When we first visited Albania, we didn’t do much research – maybe a bit lazy, and the struggle to find good backpacking and travel tips for Albania was real. So, we kind of winged it, making the best of things, including the epic Theth to Valbona hike.
Starting the hike in Albania was a puzzle, but we figured it out slowly. Honestly, it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The hike was a blast, the landscapes stunning, and finishing it brought pure satisfaction.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie wanting to start, this hike is a must-try. It’s beginner-friendly and an absolute joy. So here is our full guide on the famous Theth to Valbona Hike in Albania.
- What to expect on the Theth to Valbona hike?
- Theth & How to get to Theth
- Valbona
- Theth to Valbona Hike
- Komani Lake Ferry & How to get back from Valbona
- Theth to Valbona Hike – What to pack
- Theth to Valbona Hike – The best time to hike
- Theth to Valbona Hike – Where to stay
- Ultimate Guide – Theth to Valbona Hike – Final Words
What to expect on the Theth to Valbona hike?
The Theth Valbona hike (or Valbona Theth Trek) is definitely the best way to discover the Albanian Alps, a stunning mountain range in the northern part of the country. The hike begins in Theth National Park and ends in Valbona National Park, covering around 17 kilometers.
It’s a moderate-level hike that takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, with some steep inclines and descents along the way. But don’t let that intimidate you – the views and landscapes along the way make every step worth it.
The hike itself is not too challenging, but it does require a basic level of fitness. And don’t worry about getting lost – there are clear trail markers and helpful locals to guide you along the way.
Theth & How to get to Theth
Alright, let’s kick things off from the very start, which is Theth Village – where your adventure begins. But before diving into that, you’re probably wondering how to reach Theth Village. Well, it’s pretty simple – you’ll hop on a bus. Even if you’ve got a rental car, you’ll need to take the bus from Shkoder to Theth and leave your car there. Yup, that’s right, because you’ll be trekking from Theth to Valbona and won’t be swinging back to Theth for your car. So, the easiest route is to park your car at your guesthouse or hotel until you return from your hike.
Now, catching the bus from Shkoder to Theth is a breeze. The main bus terminal is in the city center (right next to the main roundabout), where you can catch a morning bus to Theth for around $15. However, a comfier alternative is having your host or hotel arrange a transfer for a slightly higher cost, but they’ll pick you up from your place.
Visiting Theth itself isn’t much of an exciting experience or a busy town. It’s more like a handful of houses, a chapel, and a good number of guesthouses, hotels, and eateries. But let me tell you, the town and its setting are breathtaking. Nestled in a valley with a river meandering through, it embodies the essence of the Albanian countryside – utterly peaceful and serene. From Theth, you can explore various hikes and even visit another Blue Eye, almost as stunning as the Blue Eye near Ksamil. Apart from that, don’t expect a crazy amount of activities in Theth, but trust me, it’s a genuinely stunning place.
Tip: If you’re curious about where to stay in Shkoder, check out our comprehensive guide! We’ve got you covered with all the insider tips and personal recommendations on hotels and areas.
Valbona
Valbona Village, in the Valbona National Park, on the other side, which essentially marks the end of your hike, shares many similarities with Theth. It’s a pretty sleepy country town that seems to have more cows than people, but we loved its countryside charm just like Theth.
Surrounded by mountains, with a small river flowing through, Valbona Village mainly offers guesthouses, a few campsites, and some restaurants and pubs that are often part of the guesthouses. Trust us, after a long day (or a few days) of hiking, stepping into one of these guesthouses, setting your backpack down, and treating yourself to a hearty Albanian meal and a cold beer is exactly what you’ll crave – at least, that’s how we felt.
The town of Valbona is a single long main road that can feel never-ending after 17km of walking. If, like us, you book your accommodation in Valbona last minute, you may find yourself trekking down that road for quite a while before reaching your guesthouse. We highly recommend securing your booking early to snag one of the guesthouses closer to the start in Valbona.
Theth to Valbona Hike
Alright, I’ve mentioned this before, but now we’re really diving into it. Let’s chat about the actual hiking part of the Theth to Valbona Hike. You’ll want to kick off your morning bright and early, possibly catching the sunrise depending on the time of year you’re there to ensure you reach Valbona before sundown – getting lost in the dark is not the vibe we’re aiming for!
Most guesthouses in this area understand that visitors are here for the hike. As a result, they start serving breakfast, and sometimes breakfast buffets, early in the morning. The Theth Valbona trailhead kicks off behind the Mini Market Jezerca, which is a tad overpriced being the sole supermarket in town, but it’s your final chance to stock up on snacks and other essentials.
