{"id":235647,"date":"2026-06-09T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=235647"},"modified":"2026-06-11T08:57:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T06:57:31","slug":"accursed-mountains-albania-theth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/","title":{"rendered":"Accursed Mountains Albania: 10 Tips for Theth, Valbona &#038; the North 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you&#8217;re thinking about heading to Albania, chances are you&#8217;re being lured by the sun-soaked beaches of the south. But trust me, it&#8217;s the <strong>mountainous north<\/strong> that will completely win you over. The Accursed Mountains in Albania \u2014 often nicknamed the Albanian Alps for their sheer majesty \u2014 are the perfect, peaceful counterpoint to the crowded Ionian Riviera, where in the summer months you sometimes end up fighting for every free patch of sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the south is all about the typical beach buzz, up here you&#8217;re greeted by a <strong>spellbinding alpine landscape<\/strong>, deep glacial valleys and old stone villages where time seems to have stood still. For active travellers, this wild region is the undisputed highlight of any itinerary, offering not just pristine nature with bears and wolves, but also an incredibly warm local culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article I&#8217;ve got <strong>10 tips for Theth, Valbona and the north<\/strong>, so you can plan a truly perfect mountain adventure. I&#8217;ll show you how to make sense of the tricky ferry timetables across Lake Koman, where to find the best family-run guesthouses with outstanding food, and how to prepare as well as possible for the famous trek over the Valbona Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2200\" height=\"1467\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli.jpg\" alt=\"The Theth valley surrounded by the peaks of the Albanian Alps\" class=\"wp-image-232117\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli.jpg 2200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-1392x928.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-udoli-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2200px) 100vw, 2200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Theth valley in the heart of the Accursed Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#When_to_visit_the_Accursed_Mountains\" >When to visit the Accursed Mountains<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Where_to_stay_in_northern_Albania\" >Where to stay in northern Albania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#10_things_to_see_and_do_in_the_Accursed_Mountains_and_around\" >10 things to see and do in the Accursed Mountains and around<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#1_Shkodra_the_surprisingly_laid-back_gateway_to_the_north\" >1. Shkodra, the surprisingly laid-back gateway to the north<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#2_Rozafa_Castle_and_a_dark_Balkan_legend\" >2. Rozafa Castle and a dark Balkan legend<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#3_Lake_Skadar_and_a_birdwatchers_paradise\" >3. Lake Skadar and a birdwatcher&#8217;s paradise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#4_The_ferry_across_Lake_Koman\" >4. The ferry across Lake Koman<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#5_The_Shala_River_or_Thai_beaches_in_Europe\" >5. The Shala River, or Thai beaches in Europe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#6_Theth_National_Park_and_the_blood-feud_tower\" >6. Theth National Park and the blood-feud tower<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#7_A_walk_to_the_Grunas_Waterfall\" >7. A walk to the Grunas Waterfall<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#8_The_mountain_Blue_Eye_and_an_icy_dip\" >8. The mountain Blue Eye and an icy dip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#9_Valbona_and_the_taste_of_true_mountain_countryside\" >9. Valbona and the taste of true mountain countryside<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#10_The_famous_trek_over_the_Valbona_Pass\" >10. The famous trek over the Valbona Pass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Where_to_go_next_from_northern_Albania\" >Where to go next from northern Albania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Is_the_road_to_Thethu_safely_paved\" >Is the road to Thethu safely paved?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Can_you_use_credit_cards_in_mountain_villages\" >Can you use credit cards in mountain villages?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Do_I_need_a_mountain_guide_for_the_Theth-Valbona_trek\" >Do I need a mountain guide for the Theth-Valbona trek?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#How_much_does_the_ferry_across_Lake_Koman_cost_and_do_I_need_to_book_it\" >How much does the ferry across Lake Koman cost and do I need to book it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Is_it_safe_to_drink_water_from_springs_in_the_Accursed_Mountains\" >Is it safe to drink water from springs in the Accursed Mountains?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Can_I_do_the_Theth-Valbona_trek_with_small_children\" >Can I do the Theth-Valbona trek with small children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#What_do_van_abbreviations_mean_and_how_do_they_actually_work\" >What do van abbreviations mean and how do they actually work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/accursed-mountains-albania-theth\/#Can_you_eat_well_without_meat_in_northern_Albania\" >Can you eat well without meat in northern Albania?