Theth
After our stay at the Shala River, we continued north into the heart of the Albanian Alps and based ourselves in the charming mountain village of Theth. Known as one of Albania's premier hiking destinations, Theth is the starting point for the famous Valbona Pass hike.
Our original plan was to hike all the way from Theth to Valbona, but due to snow and challenging trail conditions, the full crossing wasn't possible. Instead, we hiked from Theth up to the Valbona Pass viewpoint and back—a stunning route that still offered breathtaking mountain scenery, dramatic peaks, and unforgettable views along the way.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or simply looking to experience Albania's most spectacular landscapes, we highly recommend adding Theth and the Albanian Alps to your itinerary.
HOTEL: MOLLA GUESTHOUSE
We stayed at Molla Guest House in Theth and really loved this cozy mountain base in the Albanian Alps.
It’s a simple chalet-style guesthouse, but it has a really warm and welcoming feel. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and it’s the kind of place where you immediately settle in after a day of hiking. The food was tasty and home-cooked, and we especially enjoyed spending the evenings in the communal dining area by the fireplace, playing board games.
The hosts are genuinely friendly and create a relaxed, homely atmosphere. There’s also a terrace with beautiful mountain views, and when the weather allows, it’s a great spot to sit outside. From the garden, a direct path leads you straight onto the hiking trails, which makes everything super easy.
It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what makes it special — a simple, comfortable, and really enjoyable place to stay in Theth.
Valbona Pass Hike