Qafshtama National Park
Pine forests, highland meadows, and open skies above Kruje.
Qafshtama National Park
Qafshtama National Park begins just above the city of Kruje and climbs into a landscape most visitors never reach. The whole route up is done by car, so there is no trekking to get there. On the mountain road we stop for photos at Shkembi i Vajes, the Rock of the Maidens. When Kruje fell to the Ottomans in June 1478, the story goes that around 90 young women held hands and threw themselves from this 200-meter cliff rather than be taken captive. The people of Kruje have kept their memory alive for over five centuries.
Past the rock, the road runs through an abandoned military base from Albania's communist years and continues on to the pass. In Qafshtama we drop you off in the heart of the park, and from there the area is yours to explore on foot: pine forest and open highland meadows. At Kroi i Nene Mbretereshes, the Spring of the Queen Mother, you can fill your bottles with cold water straight from the rock. Locals believe it has healing properties, and travellers have rested here for generations.
Take your time. Hike up to the ruins of King Zog's royal villa, wander the meadows, or settle in at one of the small restaurants by the park for coffee or a simple mountain lunch.
A protected highland park with sweeping valley views and untouched alpine scenery.
Explore → QafshtamaIncluded
- Expert local guide
- Round-trip transport by car
Not Included
- Food
- Water
Tour Itinerary
Drive up the mountain road toward Qafshtama.
The Rock of the Maidens, a 200-meter cliff above the road. Photos over the gorge and the story of 1478.
The road passes through an old military base from the communist era, left to the forest.
We drop you off in the heart of the park. From here you explore on foot: pine forest and meadows.
Fill your bottles at the Spring of the Queen Mother, cold fresh water locals believe has healing properties.
Hike to the ruins of King Zog's villa, explore on your own, or relax at one of the park restaurants.
Drive back to Kruje.
Optional ATV & Quad Rides
A local off-road team based at the park runs guided ATV and quad bike rides on two routes. Ask about prices and availability when booking.
Bovilla Off-Road Route
3 to 4 hoursFully off-road ATV riding through remote villages on the way toward Lake Bovilla. The pace leaves room for photo stops, and the ride can be extended with lunch at a local restaurant.
Burrel River Route
3 to 4 hoursA quad ride along the river valley toward Burrel, with stops to swim in the river. Lunch stop available at Ke Dashi, a local favorite.
Qafshtama National Park: Good to Know
Can I do this tour as a day trip from Tirana?
Yes. Kruje is 32 km from Tirana, a 45 to 55 minute drive. We collect you door-to-door from your Tirana hotel, a central meeting point or Tirana Airport (Rinas), run the tour, and have you back in Tirana the same day. Plan for the tour's listed duration plus about 45 to 55 minutes' drive each way. If you're continuing your trip, a one-way drop in Kruje works too.
Where do you pick up, Tirana, Durres or the beaches?
Pickup is door-to-door from any Tirana hotel, a central Tirana meeting point, Tirana Airport (Rinas) and the wider Tirana area, and from Durres, the cruise port and the Durres Riviera beach resorts including Golem, Qerret and Mali i Robit. Always a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with your local driver-guide. You choose round-trip or a one-way drop in Kruje; private transfers are available too.
How far is Kruje from Tirana, and how long does it take?
Kruje is about 32 km north of Tirana, a 45 to 55 minute drive, and roughly 30 minutes from Tirana Airport (Rinas).
How much does the tour and the Tirana pickup cost?
The guided tour is €40 per person. Round-trip transfer from Tirana is quoted on request, because the price depends on your group size and date, sharing the vehicle with other guests is cheaper than a private transfer. Send us your hotel and dates and we'll give you an exact price.
Is Qafshtama National Park free to visit?
Yes. Qafshtama National Park is free to enter and open year-round. It sits on the shoulder of Kruje Mountain, about 20 minutes by car above the city.
What is there to see in Qafshtama National Park?
Pine and oak forest, highland meadows, and the Spring of the Queen Mother (Kroi i Nene Mbretereshes), where you can fill your bottles with fresh mountain water. On the road up you pass Shkembi i Vajes, the Rock of the Maidens, a dramatic cliff tied to the fall of Kruje in 1478, and an abandoned military base from the communist era. Inside the park you can also hike to the ruins of King Zog's villa or take a break at one of the small restaurants.
When is the best time to hike Qafshtama?
Late spring through autumn, roughly May to October. At altitude it stays noticeably cooler than Kruje, so bring an extra layer even in summer.
Can you ride an ATV or quad bike in Qafshtama?
Yes. A local off-road team based at the park runs guided ATV and quad rides on two routes: toward Lake Bovilla and along the Burrel river. Rides take around 3 to 4 hours and can include a lunch stop. Ask us when booking and we will arrange it.
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