Once you’ve sorted that out, you’re all set to begin your journey to Valbona, a scenic 9-hour trek through the stunning Albanian Alps. Even if you haven’t packed a ton of food and water, fret not. Along the way, you’ll encounter four guesthouses where you can purchase water, soft drinks, snacks, or even full meals. So, don’t go overboard with packing – unless necessary. If you’re on a budget, you can opt to make your own sandwiches and pack some fruits, which we highly recommend. The initial two guesthouses are closer to Theth, while the other two are nearer to Valbona, creating a bit of a gap between them as you ascend the mountain ridge.
The hiking trail up the mountain pass from Theth is relatively easy, with a gradual incline that’s not too steep but absolutely breathtaking. Once you reach the summit (takes about three hours), snap a few photos and head down towards Valbona. This leg involves a bit steeper terrain with plenty of steps, so ensure you have appropriate footwear on!
As you reach the bottom, down the accursed mountains, you’ll stroll across gravel, possibly a dry riverbed, guiding you to the final stretch of the trek. After that, it’s pretty much a straight shot to Valbona with only little bits of climbing. Once you make it through those, congratulations, you’re in Valbona! (I don’t care if I said it a bunch of times before, this statement is the most important one!) You made it in time for dinner!
Komani Lake Ferry & How to get back from Valbona
Alright, let’s move on to the final part of this adventure where many of you might be wondering, “So, what’s next? How do I return from Valbona to Shkoder?” This part is an adventure in itself because instead of just taking a dull bus ride back, you’ll be hopping on a ferry across Lake Komani.
Lake Komani, located in northern Albania, boasts various arms stretching between Theth National Park and Valbona National Park and beyond. The lake features stunning emerald waters, resembling more of a river due to its narrow parts and canyon setting with towering cliffs on both sides. The breathtaking views from the ferry truly amazed us and are definitely a highlight of the trip.
The Komani Lake ferry ride is a breeze thanks to the excellent company operating it. You can easily secure your ferry ticket online at Komanilakeferry.com for around $10, and even arrange a bus transfer to and from the ferry. This includes a shuttle bus pick-up from your guesthouse or hotel in Valbona, transporting you to Fierze where the ferry departs, and another bus shuttle from Koman, where the ferry docks, back to Shkoder.
FYI: If you’re not set on any other hiking plans in the area and are heading straight back to Shkoder, we really can’t emphasize enough how much smoother your trip will be by booking the entire package (shuttle bus – ferry ride – shuttle bus) ahead of time. It truly made our lives so much easier!
Theth to Valbona Hike – What to pack
When it comes to preparing for your hike, the big question is what to bring or pack for the Theth to Valbona Hike (Valbona Pass Hike). The short answer is: it depends on what time of the year you do it.
During our mid-summer trek, we kept it light with just our daypacks, leaving the bulky backpacks behind in Shkoder. Trust me, you won’t want to lug around heavy bags or a suitcase on the hike. Plan for two nights out (one in Theth and one in Valbona) and pack accordingly. We will attach a short list of essentials below!
Apart from the usual must-haves, make sure you’ve got sturdy hiking boots or good trail running shoes. While a T-shirt and shorts were fine for most of the trip, remember it can get chilly in the mornings and at the peak, so toss in a jacket or long sleeves just in case.
If you’re eyeing a spring or autumn adventure, layer up and bring that cozy jacket – temperatures can dip to 10-15 Celsius, especially up in the mountains. This time of year calls for experienced hikers due to potentially rainy, muddy, and slippery conditions.
Winter treks? Not recommended, as the hike is usually closed due to heavy snow. Stay safe out there, and remember, packing light but smart is the golden rule for a successful journey!
Essential Packing List for Theth to Valbona Hike:
- Good Quality Hiking Boots or Trail Running Shoes: The terrain can be tricky, and having sturdy footwear is non-negotiable.
- Lightweight Backpack: Opt for something that won’t weigh you down but can still hold all your essentials.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated out there – you can refill at the guesthouses along the way.
- Snacks/Energy Bars: Keep your energy up with some light snacks. Nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars are perfect.
- Lightweight Rain Jacket: Just in case you encounter some unexpected showers.
- Hat & Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun during those open stretches of the trail.
- Sunscreen: A must-have to keep your skin protected against UV rays.
- First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication.
- Light Clothing Layers: Be ready for varying temperatures, especially in the transitional months. A t-shirt, long sleeve, and a lightweight fleece should do the trick.
- Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the breathtaking views, trust me!