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  <strong>Shkodra as your base:<\/strong> This pleasant, bike-loving town is the ideal starting point for stocking up on supplies, withdrawing cash and arranging a morning transfer into the mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Getting to Theth:<\/strong> The road from Shkodra to the village of Theth is now fully paved, so in the summer season you can easily reach it even in an ordinary car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>The Koman ferry:<\/strong> The most popular boat, Berisha, departs Koman at 9:00 am, and in summer you absolutely must book car tickets online well in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>The famous trek:<\/strong> The crossing between Theth and Valbona is roughly 17 kilometres and takes 6 to 8 hours of walking through gorgeous mountain terrain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Cash is king:<\/strong> Across the whole mountain region rely solely on cash in Albanian lek, as ATMs and card terminals are practically non-existent here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Vegetarian feasts:<\/strong> Be sure to try the local meat-free specialities, like the layered fli pie with kajmak or the delicious baked vegetables, tav\u00eb me perime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_visit_the_Accursed_Mountains\"><\/span>When to visit the Accursed Mountains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re planning to hike and want to enjoy the views without any danger, the <strong>best time to visit<\/strong> is from mid-June to the end of September. During these summer months the weather is at its most stable and the mountain trails are safely passable \u2014 though you can still work up a serious sweat on the climbs during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travellers often make the mistake of heading into the mountains too early in spring, but <strong>in May or early October<\/strong> you need to bear in mind that deep snow can still lie at higher altitudes. In these shoulder periods the Valbona Pass becomes treacherous, and the route is often completely impassable or requires proper winter gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In peak summer \u2014 July and August \u2014 the villages buzz with life and <strong>you&#8217;ll meet plenty of people on the trails<\/strong>. If you prefer a bit more peace and quiet, September is the ideal compromise: temperatures are still very pleasant for walking, the crowds slowly thin out, and nature begins to turn those beautiful autumn shades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_northern_Albania\"><\/span>Where to stay in northern Albania<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\ud83d\udca1 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to look for our stays on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Booking.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/booking-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Booking.com<\/a>, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. For tickets, tours and activities, it pays to compare and buy through <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accommodation in the Accursed Mountains runs primarily on the agritourism model, which adds enormous charm to the whole experience. Local family-run guesthouses offer you not just a clean, cosy bed but <strong>above all honest home cooking<\/strong>, served in generous portions. A night with half board usually costs between \u20ac15 and \u20ac25 per person, which is a fantastic deal for such enormous hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to stay in Theth:<\/strong> The village of Theth offers beautiful hideaways with views of those majestic peaks, and I&#8217;d recommend booking well ahead, because the best guesthouses are often sold out by May for the summer. Travellers rave about <strong>Serenity Guesthouse<\/strong>, which stands out for the family&#8217;s personal touch and absolutely fantastic homemade breakfasts on the terrace. Another great choice is the renovated <strong>Guesthouse Gjoni<\/strong> with excellent food, or <strong>Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse<\/strong>, where you&#8217;ll be treated to their own dairy products and hearty portions. If you&#8217;re after something right in the centre of the village with a friendly atmosphere, definitely check out <strong>Guesthouse Kujtimi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some specific tips for verified accommodation across categories (you can compare prices and availability with a single click via Stay22, which searches for the best deal across <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Booking.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/booking-com-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Booking.com<\/a>, Airbnb and others):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=Serenity%20Guesthouse&amp;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Serenity Guesthouse<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 A family guesthouse with a personal touch, views of the peaks and fantastic homemade breakfasts on the terrace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Gjoni&amp;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Guesthouse Gjoni<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 A newly renovated guesthouse right in the village; guests praise the hearty home cooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=Marash%20Rrgalla%20Guesthouse&amp;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Big portions of fresh food and their own dairy products in the heart of the mountain hamlet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Kol%20Gjoni&amp;address=Valbona%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Guesthouse Kol Gjoni<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 The top-rated guesthouse in Valbona, with warm hosts and honest mountain cooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Mountain&amp;address=Valbona%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Guesthouse Mountain<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Terraces overlooking the valley, ideal for families and couples after a long trek.