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About

Theth National Park is located in the far northern part of Albania near the midway point of the border with Montenegro.  The park covers an area of only 10.15 square miles (26.3 sq km) creating another small park within the country packed with astounding natural wonders.

The Albanian Alps and the Shala Valley are at the heart of the national park.  Generally speaking, the park represents the characteristics of a high terrain landscape with sharp steep mountains.  Along with the mountains of the Alps and the Shala Valley, the area is characterized by thick forests, meandering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and striking rock formations.

The park is comprised of a diverse ecosystem that changes with elevation transitioning from the oak-dominated lower elevations moving into the beech forests as the elevations change.  The alpine terrain at even higher elevations features junipers, shrubs, and alpine bluegrass.

These diverse ecosystems serve as home to a variety of wildlife species.  The brown bear is the largest and for many the most exciting.  Other popular wildlife includes chamois, roe deer, lynx, wild goat, and the gray wolf.  The lesser kestrel and the golden eagle are two of the more exciting sightings from the 50 species of birds nesting or migrating through the park.

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Theth National Park
Theth National Park
Theth National Park
Theth National Park
Theth National Park
Theth National Park
Theth National Park

Things to See

The park delivers stunning landscapes that are often highlighted with rugged sharp rock-faced mountains that create some of the most picturesque scenes.  The mountains are the pinnacle attraction of the national park with the incredible mountainous landscapes being the highlight for many people.

Albanian Alps

The Albanian Alps are locally known as Prokletije which translates “cursed mountains.”  The range extends well outside of the park boundaries as part of the larger Dinaric Alps stretching over 621 miles (1,000 km).

The Albanian Alps are situated along the western Balkan peninsula.  The mountains of the Albanian Alps are characterized by steep, sharp rock-faced summits.  They create striking landscapes.

Shala Valley

The Shala Valley is home to the Shale River meandering within the Albanian Alps.  The mountain runoff feeds the river which flows south through the park.  The valley and initial slopes of the mountains overlooking the valley are thick with forest and vegetation.  The water source and protection from the forest make the area excellent habitat for the deer and other wildlife species.

Theth National Park Trails

The landscapes are the pinnacle attraction in the park and hiking amongst them is a special treat.  There are several trail opportunities for exploring the rugged terrain.  Many of the trails are well-groomed and easy to track.

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Theth Waterfall Trail

This trail ascends 2,793 feet (851.3 m) while traveling over 5.18 miles (8.33 km).  The trail is rated easy even though it has that amount of elevation gain.  The highlight of the trail is a waterfall.

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Volbona Valley Trail

This trail originates at the Theth Center and covers a distance of 8.22 miles (13.22 km) while ascending 3,783 feet (1,153 m).  The trail is fairly well marked and is rated moderate.  The trail meanders through the forest and up to the valley with several scenic views along the way.

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Grunas Waterfall and Canyon Trail:

This is an easy-rated trek.  It meanders along the river and through the forest providing scenic views and pretty waterfalls.  The 4.58-mile (7.37 km) trail ascends 663 feet before circling back.  The trail is a partial loop trek.

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Maja Arapit (Great Wall) Trail

This is a difficult trail that covers 13.5 miles (21.73 km) while ascending 4,334 feet (1,321 m).  The trail provides views of Arapit which is the most popular mountain in the park.  There are panoramic views along the way of this picturesque region of the park.

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Theth to Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.3 miles (7 km) one way, 650 feet (200 meters)

Description: This trail takes hikers to the mesmerizing Blue Eye, a natural water spring with deep blue waters surrounded by a forested area.

The path, winding through dense woods and alongside rivers, offers a peaceful hike with the reward of swimming in the clear, cold waters of the Blue Eye at the trail’s end.

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Theth to Valbona Pass

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9.3 miles (15 km) one way, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: One of the most famous hikes in Albania, this trail connects Theth with Valbona Valley through a scenic mountain pass.

Hikers will experience breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps, encounter traditional mountain life, and traverse diverse terrains, from rocky paths to lush meadows.

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The Grunas Waterfall Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip, 300 feet (90 meters)

Description: This trail leads to the impressive Grunas Waterfall, one of Theth’s natural wonders.

The hike is relatively easy, making it suitable for families and hikers of all levels.

The waterfall, plunging from a height, creates a serene environment perfect for relaxation and photos.

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The Church of Theth Loop

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) loop, minimal elevation gain

Description: This gentle loop around Theth village allows hikers to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Church of Theth, traditional stone houses, and the old mill.

It’s an easy walk that offers insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Albanian highlanders.

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Theth to Nderlysa Village

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles (8 km) one way, 400 feet (120 meters)

Description: Connecting Theth with the picturesque village of Nderlysa, this trail offers hikers the chance to explore the less traveled parts of the park.

The route passes through beautiful landscapes, including small farms and lush forests, and offers opportunities to visit natural attractions like the “Lock-in Tower” (Kulla e Ngujimit).

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Theth to Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4.3 miles (7 km) one way, 650 feet (200 meters)

Description: This trail takes hikers to the mesmerizing Blue Eye, a natural water spring with deep blue waters surrounded by a forested area.

The path, winding through dense woods and alongside rivers, offers a peaceful hike with the reward of swimming in the clear, cold waters of the Blue Eye at the trail’s end.

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Theth to Valbona Pass

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9.3 miles (15 km) one way, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: One of the most famous hikes in Albania, this trail connects Theth with Valbona Valley through a scenic mountain pass.

Hikers will experience breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps, encounter traditional mountain life, and traverse diverse terrains, from rocky paths to lush meadows.

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The Grunas Waterfall Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip, 300 feet (90 meters)

Description: This trail leads to the impressive Grunas Waterfall, one of Theth’s natural wonders.

The hike is relatively easy, making it suitable for families and hikers of all levels.

The waterfall, plunging from a height, creates a serene environment perfect for relaxation and photos.

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The Church of Theth Loop

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) loop, minimal elevation gain

Description: This gentle loop around Theth village allows hikers to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Church of Theth, traditional stone houses, and the old mill.

It’s an easy walk that offers insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Albanian highlanders.

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Theth to Nderlysa Village

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles (8 km) one way, 400 feet (120 meters)

Description: Connecting Theth with the picturesque village of Nderlysa, this trail offers hikers the chance to explore the less traveled parts of the park.

The route passes through beautiful landscapes, including small farms and lush forests, and offers opportunities to visit natural attractions like the “Lock-in Tower” (Kulla e Ngujimit).

Park Protection

Theth National Park was created to protect multiple facets of the region.  First and foremost, the park protects biodiversity and differing ecosystems.  Second, the park protects a variety of cultural and historical features investing in the heritage of the country.

The park has been recognized as a Protected Historic Center for the country as well as declared an Important Bird Area and an Important Plant Area by the IUCN.  Protecting both the natural and cultural facets of the park is important to the Albanian government.

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