What is hiding in the Albanian Alps?

The Albanian Alps, or Prokletije, represent one of the wildest and most stunning areas of the Balkans and the Adria region. Stretching through northern Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, these mountains hide incredible natural beauty, a wealth of flora and fauna, but also cultural gems that have always fascinated visitors.

Although known for their inaccessibility, the Albanian Alps hide many secrets that are worth exploring.

Valbona Valley, Photo: unaihuizi, Depositphotos

NATURAL BEAUTY AND SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES

The Albanian Alps hide some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe. The most famous location is certainly the Theth Valley, which attracts visitors with its dramatic waterfalls, green meadows, and peaks that form the perfect frame for peaceful and untouched nature. Similar beauty is hidden in the Valbona Valley, where high mountain peaks and crystal rivers create spectacular landscapes.

However, both in the valleys and in the heights, the Albanian Alps hide many glacial lakes that bear witness to the ancient formations of this landscape.

BIODIVERSITY

Due to their geographical isolation, these mountains also provide a habitat for various rare and endemic species that have almost disappeared in the rest of Europe and provide a perfect home for lynxes, wolves, wild goats, and brown bears. Also, they are rich in medicinal plants that the local population uses in traditional medicine.

The wealth of flora and fauna makes this area one of the last untapped ecological gems in Europe.

Buni Jezerces – glacial lake, Photo: jahmaica, Depositphotos

THE KANUN AND THE TOWERS OF PEACE

Kanun is an ancient legal system that was applied in the wider Balkan area, including Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. It was based on customary rights and regulated many aspects of life, such as relationships within the family, property, marriages, and blood feuds. Although the kanun was present in all these areas, the Towers of Peace were especially significant in the mountainous areas, where protection from blood feuds was needed, and they served as a shelter until the conflict calmed down or reconciliation.

Today, these towers remain an important symbol of past customs and traditions that shaped life in this part of the region, one of the more famous is located in the village of Theth.

Tower of Peace – Theth, Photo: salajean, Depositphotos

HIKING TRAILS AND NATURAL CHALLENGES

Hiking through the Albanian Alps is not for everyone. The mountain trails, which are often steep and demanding, offer incredible challenges for experienced hikers. The most famous trail is Valbona-Theth, which lasts from 6 to 8 hours and connects the two most famous valleys, offering exceptional views of natural beauty and wild landscapes.

CAVES AND UNDERGROUND WORLDS

The Alps also hide many caves and underground formations, although many of them are still underexplored. Caves in this area, like those in the Theth Valley, provide fascinating geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers, creating natural spheres of mystery that attract underworld enthusiasts.

Valbona-Theth trail, Photo: Dudlajzov Depositphotos

AUTHENTIC HOSPITALITY AND TRADITIONAL CUISINE

Although this region is difficult to access, the locals are known for their exceptional hospitality. Visitors often have the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes, such as flia and burek, and locals often serve food that they grow or hunt themselves.

LEGENDS AND MYTHOLOGY

Like many other mountain regions, the Albanian Alps are full of legends about heroes, ghosts, and fairies. Locals often talk about mythological creatures that supposedly inhabited these mountains, thus creating a mystical atmosphere that deeply permeates this landscape.

Flia, Photo: Bujar I Gashi, CC BY-SA 3.0

Although often forgotten or underexplored, the Albanian Alps remain one of the last wild areas of Europe. Hidden natural beauties, rich biological diversity, cultural heritage, as well as unexplored underground worlds, make this mountain range unique. Explore it yourself..

Flija – an authentic Albanian dish that you must try