Valbona Pass is one of the most iconic stops on the Peaks of the Balkans trail, linking the valleys of Theth and Valbona in the rugged Accursed Mountains of northern Albania. It's the highlight of what many consider the best day-hike in the Balkans.

Sitting at 1795 m above sea level, the pass rewards hikers with sweeping views over jagged limestone peaks and deep green valleys on either side. In summer the trail buzzes with trekkers from all over the world, and simple refreshment stalls appear along the path to keep you fueled. Come winter and into late spring, the scene changes completely — snow blankets the pass, the trail closes, and the terrain turns genuinely hazardous. Accidents have happened here, including the death of a Swiss hiker in May 2022 who slipped on icy, steep ground.

How to get there

• From Theth — marked trail, approx. 5-6 hours to Valbona, moderate to demanding difficulty
• From Valbona — same route in reverse, similar duration

Practical information

• Trail closed in winter and into late spring due to snow and ice
• Simple food stalls available along the route in summer
• The area lies within Albanian Alps National Park

The village of Rragam on the eastern approach was settled in the 1940s by people from Theth — a small human story tucked into one of Albania's most spectacular landscapes.