002__Valbonë | Lugina e Valbonës
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The Valbonë Valley National Park (Parku Kombëtar i Alpeve të Shqipërisë; Nationalpark Valbona-Tal) is located in the Albanian Alps in the Qarku i Shkodrës in northern Albania. This vibrant natural environment is home to brown bears, wolves, lynxes, chamois, roe deer, and birds of prey. It is surrounded by dense forests and ancient, species-rich beech woodlands. Within this unique landscape are the remote Valbona Valley (Lugina e Valbonës) and the mountain village of Valbonë (42.455267 19.896267).

 

Those seeking unspoiled nature, peaceful surroundings, and guaranteed adventure will find it here. The valley can only be reached after a 260-kilometer journey, which takes around five hours by car. Due to its elevation, the valley is occasionally cut off from the outside world during particularly snowy and cold winters. Tourism is still in its infancy. The village is characterized by numerous centuries-old stone houses where traditional ways of life are preserved. There are a few simple guesthouses and a small number of newly built luxury hotels.

 

Valbonë is situated in a broad, elongated valley through which the Valbona River flows. Lush meadows and extensive forests surround the village, and rugged mountain slopes frame it, creating a spectacular setting. Since the valley lies between 930 and 1,000 meters above sea level, the temperatures here are cooler than in most other parts of the country. This provides ideal conditions for long hikes, even during the summer months.

 

Valbonë is is a popular starting point for many hikes, including trips to the Jezerca Lakes and the Maja Jezercë summit. The Hotel Valbora offers modern rooms, good food, a swimming pool, a sauna, a fitness area, and spa facilities. The rushing river and the historic Old Valbona Mill (Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës) (42.455581 19.899910) are also  worth a visit.

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