Explore Northern Albania on a 10-day hammock adventure through the Albanian Alps. Trek peaks, valleys, and waterfalls, kayak Koman Lake, all while sleeping in hammocks. The unknown, Albanian culture, and new adventure friends await you.
Brace yourself for some unbelievable hammock spots, views over peaks that once seemed far away on a screen. You'll live this adventure, rediscovering what the outdoors really feels like. Tempted by the icy waters of the waterfalls, hikes that will show you places you could only dream of. This is your chance to be a part of this hammock adventure that will take you everywhere.
You will step into a world where untamed peaks, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and hidden valleys define your playground. The Hammock Trail North Albania takes you on a 10-day adventure through the heart of the Albanian Alps, from the remote village of Lepushe, across breathtaking summits, through the lush Valbona valley, and ending in Çerem. Each day, you'll trek 15-17 km across alpine trails, climbing up to 2400 meters on a single exhilarating day. This is more than a trek, it's a journey that reconnects you to adventure itself.
A day by day breakdown of your adventure in the Albanian Alps.
Your journey into the Albanian Alps begins in Shkoder, the northern gateway to the mountains. Depending on arrival time, wander the cobblestone streets and climb up to Rozafa Castle, where sweeping views stretch across Lake Shkodra and the Buna and Drin rivers. As evening arrives, enjoy a traditional dinner in the city's lively pedestrian quarter and settle in before the adventure ahead.
Head north by minibus toward the Albanian Mountains. En route, we stop for a refreshing hike to a hidden waterfall near Selca, your first taste of Albania's raw landscape. Continue deeper into the high country, reaching the remote village of Lepushe near the Montenegrin border. Today you will set up your hammock for the first time, surrounded by pine forest and jagged peaks.
Your multi-day adventure really begins. Trek from Lepushe to the isolated hamlet of Nikç, following shepherd paths through gorgeous valleys, pine woods, and quiet ridgelines. This stretch feels truly off-grid, silence, space, and dramatic scenery define the day. As evening light fades, hang your hammock near Nikç and settle in with unparalleled views of the valley.
Continue along rugged mountain trails, crossing rocky passes as you make your approach to Theth. Arrive in one of Albania's most iconic highland villages, a place of stone houses, ancient traditions, and warm hospitality. As we enter the village you may be greeted by the cows. Enjoy a hearty local dinner in the heart of the hiking valley.
From Theth, follow the river downstream toward Nderlysaj's natural pools and waterfalls. A short climb brings you to the famed Blue Eye of Theth, an icy turquoise spring hidden in the forest. Swim if you're brave. As evening settles, hammock camp near the Blue Eye, surrounded by forest and the sound of rushing water.
Transfer back to Theth village before sunrise. From here, begin one of the Balkans' most legendary treks: the ascent over Valbona Pass. Expect towering views, switchbacks through alpine meadows, and a dramatic panorama at the top. Descend into Valbone Valley by late afternoon, then enjoy a well-earned dinner at Kola. Sleep under the stars in your hammock, with the valley glowing beneath you.
Begin early for a loop hike toward Pyramid Peak, the high border point that marks Albania and Montenegro. If the weather permits we may continue to the peak Maja e Rosit, sitting at a grand 2524m high. Vast alpine views open in every direction. Descend to the village of Kukaj, where simple mountain life continues undisturbed. Hammocks strung in the riverbed make for a peaceful night in the high country.
Travel deeper into the Albanian Alps, crossing birch forest, creeks, and narrow shepherd paths. Çerem awaits, a seasonal village of stone huts and open landscapes, known for its peaceful remoteness. Tonight, your hammock hangs in one of the quietest corners of the Balkans just before the village.
We hike the final stretch to Çerem, and get picked up for a transfer to Fierze for the early-afternoon ferry. Board the boat and slide through Koman Lake, often described as Albania's fjords, as emerald water winds between steep cliffs and rugged mountains. Disembark the boat and enjoy the last part of the tour in your Kayak. From there, we drive to the famed farm-to-table restaurant Mrizi i Zanave for an unforgettable dinner, before arriving in Tirana for the last night.
After breakfast, transfer to Tirana Airport. If time allows, enjoy a final walk or coffee in the New Bazaar or Blloku district, your last taste of Albania before the journey home.
Note: This itinerary provides the route for the trip. Daily schedules, pace, and campsites are subject to change due to weather, safety concerns, or logistics, as is necessary in a wilderness environment.
When you book The Hammock Trail: Northern Albania, we take care of the essentials to ensure a seamless and memorable adventure. Here's what's included:
While we take care of the hammock camping gear, there are a few personal items to bring:
A more detailed list of things you'll need to bring can be found in the pack list or you can read What to bring for The Hammock Trail: Northern Albania.
View Packing ChecklistSome of the things you need to bring yourself are also available as add-on.
If you don't have one or like to keep your backpack compact when traveling you can add our Sleeping Bag to your trip. Lightweight, warm, and ready for the adventure, it ensures you stay comfortable in any weather.
If you plan on taking a heavy backpack these might help you carry the load a little better. Lightweight and adjustable, these trekking poles provide extra stability and support on any terrain.
We had a fantastic trip! If you are considering joining one of the trips, I would highly recommend doing so! For me, sleeping in a hammock was a new experience and it did not disappoint. It was clear that Hammock Haven has a lot of experience with hammocking and hiking because all the little details were very well designed. The hammocks were very comfortable and easy to set up, pack and carry. The guides were two brothers with a great sense of humour that managed to always keep a great atmosphere in the group, even on the day with a lot of rain. They were also very knowledgeable and willing to help when setting up our hammocks for the night. They even brought a set of birthday decorations because they noticed one of us would have a birthday during the trip! The route was both challenging and beginner friendly with great scenery. It was designed with some potential shortcuts, so on the rainy day we could cut a bit off our hiking day to get to the next campsite. You are advised to use trekking poles though, since some parts can be very slippery without them. The foodpacks were very well thought out and every meal was a pleasant surprise. I have been hiking for 7 years and never had such a tasty and diverse set of meals on my trips. An absolute must add-on!
Peter
This is dependent on a few factors. In short, your physical fitness, the weather, and your hiking experience. The one we can't is the weather but we can prepare for this.
The better your physical condition is the more you can enjoy your adventure.
Some practice beforehand is recommended. Fill up your backpack with the required load (around 15-20 kg depending on what you bring) and walk around your town, with friends or family. This way you build a good base.
The clothing you bring is important. Multiple layers are key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Always bring rain gear since the weather can be unpredictable.
For sun protection, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.