Northern Albania is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes, offering endless opportunities to explore nature and all it has to offer. With hikes, swimming spots, breathtaking viewpoints, and experiences to suit every type of traveler, this region has something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual nature lover or an avid hiker, I’ve gathered some of the best options to help you discover the Albanian Alps.
The largest city in Northern Albania is Shkoder, a charming place with a quaint old town filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Shkoder also borders Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in the Balkans, which stretches across both Albania and Montenegro. This massive lake is perfect for cycling or walking around, enjoying a leisurely lunch by the water, or simply soaking in the views. While Shkoder is a delightful town in itself, it’s also the ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. I’ll share two amazing day trips that cater to different fitness levels and budgets, so you can find the adventure that suits you best.
Where to Stay in Shkoder
To start, I recommend booking accommodation in the city center. I stayed at Shkodra Hostel and Day Tours, which I found to be an excellent choice. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable about the region and made organizing day trips seamless. The hostel’s central location is perfect for exploring Shkoder, and its friendly, social atmosphere makes it easy to connect with other travelers. Plus, they offer some of the best and most affordable day trips to the Albanian Alps. If you’re not a hostel fan, don’t worry—there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses nearby, and you can still join the day tours offered through the hostel.
Day Trip 1: The Albanian Alps Tour
The first tour I joined was the Albanian Alps tour, a 12-hour adventure that takes you through some of the region’s most stunning spots. For just 50 EUR, the tour includes transportation, activities, and a morning coffee or tea. While lunch isn’t included, there are plenty of options to purchase food along the way, or you can pack your own if you’re on a budget.
The day starts early, with a one-hour drive into the heart of the Alps. Our first stop was a picturesque hotel nestled in the mountains, where we enjoyed coffee while soaking in the incredible views—a perfect teaser for what lay ahead. After our coffee break, we continued deeper into the mountains, with an optional zip-lining experience available for an additional 20 EUR. Those who chose to zip line were picked up at the bottom of the mountain to rejoin the group.
The next stop was one of the highlights of the tour—the Blue Eye. This natural pool, with its crystal-clear blue water, is truly breathtaking. After a scenic hike through rivers, pools, and mountain terrain, we reached the Blue Eye, where we spent an hour swimming and jumping from rocks. The icy water was refreshing, and the views were simply mesmerizing. On our way back, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant along the river, where we enjoyed the serene surroundings before continuing our adventure.
Our next destination was a short hike to a beautiful waterfall in the Alps. The easy walk took us through farmland and past a lovely church, with panoramic views all around. The waterfall itself was a peaceful spot to swim or relax, and the water was so clean that you could drink it straight from the source. After another swim, we returned to the car and headed to our final stop of the day.
The tour ended with a visit to a stunning restaurant perched high in the Alps, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding peaks at golden hour. Sipping coffee as the sun set over the mountains was the perfect way to conclude the day. The scenic drive back to Shkoder as the sky changed colors was a surreal experience in itself. This tour is ideal for all fitness levels and offers a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable scenery.
Day Trip 2: The Albanian Highlands Summit Hike
If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, I highly recommend the Albanian Highlands summit hike, another 12-hour day trip offered by Shkodra Hostel and Day Tours. This hike, priced at 85 EUR, is perfect for avid hikers seeking a more intense adventure with even more panoramic views. Like the first tour, it includes transportation and coffee, with the option to pack your own lunch or purchase food along the way.
The day starts early again, with a scenic drive through the highlands, where we stopped to take in the view of the Albania-Montenegro border. From here, you can see the border station below and the clear divide between the two countries, with the morning sun casting a golden glow over the peaks.
We then made our way to a cozy mountain café, where we enjoyed our included coffee before starting the hike. The trek up the mountain is a steady two-hour climb, challenging but rewarding with stunning views all along the way. As we approached the summit, we walked along the Albania-Montenegro border, with views of both countries laid out beneath us. Reaching the top, we were greeted with 360-degree panoramic views that were absolutely worth the effort. We spent nearly an hour at the summit, taking in the sights and enjoying snacks before beginning our descent.
The hike down took just over an hour, mostly downhill, and led us back to the café for a well-earned lunch. The food was delicious, affordable, and the perfect way to refuel after the hike. Our next stop was a refreshing swimming hole—a cold but invigorating treat for tired muscles. The crystal-clear water, rocks for jumping, and peaceful surroundings made it a great place to relax. We finished the day with one last stop at another waterfall and swimming spot, where the more adventurous among us could jump from even higher rocks.
The tour wrapped up with a visit to a picturesque café before we headed back to Shkoder, once again driving through the incredible mountain scenery as the sun set.
Conclusion
Shkodra Hostel and Day Tours truly offers some of the best and most inclusive day trips in the region. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing the beauty of the Albanian Alps with travelers. These tours are not only well worth the money but offer a perfect escape from the city and a chance to explore one of Europe’s most underrated regions. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable experience in nature, the Albanian Alps should be at the top of your travel list.
If you find yourself in Albania, I can’t recommend this region enough. Check out Shkodra Hostel for accommodation or their fantastic day trips—you won’t be disappointed!
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