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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: ALL
- Languages: Albanian, English, Italian
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: Europe/Tirane
- Population: Approximately 77,075 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the EU, UK, and US generally do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Many other nationalities can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. An e-visa option is available for some countries. Travelers should check current requirements before visiting, as rules may vary by nationality.
About Shkoder
Shkoder is one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, nestled in the northwest near the border with Montenegro. It offers a unique blend of historical heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant local life. The city is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, lively bazaars, and the imposing Rozafa Castle overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Shkoder serves as a gateway to the Albanian Alps and Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in the Balkans, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Visitors are drawn to its charming old town, diverse religious sites including mosques and churches, and the thriving arts scene. The city’s relaxed atmosphere combined with its rich traditions and welcoming locals create an authentic Albanian experience that is both educational and enjoyable.
Top Attractions
1. Rozafa Castle – A historic fortress with panoramic views of the city and surrounding rivers, steeped in legend. 2. Marubi National Museum of Photography – Showcases Albania’s photographic history with an extensive collection of vintage images. 3. Shkoder Historical Museum – Offers insights into the city’s past through artifacts and exhibits. 4. Lead Mosque – An Ottoman-era mosque known for its distinctive architecture and cultural significance. 5. Lake Shkoder – The largest lake in the Balkans, ideal for birdwatching, boat tours, and scenic walks.
Popular Activities
Visitors can explore hiking trails in the nearby Albanian Alps, enjoy boat rides on Lake Shkoder, and experience traditional markets and crafts in the city center. Cultural tours include visits to historic religious sites and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in fishing, cycling, and birdwatching. The city also hosts music and art festivals that provide a glimpse into local traditions.
Shkoder Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Albania
- Duration Range: Visitors can explore hiking trails in the nearby Albanian Alps, enjoy boat rides on Lake Shkoder, and experience traditional markets and crafts in the city center. Cultural tours include visits to historic religious sites and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in fishing, cycling, and birdwatching. The city also hosts music and art festivals that provide a glimpse into local traditions.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes and light clothing, with a jacket for cooler evenings. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Carry some cash in Albanian Lek, as not all places accept cards. Stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas. Learning a few basic Albanian phrases can enhance your experience.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $200
47 Available Tour Excursions in Shkoder
Our Thethi Day Tour is crafted for those who seek an authentic, immersive experience in Albania's stuning landscapes. Led by experts local guides, we take you beyond the surface sharing hidden trails, untold stories, and deep cultular connections. whether exploring the mesmerizing Blue Eye, the dramatic Grunas Waterfall, or Thethi's historic landmarks, every moment is enriched with personal insights and warm hospitality. With a focus on adventure, tradition, and genuine local expertise, our tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Thethi National Park
Price: $78.42
Duration: 9-11 hours
Explore the picturesque mountains of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo on this 8 day self guided Balkans trekking tour. Enjoy this 8 days trekking trail in the Peaks of the Balkans, considered as the best Balkans hiking adventure.
Price: $1,416.61
Duration: 192 hours
Join this 3 day self guided hiking tour and explore the spectacular Alps of Northern Albania; Theth National Park, Valbona Valley and Komani Lake. By choosing our self guided hiking tour you will save time and money while getting to enjoy the freedom of traveling on your own through the wild landscapes. The Choose Balkans Team will be there to assist you prior, during and after the whole tour and will provide you all the details you need for this amazing self-guided tre
Price: $456.98
Duration: 72 hours
Join this day tour of Shkoder and explore this large multicultural city and visit one of the best Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans in this full day tour
Price: $166.04
Duration: 8-10 hours
The tour to Theth National park, Valbona Valley National Park, Koman Lake & Shala river is a hiking and adventure tour program that offers its participants a combination of wild nature, unforgettable ferry ride through the heart of the Albanian Alps, unmatched hospitality and untamed views. During these four days you will be spoiled for choice from the amazing views of Northern Albania, combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with plenty of time to soak up the local culture.
Price: $1,028.19
Duration: 96 hours
The two-day tour of Theth is a special interest hiking tour program exclusively designed to offer participants the best combination of pristine wild nature, an unforgettable view of the heart of the Albanian Alps, local folklore and traditions. During these two days you will be able to visit most of the attractions of Northern Albania, combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with time to soak up the local culture.
Price: $495.06
Duration: 48 hours
Join this captivating five-day tour through Northern Albania, starting from Tirana or Shkodra. We will experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Albanian Alps, explore the rural charm of Theth National Park, trek from Theth to Valbona and enjoy the boat ride through Komani Lake. Each step of this adventure reveals a new side of the region's natural beauty .
Price: $1,238.40
Duration: 120 hours
The Peaks of the Balkans trail is nowadays the most required and wild trail in Europe. This is an amazing multi-day hiking in three countries: Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo.
