Qafshtame National Park

National Park in Kruja

Qafe Shtame National Park
Qafe Shtame National Park
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs

Qafë-Shtamë National Park is a cool, forested mountain escape north of Tirana and east of Krujë, centred on a high pass where the road climbs into pine-and-oak country. Even if you arrive with no fixed plan, the change in air is immediate: the scent of conifers, the quieter temperature, and the sense of altitude that makes Albania's interior feel closer than you expect.

The park is known for its springs, small lakes, and a mix of easy walks and longer hikes that suit a day trip as well as a weekend outdoors. Wildlife exists here-brown bears, wolves, foxes, and plenty of birdlife-but the most common “sighting” is the landscape itself: deep green hills, open clearings, and viewpoints that feel far from the Adriatic, despite being within reach of the capital.

History and Significance of the Qafë-Shtamë National Park

Qafë-Shtamë was established as a protected area in 1996, originally recognised as a national park built around the high pass and surrounding forests. In recent years, it has also been managed under an updated protected-area framework that expanded the overall nature-park zone beyond the original core, reflecting both conservation priorities and the growing interest in outdoor recreation.

Geography is the reason the park matters. The pass sits between major mountain systems, with elevations rising from lower scrub and oak zones into higher beech and black pine, creating a clear “layering” of landscapes as you climb. The road through the pass has long been a practical corridor between Krujë and the Mat region (toward Burrel), and today that same route makes the park accessible for hikers and scenic drivers.

The springs are part of the park’s identity as well as its ecology. Locals often treat Qafë-Shtamë as a place for clean, cold water and restorative air, and that “health escape” reputation has helped turn the area into a popular weekend destination-especially for travellers who want nature without committing to a multi-day trek in the deeper Alps.

Things to See and Do in the Qafë-Shtamë National Park

Begin with the springs and picnic areas, which are the easiest way to experience the park’s character without needing a full hiking plan. A classic stop is the area around the well-known cold springs (often referred to locally as Kroi i Nënës Mbretëreshë), where people fill bottles, rest in the shade, and use the water stops as a natural break in the drive.

For hiking, choose your route based on conditions rather than ambition. In good weather, the forest tracks and ridge paths offer satisfying half-day loops with viewpoints, while shorter walks through the pines still deliver the “mountain reset” feeling. In shoulder seasons, the same paths can be muddy or slick, so sturdy shoes and a conservative route choice make the day far more enjoyable.

If you like scenic driving, the road itself is part of the experience. The climb toward the pass gives you changing vegetation, frequent pull-offs for photos, and a sense of entering a different climate zone, especially when Tirana is warm and the park is noticeably cooler. It's also a strong place for a slow, unhurried afternoon: a short walk, a spring stop, then a long pause with views and fresh air.

How to Get to the Qafë-Shtamë National Park

The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), and from there the simplest approach is to head toward Krujë and continue onto the mountain road that crosses the Qafë-Shtamë pass. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Tirana on Booking.com. If you are already based in Tirana, the park works well as a day trip because you can leave after breakfast, hike or picnic, and be back in the city by evening.

By public transport, the practical plan is to take a bus or furgon from Tirana to Krujë (or Fushë-Krujë) and then continue by taxi or pre-arranged ride into the park, since services through the pass are not something you can rely on like a city route. Albania's passenger rail network is limited and not a realistic way to reach this area for most travellers.

Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore multiple stops (springs, trailheads, viewpoints) or continue onward toward the Mat valley and Burrel. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Qafë-Shtamë National Park

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://akzm.gov.al/parku-natyror-qafeshtame/
  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn is ideal for comfortable hiking; in winter, snow and ice can make the pass road slow or unpredictable, so check conditions before committing.
  • How long to spend: Half a day is enough for a spring stop and a short forest walk, but a full day lets you hike properly and still have time for a relaxed picnic.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven ground, forest tracks, and occasional steep sections; it’s best suited to travellers comfortable with walking on natural surfaces.
  • Facilities: Bring water and snacks even though springs are available; mobile signal can be patchy, and services are limited once you leave Krujë.

