Tourist Valbona road under reconstruction

TIRANA, August 2 – The first five kilometers of the tourist Bajram Curri- Valbona road in northeastern Albania have already been reconstructed, the Transport Ministry said in a statement.
The government funded project, worth 1 billion lek, 10 million dollars, is considered vital for the development of the mountain tourism in northeastern Albania and especially Valbona area named after the river that passes there.
“The Valbona road mainly has a tourist destination and is part of the government programme to establish infrastructure in all tourist attractions, not only in coastal areas, but also in mountain ones,” said Public Works and Transport Minister Sokol Olldashi during an inspection at the construction site.
Meanwhile, the reconstruction of the first kilometers of the Kukes-Krume road, part of the country’s north-eastern ring road, has also finished. The ministry says the reconstruction of this axis will serve as an alternative road to the Qafe Mali-Fierze route, which is often snow-blocked in wintertime.
Located 25 km away from the town of Bajram Curri, Valbona is the most important inhabited center of the valley. It is full of traditional houses that create a picturesque view in symmetry with the natural wonders of the valley, which widens again at this point.
The Valbona River Valley lies in the eastern part of the Albanian Alps. A national park of 8,000 hectares, it is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Albania. The park lies at 20-30 km from the alpine city of Bajram Curri. Before entering the valley you will find the water source (vrellen) of Shoshan located only 3 km away from Bajram Curri. This karstic source heads to the Valbona River creating an attractive canyon 2-3 m wide and 50 m deep.