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=Shkodra%20Guest%20House&amp;address=Shkod%C3%ABr%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Shkodra Guest House<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 A great base before the mountains; the owners help with morning minibuses and ferry tickets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=albanie-sever&amp;hotelname=The%20Wanderers%20Hostel&amp;address=Shkod%C3%ABr%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Wanderers Hostel<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 A top-rated hostel where travellers plan their mountain crossings together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to stay in Valbona:<\/strong> Valbona spreads across a broad valley, and you&#8217;ll find guesthouses tucked right by the river as well as higher up on the slopes. According to guest reviews, the absolute pick of the bunch is <strong>Guesthouse Kol Gjoni<\/strong>, which draws people in with its incredibly warm hosts and wonderful local cuisine. Families and couples will love <strong>Guesthouse Mountain<\/strong>, where you can rest up on terraces overlooking the valley after a long trek. Also worth considering is <strong>Guesthouse Skender Selimaj<\/strong>, offering newly renovated rooms and gorgeous balconies facing straight onto the 2,000-metre peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to stay in Shkodra (your base before the mountains):<\/strong> Shkodra is where you&#8217;ll most likely spend the night before heading up, and where you can leave your large luggage. <strong>Shkodra Guest House<\/strong> offers great facilities for trekkers, with owners who&#8217;ll happily help arrange morning minibuses and ferry tickets. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere and want to meet fellow travellers, head to <strong>The Wanderers Hostel<\/strong>, a top-rated spot famous for guests planning their mountain crossings together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_things_to_see_and_do_in_the_Accursed_Mountains_and_around\"><\/span>10 things to see and do in the Accursed Mountains and around<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look together at the very best northern Albania has to offer \u2014 from historic landmarks in Shkodra and epic boat journeys across the lake, to demanding but stunning hikes in the very heart of the Albanian Alps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra.jpg\" alt=\"Shkodra with a panorama of the snow-capped Albanian Alps\" class=\"wp-image-232134\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-shkodra-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Shkodra_the_surprisingly_laid-back_gateway_to_the_north\"><\/span>1. Shkodra, the surprisingly laid-back gateway to the north<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most travellers treat the town of Shkodra (sometimes spelled Shkod\u00ebr) as just a necessary transit hub, but I&#8217;d recommend setting aside at least half a day for it. Don&#8217;t expect the wild Balkan chaos of the capital Tirana \u2014 <strong>Shkodra has a strong Italian flair<\/strong>, reflected in the pastel facades of its houses and wide pedestrian zones full of caf\u00e9s. Catholics live here in close, friendly neighbourliness with Muslims, and the whole town breathes a very relaxed, almost Mediterranean atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what really catches your eye is the <strong>sheer number of bicycles<\/strong> \u2014 everyone here cycles, from small children to elderly gentlemen in smart suits. Stroll down the main avenue, Kole Idromeno, grab an excellent coffee, and use the town to buy your last supplies before heading into the mountains, because you won&#8217;t find any proper supermarkets up there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px.jpg\" alt=\"Rozafa Castle and the dark Balkan legend\" class=\"wp-image-232090\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-hrad-rozafa-a-temna-balkanska-legenda-px-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Necati \u00d6mer Karpuzo\u011flu \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Rozafa_Castle_and_a_dark_Balkan_legend\"><\/span>2. Rozafa Castle and a dark Balkan legend<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The town&#8217;s main historic landmark is the mighty Rozafa fortress, towering on a steep cliff right above the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers. The view from its ramparts over the town, the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the lake is absolutely phenomenal, and <strong>the best photos here are taken in the late-afternoon light<\/strong>, when the sun bathes the landscape in gold. Inside the sprawling complex you&#8217;ll find historic ruins, a small museum and a little caf\u00e9 where you can take a break. Admission to the fortress currently runs around 200 to 400 Albanian lek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The castle is tied to one of the best-known and <strong>darkest legends in all the Balkans<\/strong>, the tale of three brother builders. Whatever they built by day mysteriously collapsed by night, until an old sage advised a cruel solution. For the walls to stand, they had to immure whichever of their wives brought them lunch the next day. The choice fell on Rozafa, the youngest brother&#8217;s wife, who accepted her fate heroically on one condition: the right side of her body had to be left poking out of the wall, so she could keep nursing and soothing her little son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Skadar and a birdwatcher&#039;s paradise\" class=\"wp-image-232091\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-skadarske-jezero-a-ornitologicky-raj-1392x929.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Liridon \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Lake_Skadar_and_a_birdwatchers_paradise\"><\/span>3. Lake Skadar and a birdwatcher&#8217;s paradise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just beyond the town spreads the vast Lake Skadar, which Albania shares with neighbouring Montenegro and which forms the largest freshwater body in the Balkans. It&#8217;s a <strong>genuine paradise for nature lovers<\/strong>, full of blooming water lilies and rare birds, including majestic pelicans. If you want to escape the bustle of the town, it&#8217;s the ideal spot for a peaceful afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pop over to the quiet lakeside villages of Shiroka or Zogaj, just a few kilometres from Shkodra, with their lovely waterfront promenades. You can settle into one of the local taverns with views across to the Montenegrin shores and <strong>soak up the tranquil atmosphere<\/strong> of this unique aquatic ecosystem, protected as a national park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt.jpg\" alt=\"The ferry on Lake Koman between steep rock walls\" class=\"wp-image-232135\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-komani-trajekt-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_ferry_across_Lake_Koman\"><\/span>4. The ferry across Lake Koman<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If there&#8217;s