend returning to Tirana regardless the night prior to give you ample time to get things organized and avoid any stress that may arise. Travel days never go as planned.

And that concludes this 1 week northern Albania itinerary. Enjoy!

Where to stay in Tirana

• Backpackers: Trip’n’Hostel (party hostel) and Tirana Backpackers.
• Mid-range hotels: There are too many to count! You can see them all here.
• Guesthouses: NEO apartments and Home Sweet Home (with a full kitchen).
• Luxury: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana, Arté Boutique Hotel, or the Rogner Hotel which is said to be one of the best hotels in Albania.

Downloadable Map of Albania

I’ve created a map of Albania equipped with 200+ pinned locations including:

• Hiking trails, national parks, caves, waterfalls & beaches
• Historical, cultural & religious sites
• Lodging options, restaurant recommendations & transit hubs
• Main points of interest, big cities, beach towns and mountain villages

Each pin has photos, a description, direct booking links, and external itineraries (when applicable).

The map is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and was designed to be a digital tour guide when you’re on-the-go.

This map has all of Albania’s best and will save you loads of pre-travel research time.

DOWNLOAD MAP

1 week northern Albania itinerary for hikers

Happy adventuring!

Taylor ♡

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About The Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

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