The mountain village of Thethi is located in the Upper Shala Valley (Lugina e Shalës; Shala Tal) in the Shkodër region of northern Albania, within the Albanian Alps. The Kapreja River (Lumi i Kaprresë) winds through the valley, which is six kilometers long and one kilometer wide. The landscape has been shaped by tectonic activity, erosion, karst processes, rivers and glaciers. The high valley is surrounded by striking peaks, including the 2,568-metre-high Maja e Radohimës to the west, the 2,217-metre-high Arapi to the north and the 2,578-metre-high Maja e Popllukës to the east and beyond.

This fascinating excursion leads into a side valley of the Shala River, and reveals one of the region's hidden natural wonders. The Blue Eye of Thethi (Syri i Kaltër Thethi; Das Blaue Auge) (42.364297 19.746174). This naturally formed pool is renowned for its intensely turquoise-blue water, which is fed by ice-cold mountain springs and which remains only a few degrees above freezing even in midsummer. The exceptional clarity and depth of color of the water are particularly impressive. Resembling a glowing ‘eye’ nestled within a rocky, forested gorge, the pool creates an almost surreal contrast against the surrounding landscape.

Reaching this remarkable natural attraction requires some physical effort, as it can only be accessed via a challenging 2.2-kilometer hiking trail. The route begins at the parking area in the village of Ndërlysaj. From there, the trail heads west along a broad, well-trodden — and often busy — path until it reaches a small saddle. A short descent follows before the trail splits. Keeping left leads directly to the Blue Eye. Tip: Leaving the small gorge via the southern steps reveals a scenic path that curves around the attraction in a long left-hand bend, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.