If you are looking for a place that will leave you speechless, fill your lungs with fresh air and your soul with peace, then High Scardus Trail, in the heart of the Kukes Alps is your destination this summer. A path that is not just a road, but an experience. Surrounded by endless meadows, views that seem to be painted by hand and voices of nature that you don’t hear anywhere else, more than a journey, a return to yourself.
Where is the High Scardus Trail and what will you find there?
High Scardus Trail is a key part of this cross-border route that connects Albania with neighboring countries, Kosovo and North Macedonia. This stunning stretch begins near the villages of Novoseje or Shishtavec, about 30 minutes from the city of Kukes. The route leads through alpine meadows with wildflowers, passes by Lake Novoseja and climbs to the peak of Kallabaku at 2,174 meters. This is one of those places that doesn’t just exist on a map, but in memories that last.
Breathtaking landscapes, an explosion of colors and tranquility
It is not called the “Path of Colors” for nothing. In spring and early summer, this place is transformed into a wild alpine garden, where greenery clashes with the white of daffodils and the yellow of Albanian lilies, a rare endemic plant that grows only in these parts. Lake Novoseja shines like a mirror, while the majestic peaks of Gjallica, Kallabaku and Sharri rise around it. Every turn of the path brings a view that invites you to stop, take a deep breath and… never leave.
Is the trail difficult? Here’s what you need to know
Don’t be put off by the word “mountain trail”! Although it requires some physical preparation, High Scardus Trail is manageable for most nature lovers. Depending on the starting point, the trail stretches for about 17–21 km and requires 7–8 hours of hiking. The route has climbs of up to 900 meters, so proper footwear, plenty of water, and a windbreaker are a must. For the hottest days, umbrellas and hats are a lifesaver. For those who want more comfort, a local guide or 4×4 vehicle can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Wonders you won’t find anywhere else
What makes this trail so special is not only the nature, but also the life that pulsates within it. Here blooms the Albanian Lily (Lilium albanicum), a rare and protected plant that grows nowhere else in the world. In the meadows of Novoseja, the white daffodils are not just flowers, they are part of a local legend that connects beauty with the myth of Narcissus. Villages like Shishtavec and Çaja still preserve pure Alpine traditions, heart-warming hospitality, lovingly prepared dishes and a sense of living simply but with meaning.
From the night sky in Kallabak to the blueberry tea at the guesthouse
From the night sky in Kallabak to blueberry tea at the guesthouse
There is no better feeling than sleeping under the stars at the height of Kallabak, where solitude is not scary, but soothing. Camping at an altitude of 2,000 meters is an experience not easily forgotten. If you prefer a more comfortable touch, local guesthouses like @bujtina_musaj_caje and @gest_house_korabi offer everything you need, a warm bed, traditional food and a glass of raki or blueberry tea to end the day. This is the Albania you don’t see in brochures, but that you remember for the rest of your life.
How to get there and what you need to know before you go
Don’t count on roadside markets, the nature is rich, but the services are minimal
🚗 Transportation:
- You can travel by car to Shishtavec or Novoseja (about 30 minutes from Kukes).
- There is public transportation from Kukës to Shishtavec
- Departure: 13:30 from Kukes
- Return: 07:00 from Shishtavec
🐎 Alternative travel methods:
- Parts of the trail can be done on horseback
- You can hire local guides who know the terrain
🧭 Technical preparation:
- Download GPS maps (GPX/KMZ) to your phone or navigation device
- Check the weather before departure and dress accordingly
🥪 Equipment and supplies:
- Take enough water, energy snacks, rain gear, and hiking shoes
Ready for your adventure? Share with others and discover more!
If this wonderful journey in the heart of northern Albania has piqued your curiosity, don’t keep it to yourself!
👉 Share the article with friends who love nature, tranquility and true Albanian experiences.
👉 Visit LoveAlbania for more guides, destination suggestions and undiscovered routes waiting to be explored.
High Scardus Trail is there, waiting for your steps. Grab your bag, your camera and your adventurous spirit – Albania has a lot to show you!
