Valbonë
Valbonë | |
|---|---|
.svg)  Valbonë | |
| Coordinates: 42°27′12″N 19°53′16″E / 42.4533°N 19.8878°E | |
| Country |  Albania |
| County | Kukës |
| Municipality | Tropojë |
| Municipal unit | Margegaj |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Valbonë (Albanian definite form: Valbona) is a village in the Kukës County, northern Albania. It is part of the former municipality Margegaj and situated in the valley of the river Valbonë, south of the mountain, Maja e Thatë. Following the 2015 local government reform, it became part of the municipality of Tropojë.[1] As one of the main settlements in Valbonë Valley National Park, the village offers suitable accommodation for visitors and tourists, primarily in traditional alpine houses or inns (Albanian: hane).[2]
Geography and Location
[edit]Valbonë is a mountain village located in northern Albania, approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. It lies within Kukës County and is part of Valbonë Valley National Park, one of the country’s most significant protected areas. The village is situated about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Bajram Curri, with access passing through the historic village of Dragobi.
Settlement and Architecture
[edit]The village of Valbonë consists of around 30 houses, most of which are traditional Albanian alpine dwellings. These are typically two- to three-storey stone towers with thick walls and roofs made of wooden boards, characteristic of the northern mountainous regions.
Natural Features
[edit]Valbonë Valley National Park covers an area of approximately 8,000 hectares and is considered one of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the Albanian Alps. The Valbonë River, known for its crystal-clear waters, runs through the valley, originating from alpine springs and fed by tributaries such as the Rragam Waterfall. The waterfall is located near the village of Rragam, from which it takes its name.
Dense forests line the route to Valbonë, including areas near the Bajram Curri Cave, which is located shortly after passing Dragobi.
Tourism
[edit]Valbonë Valley is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Tropojë region, and ranks among the most popular in the Albanian Alps, second only to Theth Valley. It attracts both domestic and international visitors who are drawn to its dramatic alpine scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities to explore the traditions of the northern Albanian highlands.
The journey from Tirana, the capital city, to Valbonë typically takes around five hours. Many travelers choose to include a scenic ferry ride across Lake Koman, considered one of the most picturesque lake journeys in Europe.
Gallery
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See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Law nr. 115/2014" (PDF) (in Albanian). p. 6373. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ MTKRS (Agjensia Kombëtare e Turizmit). "40 Hanet e Shqipërisë" (in Albanian). slideshare.net. pp. 29–33. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
External links
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Subdivisions of Tropojë municipality | ||
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Municipal seat: Bajram Curri | ||
| Administrative unit of Bajram Curri |  | |
| Administrative unit of Bujan |
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| Administrative unit of Bytyç | ||
| Administrative unit of Fierzë |
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| Administrative unit of Lekbibaj | ||
| Administrative unit of Llugaj |
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| Administrative unit of Margegaj | ||
| Administrative unit of Tropojë |
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