Where to Stay Close to the Qafë-Shtamë National Park

For the best balance of proximity and atmosphere, base yourself in Krujë if you want quick access to the park and a historic old-town setting in the evenings; choose central Tirana instead if your priorities are nightlife, transport connections, and a wider choice of restaurants.

For a straightforward base right by Krujë Castle (handy for pairing culture with a park day), Hotel Panorama Kruje is well located and easy to build into a short itinerary. If you want to sleep in the mountain environment itself and wake up close to trail and spring territory, Shkreli Resort & Tours is a practical option for an outdoors-first stay. For a more boutique-style experience within the castle area, Kruja Albergo Diffuso, Inside Kruja Castle keeps you immersed in the historic setting while still being within reach of the park road.

Is the Qafë-Shtamë National Park Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you want a genuine mountain feel without the time commitment of Albania’s far-north hikes. The combination of pine forest, high-pass scenery, and cold springs delivers a very specific kind of day: cooler air, slower pace, and simple nature pleasures that feel “earned” without being difficult.

The honest pivot is that you can skip it if you do not have a car (or you dislike arranging taxis) and you want a plug-and-play day with predictable logistics. In that case, a closer, easier nature option from Tirana may fit better, or you can focus on Krujë's castle and viewpoints and save Qafë-Shtamë for a trip where you have transport flexibility.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a strong choice for families because you can keep it simple: drive up, stop at the springs, do a short forest walk, and turn it into a picnic day with minimal planning. The cooler temperatures and the “water stop” element keep kids engaged without needing a long hike.

The main family consideration is road comfort and weather. Pack layers even in summer, bring snacks and warm drinks in cooler months, and choose easy trails where you can turn back quickly if energy drops or conditions change.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Qafë-Shtamë works best as a slow day with a light hike and a long pause somewhere scenic-less about ticking off trails and more about space, quiet, and shared views. If you pair it with an evening in Krujë’s old town, you get a satisfying mix of nature and atmosphere.

It’s also a good “reset day” between busier cities or coastal stops. The pine forests and springs naturally slow the pace, and the cooler air makes it feel restorative rather than demanding.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers will like that the park itself is free and the best experiences are simple: walking, viewpoints, and spring stops. If you base yourself in Tirana or Krujë and bring food for a picnic, you can have a full outdoor day with very low spend.

The key cost variable is transport. If you can share a ride, rent a car with friends, or arrange a return taxi from Krujë, the value improves dramatically compared with trying to piece it together alone at the last minute.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a strong choice for families because you can keep it simple: drive up, stop at the springs, do a short forest walk, and turn it into a picnic day with minimal planning. The cooler temperatures and the “water stop” element keep kids engaged without needing a long hike.

The main family consideration is road comfort and weather. Pack layers even in summer, bring snacks and warm drinks in cooler months, and choose easy trails where you can turn back quickly if energy drops or conditions change.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Qafë-Shtamë works best as a slow day with a light hike and a long pause somewhere scenic-less about ticking off trails and more about space, quiet, and shared views. If you pair it with an evening in Krujë’s old town, you get a satisfying mix of nature and atmosphere.

It’s also a good “reset day” between busier cities or coastal stops. The pine forests and springs naturally slow the pace, and the cooler air makes it feel restorative rather than demanding.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers will like that the park itself is free and the best experiences are simple: walking, viewpoints, and spring stops. If you base yourself in Tirana or Krujë and bring food for a picnic, you can have a full outdoor day with very low spend.

The key cost variable is transport. If you can share a ride, rent a car with friends, or arrange a return taxi from Krujë, the value improves dramatically compared with trying to piece it together alone at the last minute.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (236)

Qafshtama is a lovely, family-friendly mountain park near Krujë known for lush pine forest, cool temperatures, fresh oxygen-rich air and natural water springs; visitors praise it as a top hiking spot close to Tirana (though you'll need a car to reach it), note mostly good mountain roads with a few rough patches, and recommend arriving early to make the most of daylight; there are restaurants and pleasant fountains with high-quality water, friendly staff at local eateries, and the area suits moderate to long hikes as well as short retreats to relax.

