11 Best Things to Do in Theth National Park, Albania (2025)

At the center of Theth National Park lies Theth Village, a timeless mountain settlement surrounded by towering peaks and rolling meadows. With around 200 grey-stone houses, many with traditional wooden shingle roofs, Theth looks like a scene from a bygone era. Its narrow paths, rustic bridges, and grazing livestock offer a glimpse into a lifestyle shaped by nature and isolation.

Exploring the village is a journey through history and hospitality. Locals still farm their land, bake bread in outdoor ovens, and greet visitors with warmth and curiosity. The village atmosphere is tranquil yet alive — mornings begin with the sound of cowbells, and evenings end with the scent of woodsmoke and home-cooked meals. It’s an ideal place to slow down, disconnect, and absorb the rhythm of mountain life.

Theth also serves as the starting point for many of the park’s best trails, including the routes to Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye. Staying here allows travelers to experience Albania’s highlands at their most authentic — a perfect balance of rugged adventure and cultural immersion.

Built in 1892, the Church of Theth is one of the village’s most recognizable landmarks — a simple stone chapel with a wooden spire set against a backdrop of mountains and meadows. Its peaceful setting makes it one of the most photographed spots in northern Albania, and a place of quiet reflection for both locals and travelers.

Historically, the church was more than a religious center; it was also a meeting place and refuge during troubled times. Locals would gather here not just for worship but to discuss community issues and resolve disputes. Its endurance through centuries of isolation and hardship speaks to the resilience and faith of Theth’s people.

Today, visitors can step inside the chapel and admire its rustic simplicity — wooden benches, a small altar, and the soft light filtering through narrow windows. Surrounded by the sounds of the wind and the nearby river, it’s easy to understand why this humble church has become a symbol of peace and continuity in Albania’s northern highlands.

The Lock-in Tower of Theth (Kulla e Ngujimit) is one of the most fascinating and poignant sites in Albania. This stone structure was used during the era of gjakmarrja, or “blood feud,” a custom that formed part of the Kanun, Albania’s centuries-old code of honor. Men seeking protection during family feuds would hide inside these fortified towers until reconciliation or retribution was reached.

Visiting the Kulla today offers a powerful window into Albania’s past. The dimly lit rooms, heavy wooden doors, and narrow windows remind visitors of a time when law and survival were dictated by tradition rather than government. Local guides — often descendants of the original families — share stories of how these towers protected lives while preserving dignity and honor.

Though the days of blood feuds are long gone, the tower remains an enduring symbol of Theth’s history and resilience. It stands as a reminder of the region’s complex social fabric, where justice, faith, and survival were interwoven with the landscape itself.

No visit to Theth is complete without a hike to the Grunas Waterfall, one of Albania’s most impressive natural sights. The trail begins just outside the village and winds through lush meadows and along the Shala River, with wildflowers and mountain views at every turn. The sound of rushing water grows louder as you approach the 30-meter-high cascade tumbling into a turquoise pool below.

The walk takes around 45 minutes each way and is accessible to most visitors. Along the route, you’ll pass small farmhouses and wooden bridges, making it a journey as beautiful as the destination itself. The air here feels fresher, scented with pine and wild mint, and the spray from the waterfall provides welcome relief on warm summer days.

At the base, the clear water invites brave souls for a quick dip — though even in August, it’s icy cold! Grunas Waterfall is not just a scenic stop but a symbol of the natural purity that defines Theth National Park.

Hidden deep in the forested valleys of the park lies Theth’s Blue Eye, a natural spring of dazzling color and mystery. Fed by underground waters, this circular pool shimmers in vivid shades of blue and green, its depths believed to be more than 50 meters. The phenomenon creates a surreal, almost hypnotic effect — the water so clear it feels otherworldly.

The hike to the Blue Eye takes about two hours each way from Nderlysaj village, following a scenic trail along rivers, bridges, and mountain ridges. It’s moderately challenging but immensely rewarding, offering constant views of waterfalls, cliffs, and alpine forests. Most visitors arrive in late morning, when sunlight pierces the canopy and the pool glows its brightest.

Swimming here is an exhilarating experience — the water temperature rarely exceeds 10°C — but even if you stay dry, the sight alone is unforgettable. The Blue Eye encapsulates everything that makes Theth so magical: purity, mystery, and the sense of being somewhere truly untouched by time.

