One of Europe’s most underrated road trip destinations is in northern Albania. If you’re searching for dramatic mountain scenery, authentic villages, and open roads free from mass tourism, the Albanian Alps deliver all that and more. Planning a northern Albania road trip is easier when you take advantage of car rental deals in Albania.
Driving through the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna) offers access to hidden hiking trails, traditional guesthouses, and panoramic viewpoints. This Albanian Alps travel guide will show you why the highlands are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
The Albanian Alps are one of Europe’s wild mountain regions, offering dramatic scenery and remoteness. They are located in the far north of Albania, forming part of the Accursed Mountains, also known as Bjeshkët e Namuna, which extend into Montenegro and Kosovo. This highland region is also called the Prokletije Range and includes peaks rising above 2,500 metres, with Maja Jezercë reaching 2,694 metres, the highest point in the Albanian Alps. On the map, the mountains cover Albania’s northern tip and continue across international borders.
Shkodër is the main gateway to the Albanian Alps, positioned near Lake Shkodër and commonly used as a base for travel. Further into the mountains, small alpine villages such as Theth, Valbona, and settlements in the Kelmend region like Tamara and Vermosh serve as starting points for exploration. Steep limestone peaks, green valleys, and traditional stone villages define the landscape.
Culturally and geographically, the region feels far removed from modern life. Long isolation preserved its traditions and natural beauty. Although access has improved, the area remains quiet and largely untouched. National parks around Theth and Valbona protect rich wildlife and striking scenery.
Several roads wind through the Albanian Alps. We’ve picked some of the best road trip routes, from a classic alpine highway with dramatic hairpins to a journey that combines driving with an epic ferry ride. You can mix and match these routes to create a loop, or focus on one area for a shorter trip.
The SH20 route from Shkodër to Vermosh is a classic introduction to the Albanian Alps. Travelling north from Shkodër, the road climbs steadily into the mountains before reaching the Leqet e Hotit pass. From here, it descends into the Cem River canyon through a series of tight hairpin bends. A stop at the Leqet e Hotit panoramic viewpoint offers sweeping views over the valley.
After descending the pass, SH20 follows the turquoise Cem River through the heart of the Kelmend region. You pass through Tamara, an ideal place for a coffee by the river, before continuing north. The landscape shifts between narrow canyon walls and broader alpine valleys as the road continues to climb. Despite its remote setting, the road surface is excellent and fully paved, making it suitable for any standard vehicle.
Traffic is usually very light. You can pull off for photos of dramatic limestone mountains and the winding river below. After about 65 kilometres, the road ends in Vermosh, Albania’s northernmost village, set in a wide grassy valley close to the Montenegrin border.
The SH21 route from Shkodër to Theth is one of the most dramatic mountain drives in Albania. The journey climbs over the Thorë Pass and leads directly into the Theth National Park. The road begins smoothly, but as you gain height, it becomes narrow and winding close to the mountainside.
At the summit of Qafë e Thorës, you will reach around 1,690 metres above sea level. From here, wide alpine views open up in every direction. There is a small café and viewpoint at the top. The descent that follows is the most thrilling section of the drive. Over about 12 kilometres, the road drops steeply into the valley through 27 tight hairpin turns. The slopes can be steep, and open edges mean you need to drive slowly.
The entire road is now fully paved, making it accessible for standard vehicles in good condition. While the surface is smooth, the road is narrow. As you approach Theth, the terrain softens into a wide valley dotted with traditional stone houses. This is the only road access to Theth and can be closed due to snow between November and May.
Visiting both Theth and Valbona is a highlight of any Albanian Alps road trip. Although no direct road links the two valleys, you can combine driving and a ferry crossing to experience both in one journey. The route connects Theth and Valbona via Lake Koman, one of the most scenic ferry crossings in Europe.
