Valbona National Park lies at the heart of the Accursed Mountain Range in the north of Albania. This stunning valley is home to a diverse ecosystem featuring glacial springs, unique rock formations, waterfalls, dense forests and a beautiful river. The protected national park is of pristine quality and largely remote. The small village of Valbona has a small population and is a rapidly growing sector for tourism in Albania thanks to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.
HOW TO GET TO VALBONA NATIONAL PARK
Valbona National Park is only accessible through one route. Even though it’s neighboring valley Theth is right next door, there is no way to access Theth by car. You will have to pass through Bajram Curri, the nearest major town to Valbona. From the capital of Tirana it is about a 5 hour drive to Valbona. Also, the national park is easily accessible from Kosovo.
EXPLORE WITH ME!
For the best experience in the Accursed Mountain Range, Valbona Valley is a part of the specialized Peaks of The Balkans Tour I provide with Balkan Mountain Adventure Company. Adventure is what we do. These experiences have changed my life forever. I want everyone to share the joy of the mountains with me and experience the wonders of my home. BLKNMTN gives you the opportunity to explore like a local and have the adventure of a lifetime. Click the link for more information and feel free to reach out with any questions!
ADVENTURE IS WHAT WE DO
FIVE THINGS TO DO IN VALBONA NATIONAL PARK
Valbona National Park is home to a blooming tourist scene for good reason. The park is a haven for all nature lovers. Here you will find a number activities for all styles of adventure.
TAKE A HIKE – The most popular thing to do in Valbona is to go for a hike. The massive valley has endless options for hiking. The most popular route is from Valbona to the neighboring Theth National Park via the Valbona Pass. Followed by the hike from Valbona to Cerem. Both these hikes are stages on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.
CONQUER PEAKS – Valbona Valley is towered over by a number of massive peaks just waiting to be bagged. The most famous is the tallest mountain in the Accursed Mountains, Maja Jezerce (2,694m). A couple other honorable mentions are Zla Kolata (2,534m) and Maja e Boshit (2,416m).
GO FOR A SWIM – The river running through the valley of Valbona National Park is the perfect place to refresh yourself after a hike. The water is always cold and will leave you feeling new.
WALK THE VALLEY – Valbona is the perfect place to take a walk. The valley is full of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. You can spend an entire day roaming the valley and finding the most relaxing places to spend your time.
ENJOY TRADITIONAL CUISINE – The numerous guest houses in Valbona National Park offer some amazing traditional Albanian Cuisine that you will only find here. Of course you can choose from any restaurant and get a good meal, but I find eating at small guest houses is my favorite. The experience of sharing a meal with the family that lives there is the best. Also, the food is amazing and as genuine as it gets.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALBONA NATIONAL PARK?
Valbona is home to a number of traditional guest houses offering the supreme Albanian hospitality. At these guest house I have never felt more at home. The hosts treat you like family and feed you as if you are malnourished. My favorite place to stay is at my buddy Everest’s place, Guest House Izet Selimaj. Contact me at info@blknmtn.com for all your booking needs.
WHY VISIT VALBONA NATIONAL PARK?
A visit to Valbona National Park is an experience you will never forget. The massive valley is full of adventure and beauty. It is something that has to be experienced first hand. My description and pictures do no justice. Come see for yourself!