one logistical puzzle in Albania that regularly leaves travellers baffled, it&#8217;s the ferry across the Koman reservoir. The boat ride along this narrow, winding lake carved between steep 2,000-metre peaks is rightly billed as <strong>one of the most beautiful boat journeys in the world<\/strong>, often nicknamed the Norwegian fjords of the Balkans. It&#8217;s also the most popular and picturesque way to get from Shkodra to Valbona National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common choice is the Berisha company, whose boat departs the southern port of Koman heading north to Fierz\u00eb at 9:00 am, with the crossing taking about two and a half hours. <strong>A passenger ticket costs \u20ac9 online<\/strong> or \u20ac10 in cash on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Spot\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/the-spot-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">the spot<\/a>, but if you&#8217;re driving, you pay roughly \u20ac7 per square metre depending on the size of your vehicle. In summer the ferry is hopelessly booked out, so you absolutely must reserve a car spot on the official website well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Tip for travelling without a car:<\/strong> If you don&#8217;t have your own vehicle, your best bet is the morning shared minibuses (furgon), which leave Shkodra around 6:00 am and cost roughly \u20ac8. The journey to Koman port takes a while, as the last thirty kilometres run along a very rough, narrow road, so arm yourself with patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala.jpg\" alt=\"Turquoise canyon water on the Shala River and Lake Koman\" class=\"wp-image-232133\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala-696x463.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-reka-shala-1392x927.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  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rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to stay in Theth, Valbona and northern Albania<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">6 accommodations recommended for your holiday<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Serenity%20Guesthouse&#038;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Serenity Guesthouse<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Family guesthouse with personal touch, mountain peak views and fantastic homemade breakfasts on the terrace.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Gjoni&#038;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Gjoni<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Newly renovated guesthouse right in the village, guests praise the hearty homemade food.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Marash%20Rrgalla%20Guesthouse&#038;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Generous portions of fresh food and homemade dairy products in the heart of the mountain settlement.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=prokletahorythethvalbona&#038;address=Theth%2C+Valbona+a+severn%C3%AD+Alb%C3%A1nie&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse+Kujtimi&#038;search=Guesthouse+Kujtimi&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Kujtimi<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Guesthouse right in the village center with a friendly atmosphere.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Kol%20Gjoni&#038;address=Valbona%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Kol Gjoni<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Top-rated guesthouse in Valbona, warm hosts and authentic mountain cuisine.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Mountain&#038;address=Valbona%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Mountain<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Terraces overlooking the valley, ideal for families and couples after a long trek.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n.lk-stays-header::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='60' height='60' viewBox='0 0 60 60' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cg fill='none' fill-rule='evenodd'%3E%3Cg fill='%23ffffff' fill-opacity='0.05'%3E%3Cpath d='M36 34v-4h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2h-4zm0-30V0h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2V6h4V4h-4zM6 34v-4H4v4H0v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2H6zM6 4V0H4v4H0v2h4v4h2V6h4V4H6z'\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") repeat;\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n.lk-stays-icon {\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n  width: 68px;\n  height: 68px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff 0%, #f9f6f0 100%);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-size: 26px;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.lk-stays-eyebrow {\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); color: #fff; border: 1px solid #c39f76; font-weight: 600; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(195,159,118,0.3); }\n.badge-luxury  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #c39f76; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n.badge-boutique{ background: rgba(54,133,252,.08); color: #3685fc; border: 1px solid rgba(54,133,252,.2); }\n.badge-nature  { background: rgba(130,190,100,.1); color: #6b9c4a; border: 1px solid rgba(130,190,100,.2); }\n.badge-remote  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #a67e50; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n\n.lk-stay-name {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #111827;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n}\n.lk-stay-desc {\n  font-size: 13.5px;\n  color: #525252;\n  line-height: 1.65;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  flex: 1;\n}\n\n.lk-stay-meta {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 12px;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  margin-top: 4px;\n}\n.lk-stay-price {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n}\n.lk-stay-price strong {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-weight: 500;\n}\n.lk-stay-stars {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-size: 11px;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CTA BUTTON \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-cta {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  