Price: $1,366.34
Duration: 240 hours
The Peaks of the Balkans are a collection of beautiful and spectacular mountains shared between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. In 10 days, you will cross the border multiple times, go from one extraordinary landscape to the other and experience life away from civilization. An adventure exploring some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world!
Price: $2,025.91
Duration: 240 hours
The Peaks of the Balkans are a collection of beautiful and spectacular mountains shared between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. In 7 days, you will cross the border multiple times, go from one extraordinary landscape to the other and experience life away from civilization. An adventure exploring some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world!
Price: $2,065.52
Duration: 168 hours
According to Bradt Travel Guide, the Komani Lake journey is described as “one of the World’s greatest boat trips”. The tour to Komani Lake & Valbona Valley is a special interest hiking and adventure tour program exclusively designed to offer participants the best combination of pristine wild nature, unforgettable ferry ride through the heart of the Albanian Alps, local folklore and traditions. During these three days you will be able to visit most of the attractions of Northern Albania, combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with plenty of time to soak up the local culture.
Price: $743.35
Duration: 72 hours
The three-day tour of Theth is a special interest hiking tour program exclusively designed to offer participants the best combination of pristine wild nature, an unforgettable view of the heart of the Albanian Alps, local folklore and traditions. During these three days you will be able to visit most of the attractions of Northern Albania, combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with time to soak up the local culture.
Price: $743.35
Duration: 72 hours
Discover the beauty of Theth National Park in Albania on our immersive one-day excursion. Explore the iconic Blue Eye, Lock-in Tower, Theth Waterfall and Church of Theth with our knowledgeable guides. Whether you're a nature lover or history enthusiast, our tour offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Price: $105.74
Duration: 11 hours
We have high-quality products and we are well organized toward creating a unique experience. We recommend that our customers ask for inordinately requests that are safe and fun. We are ready to take the challenge.
Price: $28.51
Duration: 1-2 hours
This tour was thought and offered from local people of Thethi, who will not offer you just a guide but you will dive in this local lifestyle and have a unique experience from this remote wild area of the Albanian alp, part of Thethi National Park. Wild because the nature is still virgin, untouched, as described from other tourist and the access road is still unpaved on its last 15 km. That means that it will be a kind of adventure and challenge experience driving to Theth. In just three days you will have the possibility to enjoy the beauty of the main destinations of Thethi, like the waterfall and canyon, the blue eye and stone groves, the church and the lock in tower, the accommodation in traditional guesthouses called ‘kulla’; have a dinner with local homemade and organic food, and experience Albanian welcoming in person. We also give the possibility to challenging hikers to discuss hiking options, in the sense that instead of doing a specific destination, choose doing another one.
Price: $329.03
Duration: 72 hours
The tour to Koman Lake, Valbona and Theth is hiking and adventure tour program offers participants a combination of wild nature, unforgettable ferry ride through the heart of the Albanian Alps, unmatched hospitality and untamed views. During these four days you will be spoiled for choice from the amazing views of Northern Albania, combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with plenty of time to soak up the local culture. This self-guided tour program is specially designed for travellers who wish to explore Albania independently however in a professionally organized way. By choosing this tour you will save money, time and enjoy the freedom of traveling on your own. Choose Balkans Team will apply its professionalism and knowhow in assisting you prior, during and after the tour. Once you book the tour our team will provide you all the details you need to know for this self-guided tour
Price: $609.31
Duration: 96 hours
Discover the beauty of Theth National Park in Albania on our immersive one-day excursion The area is beautiful, stunning views of the Albanian Alps and gushing rivers abound. As well as viewing the church and lock in tower in Theth village we did a couple of excellent hikes to The Blue Eye, Grunasi waterfall and Canyon of Grunas which is spectacular.
Price: $78.42
Duration: 10 hours
This tour is a great combination of great different kinds of nature views with tons of different birds combined with flora, fauna, and cultural information. The views are constantly changing dramatically all the time.
Price: $118.81
Duration: 7 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Shkoder.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Shkoder’s cuisine reflects a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Signature dishes include fresh seafood from the lake, byrek (savory pies), tave kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and local cheeses. Dining customs emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and communal meals. Noteworthy restaurants include Tradita Geg & Tosk and Rozafa Restaurant, both known for authentic Albanian flavors.
Getting Around
Shkoder is accessible by road from Tirana and Montenegro, with regular bus services connecting it to major cities. The nearest airport is in Tirana, about two hours away by car. Within the city, taxis and minibuses are common for local travel. Walking is convenient in the compact city center. Transportation costs are generally affordable.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes and light clothing, with a jacket for cooler evenings. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Carry some cash in Albanian Lek, as not all places accept cards. Stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas. Learning a few basic Albanian phrases can enhance your experience.
Culture & Customs
Shkoder is known for its hospitality and strong cultural traditions. Social customs emphasize respect for elders and modest dress in religious places. Important festivals include the Rozafa Festival and local religious celebrations. Visitors should greet with a handshake and use formal titles when addressing locals. Photography in religious sites should be done with permission.