After visiting Theth, drive back towards Shkodër and continue for around 2 hours to the Koman ferry port on the Drin River. Here, vehicles and passengers board a daily ferry that travels through flooded mountain gorges for about 2 to 3 hours. Eventually, you will reach Fierza on the far side of the lake. The boat passes through narrow waterways bordered by steep, forested cliffs, and remote mountain slopes.
From Fierza, the Valbona Valley is only a short drive away. The road follows the Valbona River into a wide alpine valley surrounded by high peaks, pine forests, and wooden houses. Valbona National Park is ideal for hiking or quiet exploration. From here, a paved road continues south through Bajram Curri, and you can complete a loop back towards Shkodër.
The Kelmend region is one of the most remote road trips in northern Albania. Located north of Shkodër and crossed by the SH20, this mountainous area is for travellers seeking solitude and pastoral scenery. To experience Kelmend fully, leave the main road and explore the smaller routes that lead into its high valleys.
One of the most rewarding detours is the drive from Tamara to Lëpushë. This remote village is situated in a wide alpine basin near the Montenegrin border, surrounded by peaks that rise above 2,000 metres. The final stretch of road is narrow and partly unpaved, so drive slowly. The effort is worth it, as the landscape opens into flower-filled meadows, wooden cabins, and sweeping mountain views. In summer, small guesthouses offer local produce such as alpine cheese and honey.
Back on SH20, the route continues through Tamara and on towards Vermosh, forming a scenic loop from Shkodër. Tamara is situated along the Cem River, featuring a renovated stone square and riverside eateries. Elsewhere in Kelmend, side roads lead to villages such as Nikç and Vukël, where quiet valleys, forests, and star-filled night skies define an untouched corner of Albania.
Beyond Vermosh, Albania’s northernmost village, a quiet border crossing links Albania with Montenegro’s mountain heartland. Driving the final stretch to the Grnčar border point is worthwhile whether you plan to continue onward or simply want to reach the country’s edge. Vermosh lies in a wide open valley where the river winds through green fields, framed by distant peaks.
The road from Vermosh to the border is short, smooth, and easy to drive. It is almost entirely paved, with only a brief gravel section close to the frontier. Traffic is usually very light, and the border crossing is used mostly by locals and independent travellers. After passport control, you enter Montenegro near the town of Gusinje, at the edge of the Accursed Mountains.
Even without crossing the border, the drive is rewarding for its scenery. The Vermosh valley is among the most picturesque rural landscapes in Albania, with wooden hay barns scattered across meadows and forests rising on all sides. In autumn, the colours are striking. For those continuing onward, Plav and Prokletije National Park are close by.
Driving in the Albanian Alps is safe and rewarding if you are prepared and drive sensibly. Roads have improved significantly in recent years, but this is still a remote mountain region where conditions require care and patience.
Main routes such as SH20 and SH21 are fully paved and generally in good condition. However, alpine driving involves tight bends, steep descents, and narrow roads that may lack guardrails. Large fuel stations and motorway-stle services are rare once you enter the mountains. Village roads and side tracks can be rough or unpaved, and in places like Theth, you should drive slowly and choose your line carefully. Blind corners are common, so cautious speeds and occasional use of the horn are advisable.
From May through October, a two-wheel drive car is suitable for the main alpine routes, and locals often drive small cars without difficulty. A compact SUV offers more comfort and control, especially on gravel roads or in muddy conditions during early spring and late autumn. A four-wheel drive is only necessary in winter or for off-road travel. Always check brakes and tyres before setting off, as descents require some effort.
The Albanian Alps live up to their reputation as Europe’s hidden driving gem. After winding through hairpin turns, gazing over dramatic mountain scenery, and experiencing the warm hospitality of village life, you’ll understand why this region is special. Each day brings new vistas, such as a sparkling lake ferry, a panoramic summit, and a cosy night in a family-run guesthouse.
Start planning your alpine adventure by renting a car with Final Rentals. With Final Rentals, you can easily secure car rental deals in Albania. Select Tirana International Airport or Tirana Downtown as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