gap: 7px;\n  margin-top: 8px;\n  padding: 11px 20px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3685fc 0%, #2a6fd9 100%);\n  color: #fff;\n  font-size: 13px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  letter-spacing: .3px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: center;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.25);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2a6fd9 0%, #1e5bc4 100%);\n  transform: translateY(-1px);\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.35);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta svg { flex-shrink: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to stay in Theth, Valbona and northern Albania<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">6 places to stay recommended for your trip<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Serenity%20Guesthouse&#038;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Serenity Guesthouse<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">A family guesthouse with a personal touch, views of the peaks and fantastic homemade breakfasts on the terrace. Travellers rave about this guesthouse for its incredibly warm hosts.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Gjoni&#038;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Gjoni<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">A newly renovated guesthouse right in the village; guests praise the hearty home cooking and excellent facilities.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Marash%20Rrgalla%20Guesthouse&#038;address=Theth%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Big portions of fresh food and their own dairy products in the heart of the mountain hamlet. Hospitality with generous helpings of home cooking.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=prokletahorythethvalbona&#038;address=Theth%2C+Valbona+a+severn%C3%AD+Alb%C3%A1nie&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse+Kujtimi&#038;search=Guesthouse+Kujtimi&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Kujtimi<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">A guesthouse right in the centre of the village with a friendly atmosphere, ideal for those who want to be close to the heart of village life.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Kol%20Gjoni&#038;address=Valbona%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Kol Gjoni<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">The top-rated guesthouse in Valbona, with warm hosts and honest mountain cooking. The absolute pick of the bunch according to guest reviews, with incredibly warm hosts and wonderful local cuisine.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=albanie-sever&#038;hotelname=Guesthouse%20Mountain&#038;address=Valbona%2C%20Alb%C3%A1nie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Guesthouse Mountain<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Terraces overlooking the valley, ideal for families and couples after a long trek. Gorgeous balconies facing the mountains.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_Shala_River_or_Thai_beaches_in_Europe\"><\/span>5. The Shala River, or Thai beaches in Europe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People very often confuse the transit ferry to Valbona with the day trip to the Shala River, but these are actually two different things. The Shala is a wild mountain tributary that flows into Lake Koman from a side valley, and <strong>you can&#8217;t reach it by car, only by boat<\/strong>. The water here is so incredibly clean and turquoise that the place has earned the nickname the Maldives of Europe \u2014 or the Thailand of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This trip deserves a full day to itself, and you can do it either from Koman port in a small boat for roughly \u20ac17 to \u20ac20, or by buying a complete package from Shkodra for around \u20ac40. The Shala River boat trip is easy to book through <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a>, and on arrival you&#8217;ll find pebble beaches, <strong>swimming in icy water and the chance to rent canoes<\/strong>. Bear in mind, though, that in summer huge numbers of people descend on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Spot\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/the-spot-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">the spot<\/a>, and it loses a little of its original calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1467\" height=\"2200\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik.jpg\" alt=\"The stone church in the village of Theth\" class=\"wp-image-232123\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik.jpg 1467w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-700x1050.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-696x1044.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-theth-kostelik-1392x2088.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1467px) 100vw, 1467px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The stone church in Theth beneath the peaks of the Accursed Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Theth_National_Park_and_the_blood-feud_tower\"><\/span>6. Theth National Park and the blood-feud tower<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The village of Theth lies deep in a valley, hemmed in by an impenetrable wall of steep peaks, and for many decades it was cut off from the world. Just a few years ago you could only reach it by 4&#215;4 along a treacherous gravel road, but today <strong>the road over the Qafa e Thores pass is completely paved<\/strong>. The journey from Shkodra takes about two and a half hours, offers fantastic views, and in the summer season you can make it even in an ordinary two-wheel-drive car \u2014 and entry to the national park is completely free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The village&#8217;s iconic symbol is a small stone church, and just a short walk away stands the Kulla e ngujimit tower, which served as a refuge from blood feuds. This dark structure is a <strong>relic of the old customary law known as the Kanun<\/strong>, under which men protecting their lives from revenge would lock themselves away in these towers for many long months. Today the tower works as a unique museum, and the local guides&#8217; tales of the harsh history of the mountain people are guaranteed to give you goosebumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2200\" height=\"1467\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad.jpg\" alt=\"The Grunas Waterfall in Theth National Park\" class=\"wp-image-232131\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad.jpg 2200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-1392x928.