9 Things to do in Valbona Valley National Park

The quiet whisperings of an ancient river.

Majestic mountain peaks soaring into the sky.

And the crunch of forest leaves underfoot as you hike northern Albania’s most breathtaking trails.

Welcome to Valbona Valley, Albania’s most incredible hiking destination that has inspired the country’s most famous myths and has drawn in visitors from all over the planet. Valbona Valley National Park is home to more than eighty square kilometers of hiking trails, rivers, mountain peaks and family-run guesthouses that will immerse you in the beauty of Albania’s most authentic and well-kept traditions.

theth valbona trail panorama — The Theth-Valbona trail is one of the best things to do in Valbona Valley National Park- you’ll see gorgeous mountain peaks and walk through ancient forest trails on this epic hiking route

And if you’re in Tirana and want to get a taste of what northern Albania’s most epic dances and traditions look like, make sure to join us at the Albanian Night show, a cultural smorgasbord teaching visitors all about the social hierarchies of northern Albanian villages, like the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized K’cimi i Tropojës dance, which originates from this region.

See Tropoja Dance!

Dancers performing K'cimi i Tropojes — One of the best ways to experience the rich culture and colorful dances of Valbona is at the Albanian Night show, where you’ll see *K’cimi Tropojës*, a dance from this region, that was recently recognized by UNESCO as an intangible world heritage item

Those curious to experience the alps of Albania in this national park are in for a treat; we compiled this list of 9 things to do in the Valbona Valley in Albania. We recommend spending 2-3 days in this majestic spot on the border with Montenegro, or even longer if you’re a hiking lover who wants to get lost in nature.

These are the best things to do in Valbona Valley National Park on your next trip to Albania:

1. Hike the Theth-Valbona Trail

Most Popular Thing to do in Valbona | 6-9 Hours | Moderate-Challenging Hike

Northern Albania’s most famous hiking trail is the Theth-Valbona trek, which can take between six and nine hours and takes hikers through stunning forest trails with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys between these two villages. You’ll cross the dramatic Valbona Pass at 1,800 meters, where wildflowers bloom in summer and snow lingers into spring, offering postcard-worthy shots at every turn. If you end your trek in Theth and are looking for what to do in Albania’s other famous village, check out our blog post on the best things to do in Theth.

2. Komani Lake Ferry & Lumi i Shalës

Day Trip from Valbona | Gorgeous Waters | Unique Natural Site

small boat on teal blue waters framed by gorges — The waters of Komani Lake are an electric shade of blue you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere

One of Albania’s most visited tourist spots is Lumi i Shalës, the Shala River valley, which has been likened to Thailand or Vietnam due to the unique shades of blue its river creates. This small sliver of water and stones is perfect for a day trip if you want to see crystal-clear turquoise pools framed by sheer limestone cliffs, best reached by the scenic Komani Lake ferry that cuts through narrow fjord-like gorges. If you’re looking to get lost in nature while here, you can also hike to Shosha e Mollit, an abandoned village overlooking the valley. Pack a picnic and rent a kayak to paddle the calm waters, or just float under the sun for an unforgettable, serene day.

3. Visit an Ancient Mill in Valbona Village

Century-Old Structure | Easy Walk from Valbona Village | Next to Valbona River

small mill with wooden bridge leading to it over water of a river — An iconic part of the Valbona Valley National Park’s history and culture is the mill, called Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës in Albanian

Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës, the ancient mill of Valbona, is an ancient stone mill that was used to grind wheat and corn using the force of the rushing Valbona River back when this village was a bustling hub of trade and self-sufficient mountain life. This mill is located a short walk from the village and is a great spot to stop and admire the beauty of the river, as well as to chat with locals who still remember stories of its daily use. Snap photos of the wooden foot path leading to the mill and you’ll find yourself imagining what life here a century ago must have been like!

