Valbona Valley National Park

Valbona Valley National Park Highlights

Valbona Valley National Park Essentials

Valbona Valley National Park encompasses the heart of the Albanian Alps, centered on the crystal-clear Valbona River. This selection features the region's architectural and natural landmarks, including the 2,694-meter Jezercë peak and the historic Dragobi Cave. Visitors can explore Cold War-era bunkers, traditional stone watermills, and high-altitude glacial lakes. The list also includes essential stopping points like the Fusha e Gjesë, which serves traditional mountain cuisine, and accessible natural features like the valley's main waterfall.

Valbona Valley National Park Essentials — Karte

Grtek / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Jezercë

Jezercë is the highest peak in the Dinaric Alps, the second highest in Albania and the sixth highest in Southeast Europe, standing at 2,694…

B

Valbona's Waterfall

Fed by snowmelt from the Dinaric Alps, this cascade is accessible via a relatively flat trail from the end of the valley road. It is one of the few natural landmarks in the park reachable for visitors with limited mobility.

C

Bunkers of Valbona

These concrete mushroom-shaped structures are remnants of the Enver Hoxha era, built during the Cold War as part of a nationwide defense project. They are situated along the valley floor near the river.

D

Old Watermill

A traditional stone structure situated along the river, this historic facility was once used by local villagers to grind grain using mountain water power. It serves as a preserved example of regional pre-industrial heritage.

E

Shpella e Dragobisë

This mountain cavity is historically significant as the 1925 death site of Albanian national hero Bajram Curri. Located on the slopes near Dragobi village, it is reached via a steep hiking trail.

F

Liqenjtë e Jezercës

A cluster of six glacial bodies of water located in the Buni i Jezercës cirque. These alpine lakes are surrounded by limestone peaks and typically remain partially frozen until early summer.

G

Rosi Peak

Standing at 2,524 meters on the border between Albania and Montenegro, this summit offers 360-degree views of the Accursed Mountains. The ascent is a common day hike for trekkers.

H

Fusha e Gjesë

A traditional alpine restaurant and hotel specializing in northern Albanian Highland cuisine, including slow-roasted lamb and locally sourced trout. It marks a major trailhead at the end of the valley road.