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-grunas-vodopad-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2200px) 100vw, 2200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Grunas Waterfall, half an hour&#8217;s walk from Theth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_A_walk_to_the_Grunas_Waterfall\"><\/span>7. A walk to the Grunas Waterfall<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve settled into Theth and soaked up the village atmosphere, definitely head out to explore the immediate surroundings. Your first target should be the Grunas Waterfall, reached by a very <strong>pleasant, easy walk<\/strong> that takes roughly thirty minutes from the centre of the hamlet, following the river. It&#8217;s the ideal afternoon activity after you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here the water tumbles from an impressive height of twenty-five metres down a steep limestone wall, creating a cooling mist below. On hot summer days especially it&#8217;s an <strong>absolutely fantastic way to cool off<\/strong>, and the surrounding lush greenery makes the perfect backdrop for photos \u2014 so don&#8217;t forget to bring a charged phone and comfortable shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1467\" height=\"2200\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda.jpg\" alt=\"The ice-clear water of mountain streams around Theth\" class=\"wp-image-232132\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda.jpg 1467w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-700x1050.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-696x1044.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-horska-voda-1392x2088.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1467px) 100vw, 1467px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Icy mountain water around Theth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_mountain_Blue_Eye_and_an_icy_dip\"><\/span>8. The mountain Blue Eye and an icy dip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another big draw in the area is the Blue Eye of Theth, which you should definitely not confuse with the more famous, more crowded Blue Eye down south near Saranda. This northern mountain eye is a beautiful karst spring with <strong>deep, intensely blue-green and icy water<\/strong>, hidden among the forests and surrounded by pale rocks. Entry to the spring itself is free in 2026, so don&#8217;t be thrown off by older information about fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you set off on foot straight from Theth, you&#8217;re looking at a full-day loop of 6 to 7 hours of walking there and back. A much more popular option, though, is to <strong>drive up to the hamlet of Nderlysaj<\/strong>, where you&#8217;ll pay about 150 to 200 lek for parking, and from there it&#8217;s just 40 to 50 minutes of pleasant walking to the eye. Swimming in the spring is allowed, but even in mid-August the water sits just above freezing, so only the hardiest will brave it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px.jpg\" alt=\"Valbona and the taste of true mountain countryside\" class=\"wp-image-232097\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/albania-valbona-a-chut-praveho-horskeho-venkov-px-1392x1044.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Tropojan Eagle \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Valbona_and_the_taste_of_true_mountain_countryside\"><\/span>9. Valbona and the taste of true mountain countryside<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other side of the high mountains lies Valbona Valley National Park, which, unlike the tightly enclosed Theth, takes the form of a much wider, more open glacial valley. A beautiful pale-turquoise river runs through it, and the whole area feels a touch more peaceful, while the deep surrounding forests are <strong>still home to brown bears and wolves<\/strong>. Most travellers reach Valbona by boat across Lake Koman, followed by a connecting minibus from Fierz\u00eb port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond its nature, this region is hugely rich in culinary experiences, and I&#8217;d recommend trying the local vegetarian specialities, which will completely win you over. <strong>The absolute classic is fli<\/strong>, a layered pie baked over an open fire and served with fresh homemade kajmak or honey. On guesthouse tables you&#8217;ll also often find the excellent baked vegetable dish tav\u00eb me perime, crispy cheese-filled byrek, and a strong homemade brandy called rakia. Meat dishes like lamb or grilled qofte meatballs are an important part of the region&#8217;s pastoral heritage, but even without meat you&#8217;ll eat like royalty here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2200\" height=\"1467\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity.jpg\" alt=\"The jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains in morning mist\" class=\"wp-image-232125\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity.jpg 2200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-1392x928.