Jona Toto
12 months ago
"The park is lovely, one of the best in Albania. I recommend you go early in this time of the year so that you may be able to enjoy daylight.Especially as it is quite a long mountain way from Tirana, even though small areal distance...."
Orgest Kamani
6 years ago
"One of the best places to hike, period. The national park is close to the capitol city, Tirana. But you need your own car to go near the mountain.There are no public transportation that takes you there. Apart from that, the nature, the scenery, the smell during the climbing, everything is a wonder 😊😊nRecommended as an great hike, near to the capitol city 😎..."
The Beast
3 years ago
"Very Relaxing moments 😌 you will find Restaurants and best Fountains with the best water quality, you cand drive or ride to the Qafshtama NationalPark from KRUJA City, the street is good but not so wide and have some little deformation on 3-4 spots, but great scenery and Full Oxygen Air..."

FAQs for Visiting Qafë-Shtamë National Park

Getting There

It’s northeast of Krujë and north of Tirana, reached via the mountain pass road that continues toward the Mat region. In practice, most visitors treat Krujë as the gateway town for the final approach.
The simplest plan is to drive via Fushë-Krujë and Krujë, then continue on the pass road into the forested highlands. If you do not have a car, a taxi from Krujë is usually the most reliable last-leg option.
The route is mountain driving rather than a flat coastal run, so expect slower speeds, bends, and changing conditions. In winter or after heavy rain, conditions can worsen, so it’s wise to travel in daylight and avoid rushing.

Trails, Nature, and What to Expect

For short walks and obvious tracks near the pass and springs, most travellers manage independently. For longer routes or ridge hikes, a guide or local advice can help with navigation and choosing a route that matches conditions.
Some routes are intuitive on the ground, but formal signage can be inconsistent compared with Western European parks. Download an offline map before you go and plan around clear turnaround points.
Large wildlife exists, but sightings are rare and most animals avoid people. The realistic expectation is tracks, sounds, and habitat rather than a guaranteed encounter.

Timing and Planning

Late morning through mid-afternoon gives you the best balance of light and warmth, especially outside peak summer. If you plan a longer hike, start earlier so you are back before temperatures drop in the late day.
Yes, because the springs and a short forest walk already deliver the “mountain escape” feel. A half-day visit works particularly well if you combine it with Krujë’s castle and bazaar.

Practicalities

Yes-springs are part of the experience, but you should still carry water so you are not dependent on one stop. If you do fill bottles, do it at a well-used source and keep basic hygiene in mind.
Bring sturdy shoes with grip and layers, even in summer, because temperatures can change quickly at altitude. A light rain layer is useful in shoulder seasons when weather shifts fast.

Photography and Views

Yes, especially for forest light, mountain ridgelines, and spring areas with that “fresh air” atmosphere. The best images often come from slow roadside stops and short walks rather than one single viewpoint.
Late afternoon can be beautiful for warmer tones through the pines, while mornings tend to be clearer and calmer if you want crisp landscape shots. Overcast days can also work well in forests because the light is softer.

Nearby Attractions to the Qafë-Shtamë National Park

  • Krujë Castle: A landmark fortress complex with panoramic views and key museums that make an easy pairing with a park day.
  • Old Bazaar of Krujë: A historic market street for crafts and souvenirs, ideal for a short stroll and a coffee stop.
  • Sari Salltik Tekke: A cliffside pilgrimage spot above Krujë with wide views and a memorable, offbeat atmosphere.
  • Bovilla Lake: A dramatic reservoir with viewpoints and short hikes, popular as a day trip from Tirana.
  • Dajti Mountain National Park: Tirana's classic mountain escape with trails and viewpoints, useful if you want another nature day with easier logistics.

The Qafshtame National Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tirana!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Kruja: 9 km
Tirana: 22 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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