The Theth–Valbona Pass trek is the crown jewel of the Albanian Alps — a 17-kilometer mountain trail connecting the two most beautiful valleys in northern Albania. Rising to nearly 1,800 meters, the route offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and traditional shepherd huts. It’s a challenging hike, but for many travelers, it’s the defining experience of their Albanian adventure.

The trail can be completed in a single long day, typically starting early in Theth and descending into Valbona by afternoon. Along the way, mountain cafés serve fresh yogurt, coffee, and homemade pies to weary hikers. Every turn reveals a new vista — from snow-capped ridges to deep green forests — that makes the effort more than worthwhile.

Trekking season runs from June to October, when the snow has melted and the route is safe to cross. Many visitors combine the hike with the Lake Koman ferry, creating a spectacular circular journey through Albania’s wild north.

Beyond the waterfall lies the dramatic Grunas Canyon, a deep limestone gorge carved by centuries of glacial meltwater. Its steep walls rise up to 60 meters, forming narrow passages and echoing chambers where the sound of the river amplifies the stillness. This geological wonder is one of the park’s hidden treasures, often overlooked by day-trippers.

Adventurous travelers can follow the canyon trail from the waterfall, navigating rocky paths and small wooden bridges. The journey offers constant surprises — hidden pools, moss-covered boulders, and shafts of light filtering through the cliffs. The natural acoustics and cool air make it an ideal escape during the summer heat.

While the full route can be challenging, even a short walk into the canyon reveals its grandeur. For photographers and nature lovers, it’s a dreamscape of texture, shadow, and sound — another reminder of Theth’s raw and untamed beauty.

To truly feel Theth, you have to stay in a traditional guesthouse. These family-run lodgings combine comfort with authenticity, offering simple stone rooms, wood-burning stoves, and hearty home-cooked meals. Meals are shared communally, often featuring mountain cheese, honey, and fresh vegetables from the garden.

Staying overnight allows visitors to experience the true rhythm of Theth: mornings filled with birdsong and evenings lit by starlight. Many guesthouses are located on hillsides overlooking the valley, providing sweeping views of the peaks. Local hosts are incredibly welcoming — always ready to share stories, raki, and a helping hand for hikers.

Some of the best places to stay include Bujtina Polia, Guesthouse Rupa, Villa Gjecaj, and Bujtina Harusha. Each captures the spirit of the region, offering warmth, simplicity, and unforgettable mountain hospitality.

Just outside the village lies a restored stone house that now serves as the Ethnographic Museum of Dukagjin, showcasing the history and culture of northern Albania’s highlands. Inside, visitors will find traditional costumes, tools, and household objects that paint a vivid picture of mountain life over the past centuries.

The museum offers context to Theth’s way of life — explaining the Kanun, local customs, and the delicate balance between faith, honor, and survival. Each room is arranged as it would have been in a traditional family home, complete with rugs, looms, and kitchenware.

The museum’s curators are often locals with personal stories that bring history to life. It’s a small but insightful stop that deepens your understanding of Theth beyond its natural beauty.

The journey to Theth is an adventure in itself. The 75-kilometer route from Shkodër winds through valleys, rivers, and pine-covered slopes, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Albania. The final stretch from Boga to Theth — once a rough track — has been largely improved, though a 4×4 is still recommended.

Every turn reveals a new perspective on the Albanian Alps, with viewpoints perfect for photos or short breaks. Along the way, small cafés and roadside stalls sell honey, herbs, and homemade jams, offering a taste of the region’s bounty.

Driving to Theth is not just a means of arrival but a rite of passage — an unforgettable approach that builds anticipation for the wild beauty that awaits in the valley below.

Theth is laced with rivers, streams, and elegant stone bridges that crisscross the valley. The most famous, the Nderlysa Bridge, arches gracefully over turquoise waters surrounded by wild greenery. Each crossing seems to frame a new postcard-perfect view of the park.

Walking along these riverside paths, you’ll find dozens of hidden spots ideal for photos, picnics, or a quick paddle in the icy mountain water. The contrast between the ancient stonework and the vivid blues of the river is striking, especially under the bright Albanian sun.

These bridges have served locals for centuries — connecting families, farms, and trails — and today, they connect travelers to the timeless rhythm of mountain life.