bigtravelbuzzKukës County is located in northeastern Albania, bordering Kosovo to the northeast and North Macedonia to the southeast. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the stunning Prokletije Mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Fierza. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Kukës County:
Explore Valbona Valley National Park: This breathtaking national park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Albania, including rugged mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear streams. The park is a hiker’s paradise, with numerous trails winding through the forests and mountains.
Visit the Blue Eye of Kukës: This natural spring is a popular tourist attraction, known for its bright blue waters that seem to glow in the sunlight. Visitors can hike to the spring and take a dip in the refreshing waters.
See the Kukës Lake: This stunning artificial lake is located on the Drin River and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountains.
Discover the Bajram Curri Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Bajram Curri, an Albanian freedom fighter who played a key role in the country’s struggle for independence in the early 20th century.
Experience local culture: Kukës County is home to several traditional villages, where visitors can experience Albanian culture firsthand. Make sure to try local dishes like byrek (a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables) and qofte (meatballs).
Overall, Kukës County is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of Albania.
Places to Visit in Kukës County
There are several places to visit in Kukës County, Albania, including:
Valbona Valley National Park: This stunning national park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kukës County. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, lynx, and wolves, as well as beautiful landscapes of towering mountains, crystal-clear streams, and dense forests.
Kukës Lake: This beautiful artificial lake is located on the Drin River and is surrounded by stunning mountains and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake.
The Blue Eye of Kukës: This natural spring is located near the village of Radomirë and is famous for its bright blue waters that seem to glow in the sunlight. Visitors can hike to the spring and take a refreshing dip in the cool water.
Bajram Curri Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Bajram Curri, an Albanian national hero who played a key role in the country’s struggle for independence in the early 20th century.
Fierza Reservoir: This large reservoir is located on the Drin River and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. It’s also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Kukës County, with stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters.
Korab Mountain: Located on the border with North Macedonia, Korab is the highest mountain in Albania, with an elevation of 2,764 meters. It’s a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Kukës County offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Best Time To Visit Kukës County
Kukës County is located in northeastern Albania and has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Kukës County depends on your interests and what you want to do during your visit.
If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, or camping, the best time to visit Kukës County is from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the mountains are covered in lush greenery and colorful wildflowers. The most popular hiking trail in Kukës County is the Valbona to Theth trail, which is usually open from June to September.
If you are interested in skiing or winter sports, the best time to visit Kukës County is from December to February. The area around the ski resort of Vali e Koshit is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Overall, the best time to visit Kukës County is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Things to Do in Kukës County
Kukës County is a beautiful region in northeastern Albania that offers a variety of activities for travelers. Here are some things to do in Kukës County:
Hiking: Kukës County is known for its stunning mountain scenery, and there are many hiking trails to explore. One of the most popular trails is the Valbona to Theth trail, which takes you through the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Skiing: Kukës County has a ski resort, Vali e Koshit, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Camping: The mountains in Kukës County offer many great camping spots, and camping is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rafting: The Drin River flows through Kukës County, and there are many opportunities for rafting and kayaking.
Visiting historic sites: Kukës County has a rich history, and there are several historic sites to explore, including the medieval castle of Krujë, the Ottoman bridge of Ura e Kardhiqit, and the Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum.
Exploring nature: Kukës County has several beautiful lakes and waterfalls, including Fierza Lake, Shoshan Waterfall, and Rrajca Waterfall.
Sampling local cuisine: Kukës County is known for its delicious food, and there are many traditional Albanian restaurants where you can try local dishes like qofte, byrek, and tave kosi.
Visiting cultural events: Kukës County hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the National Folklore Festival in August, which showcases traditional Albanian music and dance.
How to get around in Kukës County
Kukës County is a relatively small region in northeastern Albania, and getting around is easy. Here are some options for getting around in Kukës County:
By car: Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Kukës County. There are several car rental companies available in the main cities, such as Kukës and Tropojë. However, the roads in the mountains can be narrow and winding, so be careful while driving.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate in Kukës County, connecting the main cities and towns. The buses are inexpensive, but they can be crowded and slow, especially in the mountainous areas.
By taxi: Taxis are available in the main cities, and they are a good option for short distances. However, they can be expensive, especially for longer trips.
By bicycle or motorbike: If you are an experienced cyclist or motorcyclist, you can rent a bike or motorbike to explore the countryside. However, keep in mind that the roads can be challenging, especially in the mountains.
On foot: Kukës County has many hiking trails and footpaths, and walking is an excellent way to explore the region. If you plan to go hiking, make sure to bring appropriate gear and a map.
Where to eat in Kukës County
Kukës County is known for its delicious traditional Albanian cuisine. Here are some places to eat in Kukës County:
Qebaptore Gashi: This restaurant in Kukës city is famous for its qofte, which are grilled meatballs made with beef or lamb. They also serve other traditional Albanian dishes, such as byrek and tave kosi.
Valbona Restaurant: Located in Valbona Valley National Park, this restaurant serves delicious homemade food, including fresh trout from the nearby river. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area with stunning views of the mountains.
