A Journey to the Heart of the Albanian Alps

The journey began in Shkodër, a city that seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the adventure that lay ahead. As I arrived at the airport, the air was thick with the promise of discovery. The drive to Mrizi i Zanave, an agrotourism restaurant, was a gentle introduction to the Albanian landscape. The restaurant, known for its fusion of traditional and modern cuisine, offered a meal that was as much a feast for the senses as it was for the stomach. The freshness of the ingredients mirrored the untouched beauty of the land I was about to explore.

From there, we traveled to Lepushë, a village that felt like a gateway to another world. Nestled in the northernmost part of Albania, Lepushë was a picturesque introduction to the Alps. The air was crisp, and the mountains loomed like ancient sentinels, guarding secrets that only the brave dared to uncover. As night fell, the village seemed to whisper tales of old, stories of the land and its people, stories that I was eager to hear.

The Ascent to Vajusha Peak

The morning in Lepushë was a symphony of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves. Our hike began early, the path leading us through a forest that felt alive with history. The Lepusha Waterfall was our first stop, a small cascade that offered a moment of refreshment and reflection. It was here that I felt the first stirrings of a connection to the land, a sense of belonging that was both foreign and familiar.

The climb to Vajusha Peak was a test of endurance and spirit. As we ascended, the landscape unfolded like a tapestry, each step revealing a new vista, a new perspective. The peak, at 2059 meters, offered a view that was both humbling and exhilarating. The Alps stretched out before me, a sea of peaks and valleys that seemed to echo the contours of my own journey of self-discovery. It was a moment of clarity, a reminder of the vastness of the world and the smallness of my place within it.

Theth: A Village Frozen in Time

Our journey continued to Theth, a village that seemed untouched by time. The hike to Theth was a passage through history, the path bordered by steep mountains and stunning views. The waterfall of Grunasi and the Blue Eye, a small lake with water as blue as the sky, were natural wonders that spoke of the earth’s enduring beauty.

Theth itself was a revelation. Surrounded by high peaks, the village had preserved its traditions and culture, a testament to the resilience of its people. The Lock-in Tower, a relic of the past, stood as a reminder of the village’s history and its connection to the canon of Lek Dukagjini. As I wandered through the village, I felt a sense of peace, a quietude that was both comforting and unsettling.

The Albanian Alps had offered me more than just a physical journey; they had provided a path to introspection and self-discovery. The mountains, with their silent majesty, had mirrored my own inner landscape, a terrain of peaks and valleys that I was only beginning to understand. As I left Theth, I carried with me not just memories of the land, but a deeper understanding of myself and my place in the world.