Theth, Albania is a small mountain village that fits perfectly into a road trip through Albania with kids. It sits deep in the Albanian Alps, in the wild north of the country. A place full of rugged peaks, icy rivers, and hiking trails with amazing views. For years it was hard to reach, but thanks to the new road you can now drive there with your own (rental) car or camper.
We spent three weeks traveling around Albania with our kids, and Theth was easily one of our top three favorite spots. Curious what to do in Theth and why this mountain village is so special? Here are all our tips.
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- The Best Things To Do in Theth, Albania
- Where To Stay in Theth, Albania: Our Favorite Hotels and Guesthouses
- Eating in Theth: Our Favorite Spots
- Best Time To Visit Theth, Albania
- How To Reach Theth, Albania: Road and Travel Tips
- Theth With Kids: Is It Family-Friendly Destination in Albania?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Theth, Albania
- Why Theth Is One of Our Favorite Places in Albania
The Best Things To Do in Theth, Albania
Theth was one of the highlights of our trip through Albania. This mountain village in the Albanian Alps is a dream for hikers, nature lovers, and families looking for peace and adventure. You can hike to the famous Blue Eye, walk among cows and sheep, visit the small church of Theth, or check out the historic Tower of Nikollë. Theth is also the starting point of the well-known Valbona hike, a spectacular mountain trail that leads to the village of Valbona. That one’s not ideal for young kids, but perfect if you love a challenge. Theth feels far away from the modern world, and that’s exactly what makes it so unique.
Hike to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) of Theth
A must-do in Theth is the hike to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). This bright blue spring sits in the middle of nature, filled with freezing cold mountain water. The full hike from the main village is about 7 kilometers one way, but since we were traveling with young kids, we started from the smaller village of Nderlysaj. That shortens it to around 45 minutes each way, just right for us. You can park your car at this spot.
On the first part of the hike, you’ll pass a great place to swim in crystal-clear water. Especially on a hot day, it’s hard to resist. Just remember, you still have a long way to go, so don’t stay too long.
Our youngest sat in the carrier, because the trail was too tough for her. Our five-year-old walked the whole way herself, even in the heat, and was so proud when she reached the top. Be sure to bring enough water, because there’s nowhere to refill along the way.
The last part of the trail is the toughest. You’ll climb over rocks and cross a wobbly hanging bridge. On the way back, we stopped here to play in the river. The water was slightly warmer than at the Blue Eye itself, and the kids loved splashing around. Then, suddenly, you see it: the Blue Eye. A deep, bright blue pool with a waterfall tucked between the rocks. We thought about jumping in but only managed to dip a toe. The water is freezing cold!
Hike (a Section of) the Valbona Pass
The famous Valbona Pass hike connects Theth and the village of Valbona on the other side of the national park. It’s a spectacular trail that climbs to around 1,800 meters, with incredible views of the Albanian Alps. The full hike is about 17 kilometers and takes 6 to 8 hours.
Most travelers do this as part of a multi-day trip, staying overnight in Valbona. From there, you can take the Komani Lake ferry and then a bus back to Shkodër. The full trail isn’t suitable for young kids, but it’s great for older children or adults. Don’t want to hike the whole thing? You can just walk partway up and return the same way. Even the first section offers beautiful mountain views.
Visit The Famous Church of Theth
Right in the middle of the village, on a small field surrounded by flowers, stands Theth’s little white church. Simple, but so photogenic, with mountains all around. We sat in the grass while the kids played, just taking in the view. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or a quiet break, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the light gets soft.
Discover the Tower of Nikollë
Close to the village you’ll find the Kulla e Ngujimit, also known as the Tower of Nikollë. It was once used as a refuge during blood feuds and now serves as a small museum. You can go inside and hear a short story about its history. It’s quick but interesting, and a nice stop during a walk through the village.
Walk Among Cows, Goats, and Shepherds
Part of Theth’s charm is that life here still feels traditional. While hiking, you’ll often pass shepherds or have to wait while a herd of cows or goats crosses the path. For kids, this is always a hit — there’s always something happening on the way.
Enjoy the View (Any Time of Day)
Whether you’re hiking, relaxing at your guesthouse, or stopping for coffee, the views in Theth are always stunning. The green valleys, grey rock peaks, and crisp mountain air make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Take your time to just sit and look around.
Where To Stay in Theth, Albania: Our Favorite Hotels and Guesthouses
We stayed at Molla Guest House, and we can highly recommend it. This charming guesthouse sits just outside the main village and has everything you need: spacious rooms, peace and quiet, mountain views, and great food. The owners are warm and welcoming, cooking breakfast and dinner fresh every day. The calm, the view, and the animals around made it perfect for us as a family.
👉 Check availability at Molla Guest House
Other Great Hotels and Guesthouses in Theth
Guesthouse Gjin Thana
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.5 on Booking.com (700+ reviews)
A family-run guesthouse in the heart of Theth with peaceful mountain views and fresh homemade dinners. Warm, authentic atmosphere and lots of personal attention.
👉 Check availability
Mikpritja Theth
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.2 on Booking.com (100+ reviews)
Quiet cabins near the National Park, with garden views and wooden interiors. Great for families who love nature.
👉 Check availability
Vidis Chalet Boutique Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.6 on Booking.com (500+ reviews)
A boutique stay with cozy design, comfortable rooms, and a stunning valley view. Ideal if you want a bit of luxury in the mountains.
👉 Check availability
Hotel Jezerca Theth
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8.4 on Booking.com (250+ reviews)
Peaceful location, modern rooms, and a big terrace with a view. Perfect for relaxing after a long hike.
