Theth

Written by Alexander Kopp, Chloe Davies
17/09/2025
Discover a quaint chapel nestled in the picturesque Theth Valley, surrounded by majestic Albanian mountains.
maxed. RAW, Pexels

Theth, a remote village in the Albanian Alps, offers stunning natural beauty, excellent hiking opportunities, and a glimpse into traditional mountain village life. It is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and a peaceful retreat into nature.

While Theth is not a bustling party destination, social interactions typically occur within the village's guesthouses, many of which foster a communal atmosphere. A central pizza joint also serves as a gathering spot for backpackers and other visitors.

Top 4 Things to do in Theth

Theth offers a range of outdoor adventures, including invigorating hikes to stunning natural landmarks and opportunities to delve into the village's rich cultural history.

1. Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kaltër)

Embark on a rewarding hike to the Blue Eye, a striking natural spring known for its deep, crystal-clear turquoise waters. This natural pool is fed by an underground river and surrounded by dense forest and rugged mountain terrain. While the water remains refreshingly cold, even in summer, taking a dip offers an invigorating experience. The journey itself provides picturesque views of the Albanian Alps. It is advisable to wear proper hiking shoes and consider starting early to avoid midday heat, especially during peak season. Downloading an offline map application like Maps.me can be beneficial for navigation.

Cost: The hike to the Blue Eye is free. For those opting for partial transport, a taxi from Theth to Nderlysaj typically costs around 5,000 LEK (approximately 50 Euros) for a return trip, including waiting time. Shared minibuses from Theth to Nderlysaj are also available for about 5 EUR per person each way.

Transport: From Theth village, one can hike approximately 11 kilometers (18 km round trip), taking about 5-6 hours. Alternatively, a 15-20 minute drive or taxi ride can take visitors to Nderlysaj village, from where the hike to the Blue Eye is a shorter 30-50 minute walk (3 km / 1.9 miles), though it involves uphill sections and rocky terrain.

2. Visit Grunas Waterfall

Discover the impressive Grunas Waterfall, a 25-30 meter cascade that plunges from a steep limestone cliff into a small emerald-colored pond. Declared a natural monument, the waterfall is surrounded by lush forest and offers excellent photo opportunities. The hike to the waterfall is generally considered easy to moderate and can be completed as an out-and-back or a loop trail, taking you along the Shala River. While the water is ice-cold, it is possible to take a refreshing dip.

Cost: Visiting Grunas Waterfall is free of charge.

Transport: The waterfall is located on the outskirts of Theth village, about a 45-50 minute walk (approximately 3.38 km / 2.1 miles one-way) from the village center. The trail is well-marked and does not require a guide.

3. Hike the Theth to Valbona Pass

Undertake one of Albania's most renowned and iconic treks, the Theth to Valbona Pass hike. This full-day, moderate to challenging trail spans approximately 17-18 kilometers and takes 6-8 hours to complete. It guides hikers through stunning alpine meadows, over rugged ridges, and into the scenic Valbona Valley, offering panoramic views of the Accursed Mountains. Many hikers choose to do this as part of a multi-day journey, often starting from Theth to allow for exploration of the village's other attractions before continuing to Valbona.

Cost: The hike itself is free. Organized tours often include transport to the trailhead and luggage transfers between guesthouses in Theth and Valbona, with costs varying by operator. A packed lunch from a guesthouse can cost around 10 Euros.

Transport: The trailhead is accessible from Theth village. Many guesthouses offer transport to the starting point (sometimes for a small fee). The hike is typically done point-to-point, often involving a combination of minibuses and a ferry across Lake Koman to complete a loop back to Shkodër.

4. Explore the Lock-in Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit)

Visit the historic Lock-in Tower, also known as 'Kulla e Ngujimit' or the Reconciliation Tower. This fortified stone tower, over 400 years old, served as a sanctuary during blood feuds ('gjakmarrja') under the Kanun, a traditional Albanian code of law. Today, it functions as a museum, providing a unique cultural experience and insights into the historical social customs of the Albanian highlands. Exploring its original layout and exhibits offers a rare opportunity to understand a significant aspect of Albanian heritage.

Cost: A small admission fee, usually around 2 Euros, is typically requested by local residents who open the tower.

Transport: The Lock-in Tower is centrally located in Theth village, making it easily accessible on foot from most guesthouses.

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