Photos from Our World

• Albania
• Around Tirana
  • Tirana
  • DurrËsi
  • Kruja
• Northern Albania
  • Shkodra
  • Thethi
  • Valbona
  • Albanian Alps
  • Lake Komani
• Central Albania
  • Elbasani
  • Berati
  • Near Çorovoda
• Eastern Albania
  • Pogradeci
  • KorÇa District
• Southern Albania
  • Vlora
  • Ionian Coast
  • Saranda
  • Butrinti
  • Gjirokastra
• Albanian people
• Flag History

In the Malësia e Madhe mountains, far northern Albania

The village of Theth in the valley of the Lumi i Shalës, the Shala river has always been isolated in the Malësia e Madhe (literally "Big Mountains") in the far north of Albania. In the winter it is almost inaccessible when heavy snows close the road from Shkodra to Theth, a three hour ride that gets very rough and bumpy from the village of Bogë, over the Buni i Thorës pass, with spectacular views to the snowcapped mountains. To accommodate visitors during the short tourist season (June to September when it can be assumed the road is open) there are now small hotels or homestays overlooking the Shala valley and in the village of Theth itself.

About 10 km south of Theth, along a rough but spectacular road hugging the slopes above the Shala river, is the tiny village of Lelys where life seems to have been unchanged for centuries. This is truly one of Europe's most remote areas where the age-old traditions of the Kanun of Dukagjin still survives, with its great hospitality to visitors. However, there are signs the area is losing inhabitants as there are abandoned houses, falling in disrepair, a great pity as the style of the houses is typical of the area. From Lelys an hours walk through the glorious mountain landscape leads to the "Syri i kaltër", literally "Blue Eye", a small crystal clear pool with icy cold water and a waterfall.

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