Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps)
Key information: Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) 
- Thrilling walking in these remote, tough mountains in remote, tough northern Albania (mainly), where peace at last reigns after an eternity of discord
- Beautiful scenery, an unspoilt environment and timeless villages contribute to really marvellous walking
- This is a tough walk in high, remote mountains, on which you will have to be self-sufficient. Come prepared. This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating90.5
- Beauty32.5
- Natural interest14
- Human interest12
- Charisma32
- Negative points0
- Total rating90.5
- Note: likely bad weather; heavy loads to carry
Vital Statistics
- Length: Variable
- Level of Difficulty: Variable
WALK SUMMARY
Comment from community member Murray:
Hi Team - I suggest the following as an outstanding walk: The Albanian Alps many options but here are two: 1) The Valbona and Thethi valley hikes [in the Accursed Mountains], and the connecting pass between them 2) The Peaks of the Balkans circuit thru the Albanian Alps (thru Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro)
Walkopedia friends Kudu Travel do an excellent expedition http://www.kudutravel.com/tours/albania which includes days in the Albanian Alps as well as a wealth of other walks and cultural exploration.
Walks Worldwide describe this as a "rarely visited, wonderful yet remote area" that is not "anything like Europe as you would know it".
The best known walk in the area is the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, which passes through Montenegro and Kosovo as well as this area.
While day walks are doable here, a multi-day trek will get you into the best scenery.
Have a look at Walks Worldwide's 2010 trip report, and the Guardian's 2012 account of a trip to the Accursed Mountains. Also see an excellent article by Tim Neville in the New York Times (actually about the Peak of the Balkans Trail, but with some useful background).
THIS PAGE IS AT AN EARLY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT: ALL SUGGESTIONS AND PHOTOS WELCOME!
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Contents
Other great walks in Albania
RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
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MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