👉 Check availability
Note:
The most beautiful guesthouses in Theth fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. If you want to be sure of a great place to stay, book early.
Eating in Theth: Our Favorite Spots
Don’t expect hip coffee bars or fancy menus in Theth, and that’s exactly the charm. Most meals are served at guesthouses, with local ingredients and warm hospitality. Think vegetables from the garden, homemade bread, fried dough snacks, and meat from local farms.
At Molla Guest House, where we stayed, we enjoyed big home-cooked meals at long tables overlooking the mountains. The vibe was friendly and relaxed, and portions were generous.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can often join dinner at nearby guesthouses. Just ask, especially in the off-season there’s usually space.
During hikes we often stopped at small terraces, like Petriti, which has a few playground items and ice cream for kids. Hotel Restorant Villa Golden is another nice stop, with a sunny terrace and a trampoline for little ones.
Note:
There is no supermarket in Theth, so bring snacks, diapers, or other essentials from Shkodër, Krujë, or Tirana.
Best Time To Visit Theth, Albania
The best time to visit Theth is from May to September. In winter there’s often snow, many accommodations close, and most trails become impassable.
We visited in July and were surprised by how quiet it was. During the day it still reached around 30°C, but it felt much cooler than on the coast, and evenings were nice and fresh: perfect with kids. Just keep in mind that mountain weather can change quickly. Always pack a warm sweater or rain jacket, even in summer.
If you plan to hike to the Blue Eye or cross the Valbona Pass, go between June and September. Outside those months, there’s usually still snow on the trail or parts are closed.
Even though July and August are peak season, Theth feels calm compared to Albania’s coastal towns.
How To Reach Theth, Albania: Road and Travel Tips
Not long ago, you needed a 4×4 to reach Theth, but things have changed. A new paved road now runs from Shkodër all the way into the valley, which means you can easily get there with a regular car. The drive takes around two and a half to three hours and winds through dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful viewpoints along the way.
A nice stop on the route is Kulla e Bajraktarit, where you can grab a drink on the terrace while the kids play in the small playground.
If you’re coming from the south, it’s worth spending a night in Shkodër before continuing the next morning. It breaks up the trip nicely and gives you time to enjoy the drive at an easy pace.
Useful Tips for the Road
- Fill up your tank before you go, there’s no gas station in Theth
- Bring enough water and snacks, shops are rare along the way
- Try to drive during the day, and check the weather first (fog or rain can make it tricky)
- Download offline maps, mobile signal isn’t always reliable
If you’re renting a car in Albania, check out our guide on driving and car rental in Albania. We booked ours through DiscoverCars and had a great experience. Rentalcars.com is also a good option if you want to compare prices.
Theth With Kids: Is It Family-Friendly Destination in Albania?
Absolutely! We traveled with two young kids and they loved it. The fresh air, animals, climbing on rocks and bridges, and playing in mountain streams: it was one big adventure.
Many guesthouses are family-friendly, with swings, trampolines, hammocks, or just big open spaces. During hikes like the Blue Eye trail, you can stop by rivers to cool off or skip stones. The hike is doable with a carrier and some patience.
Just be aware that some parts of the trails (especially near the Blue Eye) aren’t very safe for small children. Always keep an eye on them, especially near water or steep parts.
Some Handy Tips for Visiting Theth With Kids
- Bring water shoes, perfect for rivers and the Blue Eye
- A baby carrier is a must for hikes with young children
- Pick a guesthouse with a playground, garden or terrace
- Watch kids closely on narrow or rocky trails
- Stock up before you go, there’s no store in Theth
- Take plenty of snacks, drinks, diapers, and wipes
- There’s a small zipline for older kids
- One hike a day is plenty, keep it relaxed
- Bring some snacks, water, and a small towel for the road.
- Sometimes a mountain stream is more fun than the destination 😉
Frequently Asked Questions About Theth, Albania
👉 Got more questions about Theth? Drop them in the comments below, we’re happy to help!
Why Theth Is One of Our Favorite Places in Albania
Of all the places we visited in Albania, Theth might have been the most impressive. Not because of busy markets or famous sights, but because of the nature, the quiet, and the simplicity.
Here, you’re completely away from it all. No traffic, no shops, no distractions. Just mountains, animals, hiking trails, and kind people. We felt so welcome, so small among the peaks of the Albanian Alps, that we instantly thought: we’ll come back one day.
Plan Your Trip to Theth, Albania
Where To Stay in Theth
👉 Find the best guesthouses on Booking.com
Rent a Car in Albania
👉 Compare prices at DiscoverCars, Rentalcars or Sunny Cars
Looking for Hiking Trails or Tours?
👉 Check out the offer on GetYourGuide for hikes, transfers and day trips
More Travel Inspiration?
👉 Read our main article: Our 3-Week Albania Road Trip With Kids
Quick Guide (TL;DR): Everything You Need To Know About Theth, Albania
Theth is located in northern Albania, in the heart of the Albanian Alps, near the border with Montenegro.
You can reach Theth via a paved mountain road from Shkodër. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
No, a regular car is fine. The road is paved, though quite winding.
The best months are from June to September. In winter, there’s snow and many places are closed.
Yes, it’s an adventurous destination for families, with plenty of nature, animals, and open space to play.
No, there aren’t any supermarkets or ATMs. Bring enough cash, snacks, and other essentials with you.
There aren’t typical restaurants, but most guesthouses offer breakfast and dinner, often also for non-guests.
Top spots include the Blue Eye of Theth, the Tower of Nikollë, the waterfall, and the viewpoints along the hiking trails.
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