Valbona Valley National Park

L'essentiel du parc national de la vallée de Valbona

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 — Carte

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.