It is located in the Kukës Region, within the Tropoja district, approximately 25-30 km northwest of the town of Bajram Curri. The area lies amidst tall and rugged peaks, covered in a fantastic array of colors that change with every season, creating the image of a valley full of labyrinths and surprises. Covering an area of 8,000 hectares, it is considered the jewel of the Albanian Alps.
The climate is mountainous but sunny during the summer. Temperatures are never excessively high due to the altitude of the area. In winter, snowfall is abundant, often reaching up to a meter or more in certain periods. Annual precipitation is significant, with most of it occurring in autumn and winter. This region’s climate is ideal for tourism both in summer and winter. However, it is important to note that the challenging infrastructure makes traveling alone difficult, especially in winter when roads are often blocked by snow. By contacting local guides, you can still explore the area in winter using specialized equipment.
The valley is a cross-border park with exceptional biodiversity values. It features beech, pine, fir, and chestnut forests (Castanea sativa) in their natural state, alpine meadows, mountain streams, and rivers. The park is rich in endemic and sub-endemic species. It is also the only area in Albania where Norway spruce (Picea abies) can be found. Large protected mammals such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Felis lynx), herds of wild goats (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and others inhabit the park. Among the birds, species like the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) are notable. In the waters of the Valbona River, the globally threatened otter (Lutra lutra) can also be found.
Outdoor activities dominate the area, but various sports can also be enjoyed, such as hiking on mountain slopes. Hunting is permitted only during the designated season and with prior information on which species are protected. Enthusiasts can set up camps, respecting the environment and ensuring they are informed about authorized areas. Valbona is one of the most beautiful regions of Albania, and the rushing segments of the river with the same name offer challenges for extreme sports enthusiasts.
