If you love a good hike and are spending some time in Theth National Park, this walk needs adding to your list!
Albania has two Blue Eyes, just to confuse people! The two are very different, and are located at opposite ends of the country! The one I’m about to talk about is the one located in the far north of Albania, buried in the breathtaking Albania Alps. To get there, you have to go a little hike, and cross probably one of the most sketchy bridges I’ve ever seen! But if you manage both, you will be treated with one of the most incredible creations by nature!
Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Eye, in Theth National Park:
Location
Blue Eye is located in the heart of the Albanian Alps. The hiking trail starts in the Village of Nderlysaj, just 5 miles (8 km) south of the Village of Theth.
To get to the start of the trailhead, you ideally need your own/rental vehicle, or you can book a taxi. You can walk from the Village of Theth, and many people do. However, if you include the walk to the Blue Eye, you’re looking at walking a total of 15 miles!
Parking
If you are driving in your own/rented vehicle, there is a large, gravel car park at the start of the trailhead, in the Village of Nderlysaj. At the time we visited, it was free to park.
Please be aware: I have sadly read about some scammers who hang around at this car park. Apparently, it’s some men on Mopeds, demanding money from you for parking your vehicle. When you refuse to pay them, they can become quite aggressive. We did not see any of this on our visit in May, 2024. Not sure if these scammers have been stopped? But please, keep your eye out!
Difficulty of Hike
The route to the Blue Eye isn’t a difficult hike. The full route is just over 4 miles long, out-and-back, along rocky, mountain paths. The route gently ascends up through the valley, and then descends to the river bed. However, it can feel more challenging in the heat! It was very humid on our visit, making the hike feel a lot harder!
Please wear shoes with good tread, and bring plenty of water and snacks!
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, and you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
1.
Starting from the car park in the Village of Nderlysaj, take the track, leading you northwest out of the car park.
2.
Follow the track as it slowly leads up through the valley, looking out for the red and white marker.
3.
Eventually, you will see a mountain path forking off to the right of the track. Take the mountain path, and follow it as it continues to lead you up through the valley. Again, keep your eye out for the red and white marker.
4.
After a little while, you will reach a little cafe. From the cafe, continue on the same path, down to the river bed.
5.
Head across the bridge and follow the path as it leads off to your right-hand side. Follow the path through the trees, along a little grassy field, and pass an old farmhouse to your left-hand side.
6.
Very shortly, after passing the farmhouse, you will be greeted with one very sketchy-looking bridge! To get to the Blue Eye, you have to brave this crossing. It’s not for the faint-hearted! Truth be told, I nearly didn’t have the courage to cross it!
Biggest tip: don’t look down, don’t think about it! Just walk and look ahead!
7.
Once you’ve crossed the bridge continue along the path as leads you towards another cafe. From the cafe head down the wooden ladder. This is where you will be greeted with the incredible Blue Eye and all its glory!
If you’re feeling brave, take a dip! I’ve heard it’s cold!
8.
Once you’ve finished enjoying your time at the Blue Eye, retrace you’re steps back to where you started the walk from.
A Vlog on how our day went, hiking to Theth’s Blue Eye: https://youtu.be/fBd4JY8PBfk
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Further Reading
A guide to Grunas Falls: Hiking Guide To Grunas Falls
A guide to Theth National Park: A Guide To Theth National Park