Alpbes Restaurant: This restaurant in Tropojë is known for its hearty portions of traditional Albanian dishes, such as gjellë, a stew made with meat and vegetables, and fërgesë, a dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
Fierza Lake Resort: This resort, located on the shores of Fierza Lake, has a restaurant that serves fresh fish caught in the lake. They also serve other traditional Albanian dishes, such as roasted lamb and grilled vegetables.
Ura e Kardhiqit Restaurant: This restaurant, located near the Ottoman bridge of Ura e Kardhiqit, serves traditional Albanian food in a beautiful setting overlooking the river.
The Gashi Family Restaurant: Located in the village of Lekbibaj, this family-run restaurant serves homemade traditional Albanian dishes, including gjellë, tave kosi, and byrek.
Alpe Bello Resort: This resort, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps, has a restaurant that serves traditional Albanian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They also have a great selection of local wines and beers.
Famous street stalls in Kukës County
Street food is not as common in Kukës County as in some other parts of Albania, but there are still some great street stalls that you should try. Here are some famous street stalls in Kukës County:
Qebapçi Rexhepi: This street stall, located in Kukës city, is famous for its qebapa, which are small grilled sausages made with a mixture of beef and lamb. They serve the qebapa with fresh bread, onions, and ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread.
Fshati i Gjelit: This street food area, located in the village of Gjallica, serves a variety of traditional Albanian dishes, such as flija, a layered pancake made with flour, water, and milk, and speca me gjize, peppers stuffed with cheese.
Shkëlzen’s Pazar: This street market, located in Kukës city, sells a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as traditional Albanian snacks such as kafe turke, Turkish coffee, and bakllava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and honey.
Fast food stalls: In the main cities and towns, you will find several fast food stalls selling burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. While not traditional Albanian food, these stalls can be a good option if you are in a hurry or looking for a quick snack.
Grilled corn vendors: During the summer months, you will find several vendors selling grilled corn on the cob. This is a simple but delicious snack, seasoned with salt and butter, that is popular throughout Albania.
Where to stay in Kukës County
Luxury accommodation
Kukës County is known for its natural beauty and stunning mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking luxury accommodation. Here are some options for luxury accommodation in Kukës County:
Lake Shkodra Resort: Located on the shores of Lake Shkodra, this resort offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the lake. The resort features a spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
Fierza Lake Resort: This resort is located on the shores of Fierza Lake and offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the lake and the surrounding mountains. The resort features a spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving fresh fish from the lake.
Alpe Bello Resort: This resort is located in the heart of the Albanian Alps and offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains. The resort features a spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
Dardha Resort: This resort is located in the village of Dardha and offers luxurious rooms with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the mountains. The resort features a spa, an indoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
Hotel Sharri: This hotel is located in the town of Kukës and offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
Marubi Hotel: This hotel is located in the city center of Kukës and offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the city. The hotel features a spa, a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Where to stay in Kukës County
Budget accommodation
If you’re looking for budget accommodation options in Kukës County, there are several guesthouses and hostels that offer affordable rates. Here are some options:
Hostel Hasta La Vista: This hostel is located in the city center of Kukës and offers affordable dormitory rooms and private rooms. The hostel features a shared kitchen and a common area with a TV and board games.
Guesthouse Lura: This guesthouse is located in the village of Bajram Curri and offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse features a shared kitchen and a garden with a seating area.
Guesthouse Bujtina Alpike: This guesthouse is located in the village of Tropojë and offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse features a shared kitchen and a garden with a seating area.
Hostel Alpet: This hostel is located in the village of Valbona and offers affordable dormitory rooms and private rooms. The hostel features a shared kitchen and a garden with a seating area.
Hotel Gjallica: This hotel is located in the city center of Kukës and offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel features a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine and a bar.
Guesthouse Marub: This guesthouse is located in the village of Valbona and offers affordable rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse features a shared kitchen and a garden with a seating area.
Travel Tips Kukës County
If you’re planning a trip to Kukës County, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Pack for the weather: Kukës County experiences cold winters and mild summers, so make sure to pack accordingly. In the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing, so bring warm clothing and a sturdy pair of boots. In the summer, temperatures can reach the mid-20s Celsius, so bring light clothing and sunscreen.
Rent a car: While public transportation is available in Kukës County, it can be infrequent and unreliable. Renting a car is the best way to explore the region at your own pace.
Learn some Albanian: While many people in Kukës County speak English, it can be helpful to learn some basic Albanian phrases, especially if you plan on traveling to more rural areas.
Try the local food: Kukës County is known for its delicious traditional Albanian cuisine, so be sure to sample some of the local dishes during your visit.
Respect local customs: Albanians are generally very welcoming to tourists, but it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites, and avoid public displays of affection.
Be prepared for outdoor activities: Kukës County is a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. Make sure to bring appropriate gear and equipment if you plan on participating in these activities.
Bring cash: While credit cards are accepted in some places, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when traveling to more rural areas.