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For the trail · alpventurer.com/gjallica-mountain

Gjallica mountain, the balcony of Northern Albania

Gjallica mountain · Albania

Difficulty
Challenging
Season
Late spring to autumn
Parking
Free

In short

Gjallica is a challenging hike from Brekije in the Kukës region of Albania. The route is 13 km, gains 1,300 m and reaches the 2,489 m summit. The guide describes the trail through fields and forest to the ridge. The recommended hiking season is late spring to autumn.

The route: Wikiloc - Topojan - Gjallica (Winter)

Distance
13.0 km
Ascent
+1,300 m
Descent
−23 m
High point
2,489 m
Lowest point
996 m

A Brekije: 41.98459, 20.52330B Finish: 42.01606, 20.47245▲ Gjallica peak: 42.01606, 20.47245

Elevation profile of Gjallica mountain, the balcony of Northern AlbaniaStarts at 996 m, climbs 1,300 m in total to a high point of 2,468 m after 9.2 km, and finishes at 2,468 m; 9.2 km in all.1,000 m1,500 m2,000 m2,500 m0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km7 km8 km9 kmBrekijeFinish

Walking time, without breaks

  • Relaxed7 h 30 min
  • Average6 h
  • Fast4 h 50 min

How steep

  • Under 8% 2.6 km
  • 8 to 15% 2.4 km
  • 15 to 25% 2.1 km
  • Over 25% 2.1 km

The route: Wikiloc - Topojan - Gjallica (Winter)

Distance
9.2 km
Ascent
+1,495 m
Descent
−23 m
High point
2,468 m
Lowest point
996 m

A Brekije: 41.98459, 20.52330B Finish: 42.01606, 20.47245▲ High point: 42.01606, 20.47245

Elevation profile of Gjallica mountain, the balcony of Northern AlbaniaStarts at 996 m, climbs 1,495 m in total to a high point of 2,468 m after 9.2 km, and finishes at 2,468 m; 9.2 km in all.1,000 m1,500 m2,000 m2,500 m0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km7 km8 km9 kmBrekijeFinish

Walking time, without breaks

  • Relaxed7 h 45 min
  • Average6 h 10 min
  • Fast4 h 55 min

How steep

  • Under 8% 2.6 km
  • 8 to 15% 2.4 km
  • 15 to 25% 2.1 km
  • Over 25% 2.1 km

What to pack

Every hike

  • Water: about 3 litres (half a litre an hour)
  • Rain jacket
  • A warm layer (fleece or light down)
  • Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
  • Boots or trail shoes with good grip
  • Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
  • Small first aid kit
  • Headlamp, in case it gets late
  • Some cash and your ID

For the summit

  • Hat and gloves: it is colder and windier at the top
  • Walking poles, for the way down

For a long day

  • Lunch, and a snack for every two hours
  • Salty snacks or electrolytes
  • Blister plasters

Snow and ice

  • Microspikes or crampons, as the snow needs
  • Gaiters
  • Insulated jacket and spare gloves
  • A hot drink in a flask
  • Check the avalanche bulletin before you go

The guide

Gjallica mountain (Gjallica e Lumës) is an outstanding mountain located in the North-east of Albania, in the region of Kukës, and it is the highest mountain there. The highest peak of this mountain is called the Gjallica peak, and its elevation is 2’489 m/alt, and from the top, you have a stunning view of the city of Kukës, Albanian Alps, Koritnik mountain, Pashtrik mountain and many more. 

Because it is the highest in that region, and its shape, it is called as the Balcony of the Nothern Albania.

There are many routes on how to climb it, but I will explain the trail from the small village of Brekije to the Gjallica summit.

How to get to Brekije

The village of Brekije, located around 25 km from the city of Kukës, and around 60 km from the city of Prizren, Kosovo. Getting there is easy if you have a car, but, by public transport, I am not sure if there is any possibility.

Follow the road from Kukës to Shishtavec, and then turn right to the village of Topojan. From there, you will face an unpaved road, and with small cars, I wouldn’t prefer going further than Topojan.

The distance of the unpaved road is around 3.5 km, so I would suggest walking it. Brekije is the starting point for this hike.

About the Brekije to Gjallica mountain peak hike

A hiker crosses the snowy ridge of Gjallica mountain above the surrounding Northern Albanian ranges
In the village of Brekije, you start ascending and passing the village through some beautiful fields. After the fields, you will go into a forest, where the trail is quite visible. When passing the trail, some mountain huts will be there, which are used by local shepherds during the summertime. From there, you can see the beautiful ridge of the Gjallica mountain standing in front of you. Start ascending to the ridge, and then just follow the ridge to arrive at the top of Gjallica. The time when you can hike this mountain is late Spring until Autumn, but for the bravest, you can go during wintertime as well, just make sure you have some extra layers and proper winter types of equipment.

The view from the top is breathtaking. Check it out:

Hikers cross a snowy ridge on Gjallica mountain in Albania beneath a pale blue winter sky

Points of interest: 

Starting point: Brekije, Kukës

Starting altitude: 1’200 m/alt

Highest altitude: 2’489 m/alt

Elevation gain: 1’300 m/alt

Total distance: 13 km (from Topojan 20 km)