- Portable Charger: Keep your gadgets powered up for safety and those essential snapshots.
- Maps/GPS Device: While the trail is marked, it’s always good to have a backup. We also totally recommend downloading maps.me, which is a fantastic app for traveling and hiking.
Theth to Valbona Hike – The best time to hike
The best time to hit up the Theth to Valbona Hike, and start the Valbona trail is smack in the summer months, from June to September. That’s when the trail’s wide open and ready to roll, with perfect hiking weather. But hey, it’s also the peak season, so brace yourself for some serious crowds on the trail and at the guesthouses.
Quick heads-up, we tackled the hike at the peak of high season and found it kinda busy in spots – especially around the peak where the Theth and Valbona hikers converge. Would’ve been cool to have a tad more elbow room, but honestly, it wasn’t all that bad. Our tip? If you’re starting the trail in high season, kick things off at the crack of dawn. Go for that sunrise start, and you’ll have the trail all to yourself, leaving the crowds in the dust.
For a super chill vibe, think about swinging by in late May or early October. Might be a bit cooler, but the scenery’s just as amazing. Just a heads-up, some guesthouses might be shut or have limited spots during the off-peak months.
Now, if you’re a seasoned hiker craving a challenge, think about tackling the trail in spring (April-May) or fall (October-November). These in-between months can dish out some wild weather and tougher hiking conditions, but they also bring a unique beauty and a more serene trail vibe. Just keep an eye on the forecast and hike smart.
Theth to Valbona Hike – Where to stay
The burning question of where to stay in Theth and Valbona? I’ve got some fantastic options for you in just a second, but let’s start with the basics. When it comes to booking your accommodation for this hike, there’s one crucial thing we need you to do – book in advance. Some of you might be thinking, “Of course, I’ll book everything ahead, it’s my vacation,” and that’s awesome. But I know there are also seasoned travelers thinking, “Nah, I’ll book as I go.” That strategy could work in the shoulder season, but not during the high season. Neither Theth nor Valbona are fully equipped yet to handle the influx of tourists expected in 2024. So, if you want a reasonably priced and decent place to sleep, book your accommodation ahead of time! Now, let’s dive into our recommendations for places to stay:
Best hotels in Theth
As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to stay near the beginning of the Theth Valbona trail close to Mini Market Jezerca. Otherwise, you might end up adding an extra hour of walking to your hike. Here are our top recommendations on where to stay in Theth:
Logu i Harushave
These Albanian huts are an absolute must-stay for their unique location and traditional charm. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, and hey, breakfast is included! The hosts are some of the kindest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.
Check for availability & rates
Gurra Family Guesthouse
We loved this traditional-style guesthouse! The rooms are clean and comfortable, and you can choose to have breakfast and dinner with the family. They also offer pick-up services from Shkoder.
Check for availability & rates
Guest House Rrashkadoli
Great value for money! This guesthouse is simple but has everything you need for a good night’s rest. They also offer dinner and breakfast, plus pick-up services from Shkoder.
Check for availability & rates
Best hotels in Valbona
In Valbona, it’s essential to stay near the town entrance to be close to guesthouses, and restaurants, and avoid adding extra walking time to your hike. Here are our top recommendations for where to stay in Valbona:
Hotel Krojet e Rrogamit
This simple yet charming guesthouse is ideally located at the beginning of Valbona, right by the river. The cozy rooms have private bathrooms and offer breakfast and dinner.
Check for availability & rates
Guesthouse Natyra Balcony
A little more affordable, but still offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. The rooms have private bathrooms, and breakfast is included.
Check for availability & rates
Ultimate Guide – Theth to Valbona Hike – Final Words
Overall, the Theth to Valbona hike (or Valbona Theth hike) truly stood out as one of the highlights of our entire journey. The breathtaking views, warm locals, and the tough yet fulfilling trek combined to create an unforgettable adventure.
Exploring Albania’s natural beauty, accursed mountains, and countryside through this hike is truly remarkable. You’ll escape the hustle of beach towns and busy streets. While it might get a bit crowded during peak season, it’s nothing compared to the summer crowds in Greece or Italy.
If you’re someone who enjoys the outdoors and hiking or if you’re looking to venture into hiking, the Theth to Valbona Hike is ideal for you. It’s not overly challenging, but it certainly leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and joy at the end.
Hopefully, our guide has sparked your interest in adding this hike to your travel bucket list and has equipped you with all the necessary tips and information for a successful journey. Especially after we struggled to find good information on this, we thought that such a detailed explanation about the Valbona Theth trailhead was necessary. And don’t forget, make sure to book your accommodation in advance!