4. Hike to and Swim in Xhemes’ Lake

Gorgeous Alpine Lake | Hiking Through Forest | Well-Marked, Short Trail

This incredible alpine lake is highly seasonal; the trail to get to it involves walking through lush forestry from the side of the road in Valbona village near the main guesthouse cluster. The 45-minute path winds uphill past wild raspberry bushes and opens to a mirror-like lake nestled in a natural bowl, perfect for a refreshing swim in summer. Bring water shoes for the rocky bottom and a towel to dry off while gazing at the surrounding peaks.

5. Enjoy Rrogami Waterfall

30+ Meter Tall Waterfall | Visit Village of Rrogam | Believed to Have Healing Waters

waterfall against dark rock — One of the top attractions in Valbona Valley, Albania, is visiting its iconic waterfalls,; the waters of Rrogam Waterfall are believed by locals to have healing powers

This mystical waterfall is one of the tallest in Albania, and its water are believed to have healing powers by the locals. Head to the village of Rrogam to start the short hike taking you to this beautiful cascade; the route takes you through dense beech forests and along a gentle stream. Stand at the base to feel the cool mist on your face, and fill your bottle with the fresh spring water locals swear by.

6. Swim in the Valbona River, Lumi i Valbonës

Ideal Bird-Watching Spot | Relax in Nature | Perfect Picture-Taking Spots

river against fall foliage — The Valbona River is a beautiful part of the natural landscape of the Valbona Valley National Park

The Valbona River winds its way through the entire valley and is a perfect spot for bird-watching and relaxing by the water. There are multiple spots that are ideal for a quick dip and snapping gorgeous photos here, as well as shallow pebble beaches where golden eagles soar overhead and trout dart in the clear currents. Lay out a blanket near the wooden bridges for prime picnic and sunset views.

7. Day Trip to Bajram Curri

Historical Village | Xhamia Bajram Curri Mosque | Eat Traditional Food

facade of traditional building — Bajram Curri is a beautiful historical town that’s home to incredible history and a well-curated historical museum

Bajram Curri is a historical village with deep significance in Albanian culture. Originally founded in the early 20th century and named after the national hero Bajram Curri, this village was home to anti-Ottoman resistance fighters, movements that shaped the course of Albanian history and helped secure independence in 1912. Today, the village is a lively market town with colorful bazaars and hearty mountain cuisine like flija and tavë. Visit the central mosque and try byrek at a roadside stall for a true local vibe!

8. Hike to and Swim in Jezerca Lake

Surreal Mountain Lake | Gorgeous Hiking Trail | Tallest Mountain Peak in Albania

Jezerca Mountain is the tallest in all of Albania; a hike here can take a whole day and involves very technical rock scrambling and steep ascents, so if you plan to do this trail, we definitely recommend getting a local guide or going with someone who knows the area well! The hike to reach the foot of the mountain is easier and features a placid alpine lake you can swim in when the water levels are high enough. This lake is a hidden glacial gem ringed by wildflowers and sheer cliffs, and the hike to this spot is full of breathtaking ridge walks with 360-degree views of the Accursed Mountains.

9. Hike the Infamous Peaks of the Balkans Trails

Infamous Accursed Mountains Trail | Cross into Montenegro & Kosovo | 200 Kilometer Trail

woman with backpack hiking large mountain in background — The Peaks of the Balkans is a massive trail – you can do all or parts of it starting in Valbona

This multi-day epic links Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo through remote shepherd paths and high passes, with stages starting right from Valbona. Sleep in traditional guesthouses, taste homemade raki, and summit ridges that feel like the edge of the world. Book a guided section or the full 10-12 day loop for the adventure of a lifetime.

That’s it for our guide to what to do in Valbona Valley National Park. This untouched corner of the Albanian Alps blends raw nature with living traditions that have endured for centuries. And don’t forget to cap your northern journey with the Albanian Night show in Tirana on your way back home – where the same fierce dances and village songs from Valbona come alive, keeping ancient customs pulsing strong.

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