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-mlzne-stity-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2200px) 100vw, 2200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_The_famous_trek_over_the_Valbona_Pass\"><\/span>10. The famous trek over the Valbona Pass<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the main reason active travellers from all over Europe head to the north of Albania. The hike over the Valbona Pass connects the Theth and Valbona valleys and is an <strong>absolute bucket-list experience<\/strong> that shows you the purest, wildest scenery in all the Balkans. The route is roughly 17 kilometres long and, depending on your fitness, takes 6 to 8 hours of walking through fairly demanding but well-marked terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The elevation gain is seriously impressive, as you have to climb roughly 900 metres from the valley up to the pass itself, which sits at 1,800 metres above sea level, before a long descent back down again. <strong>The golden safety rule<\/strong> is to set off early in the morning and be at or beyond the pass by 2:00 pm at the latest, to avoid the dangerous afternoon storms that often build up in the mountains. The views from the highest point over the jagged grey peaks are utterly breathtaking, and they&#8217;ll make it perfectly clear why this range is called the Accursed Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_go_next_from_northern_Albania\"><\/span>Where to go next from northern Albania<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve got the mountain adventure behind you and you&#8217;re wondering where to head next in the land of the eagles, the options are plentiful. Albania is hugely varied, and after the cool mountains you might fancy a bit of warmth and some historic sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  If you want to explore the central part of the country and see a pulsing, colourful capital, read our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/things-to-see-tirana-albania\/\">Tirana: what to see in the capital<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  For history lovers and fans of beautiful Ottoman architecture, an absolute must is <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/berat-albania-things-to-do\/\">Berat: the city of a thousand windows<\/a>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  If you&#8217;re longing for a swim and some salty air, take a look at our overview <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/albania-vacations\/\">Albania by the sea: where to go on holiday<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  To explore the gorgeous south with its crystal-clear water, use our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=231274\">Saranda and the Ionian Riviera<\/a>, or discover the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/ksamil-albania-beaches-tips\/\">Ksamil: the Albanian Maldives<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  And if you want to get a complete picture of the whole country, don&#8217;t miss our big overview article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/albania-best-places-holiday\/\">What to see in Albania<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"theth valbona\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-06-11T05:08:26+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n<style id=\"lk-gyg-styles\">\n@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700&family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\");\n\/* === LK GYG karty \u2014 CRO redesign 2026-05 (namespace .lkx-) ===\n   C\u00edl: vy\u0161\u0161\u00ed CTR (hero + v\u00fdrazn\u00fd social proof + ak\u010dn\u00ed CTA, m\u00e9n\u011b \"reklamn\u00ed\").\n   Injektuje se inline do prvn\u00edho markeru postu (refresh_cards.py --inline-css). *\/\n.lkx-module, .lkx-module *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\n.lkx-module{\n  font-family:'DM Sans',-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Georgia,sans-serif;\n  max-width:860px;margin:2.5rem auto;color:#1f2328;\n}\n\n\/* HEADER \u2014 lehk\u00fd editorsk\u00fd, \u017e\u00e1dn\u00fd bannerov\u00fd blok; 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tickets<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"lkx-head-meta\">traveler-rated \u00b7 <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span>\n  <\/div><a class=\"lkx-hero\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/theth-l121525\/valbona-to-theth-hike-self-guided-transport-map-t1049901\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=accursed-mountains-albania-theth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/a0ae8e72097bd20ea9070151d31b32102086af279d737c206bec4f5f6355f14e.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Valbona to Theth Hike (Self-Guided) Transport &amp; Map\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-pick\">\u2605 Our pick<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-body\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-title\">Valbona to Theth Hike (Self-Guided) Transport &amp; Map<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-proof\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.5<\/b> \u00b7 8 reviews\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-hero-bottom\"><div class=\"lkx-price\">from <b>\u20ac66<\/b><\/div><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-hero\">I want this experience \u2192<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/a><div class=\"lkx-grid\"><a class=\"lkx-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/theth-l121525\/valbona-pass-short-tour-2-days1-night-t896302\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=accursed-mountains-albania-theth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/91733d8c2124f55f70f7495df3d1a779236e63ad75de747358db6d71bd68a3b7.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Valbona Pass Short Tour 2 days\/1 night\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-body\">\n        <div class=\"lkx-title lkx-title-sm\">Valbona Pass Short Tour 2 days\/1 night<\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-proof lkx-proof-sm\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.0<\/b> \u00b7 1\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-card-bottom\"><span class=\"lkx-price lkx-price-sm\">from <b>\u20ac177<\/b><\/span><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-sm\">See dates \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a><a class=\"lkx-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/theth-l121525\/4-day-hike-in-the-accursed-mountains-prekal-valbona-theth-t409573\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=accursed-mountains-albania-theth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/b70ac23f30d5906bdf94583763eff8c92976ecf1991c3472a31932814dc21a25.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"4-Day Hike in the Accursed Mountains: Prekal Valbona &amp; Theth\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-body\">\n        <div class=\"lkx-title lkx-title-sm\">4-Day Hike in the Accursed Mountains: Prekal Valbona &amp; Theth<\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-proof lkx-proof-sm\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>5.0<\/b> \u00b7 1\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-card-bottom\"><span class=\"lkx-price lkx-price-sm\">from <b>\u20ac675<\/b><\/span><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-sm\">See dates \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a><\/div><div class=\"lkx-disclosure\">\ud83d\udd17 These are affiliate links \u2014 they don&#39;t change your price and help us create content. \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/s\/?q=theth+valbona&amp;partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">All experiences \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_road_to_Thethu_safely_paved\"><\/span>Is the road to Thethu safely paved?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, the new SH21 road leading from Shkodra through the Qafa e Thores pass directly to the village of Theth is now fully paved and the journey takes just over two hours. During the summer season, you can easily get here even in a regular rental car without any problems, and four-wheel drive is no longer necessary.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_use_credit_cards_in_mountain_villages\"><\/span>Can you use credit cards in mountain villages?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In the Accursed Mountains, you need to rely exclusively on cash, as payment terminals and ATMs are virtually non-existent here. It&#8217;s ideal to have enough Albanian lek (ALL) with you to pay for accommodation, food at guesthouses, furgons, and beer at mountain huts.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_mountain_guide_for_the_Theth-Valbona_trek\"><\/span>Do I need a mountain guide for the Theth-Valbona trek?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>&#8220;`html<br \/>\nYou definitely don&#8217;t need a guide for this crossing, as the route is very well marked, well-trodden, and during summer season you&#8217;ll meet plenty of other tourists. All you need is good physical fitness, sturdy footwear, an offline map on your phone, and enough drinking water for the journey.<br \/>\n&#8220;`<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_the_ferry_across_Lake_Koman_cost_and_do_I_need_to_book_it\"><\/span>How much does the ferry across Lake Koman cost and do I need to book it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The personal ticket for the Berisha ferry costs 9 euros when purchased online and 10 euros in cash on site. However, if you&#8217;re planning to transport a car, the price is calculated according to the vehicle&#8217;s size (approximately 7 euros per square meter) and during summer months it&#8217;s absolutely essential to make a reservation well in advance through the official website, otherwise you won&#8217;t get on the ferry.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_safe_to_drink_water_from_springs_in_the_Accursed_Mountains\"><\/span>Is it safe to drink water from springs in the Accursed Mountains?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The water from mountain springs and wells is generally very clean and locals drink it regularly, however for travelers with more sensitive stomachs I always recommend using a travel bottle with a filter. On the trek you&#8217;ll come across several places where you can refill your water, or alternatively you can buy it in small caf\u00e9s along the route.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_do_the_Theth-Valbona_trek_with_small_children\"><\/span>Can I do the Theth-Valbona trek with small children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The crossing over Valbona Pass is quite challenging, 17 kilometers long and includes steep ascents, so I recommend it only for older children who are used to full-day mountain hiking. For families with small children, shorter walks in the Theth valley are much more suitable, for example to Grunas waterfall or to the Blue Eye.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_van_abbreviations_mean_and_how_do_they_actually_work\"><\/span>What do van abbreviations mean and how do they actually work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Furgon is the local term for shared vans and minibuses that form the backbone of public transport in Albania. They don&#8217;t have fixed stops or official nationwide timetables online, they usually depart early in the morning when full, and accommodation providers in Shkod\u00ebr will happily reserve you a seat the day before.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781023488007\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_eat_well_without_meat_in_northern_Albania\"><\/span>Can you eat well without meat in northern Albania?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, as vegetarians you&#8217;ll eat absolutely brilliantly here and you definitely won&#8217;t go hungry. Local agritourism is built on excellent homemade dairy products, strong cheeses, baked vegetables in clay pots, and traditional savory pastries byrek, which will reliably fill you up after a long trek.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Accursed Mountains in Albania: the wild north with the village of Theth, glacial Valbona and the most beautiful trek in the Balkans. A practical guide with 2026 prices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":232120,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Accursed Mountains Albania: Theth & Valbona 2026","rank_math_description":"Discover the Accursed Mountains in Albania: Theth, Valbona, the Koman ferry and the famous trek. Practical 2026 guide with prices and tips \u2014 start planning now!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Accursed Mountains Albania","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[328,326,320],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-235647","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-albania","8":"category-europe","9":"category-travel"},"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/prokleta-hory-albanske-alpy-reka.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=235647"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235923,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235647\/revisions\/235923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/232120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=235647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=235647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}