Maja Jezercë – “The Queen of the Accursed Mountains” 2694 m/alt, Albania

Maja Jezercë, the highest peak of Prokletije (the Accursed mountains), also known as the “Queen of the Alps”. With an elevation of 2694 m/alt. Amazing views during all the path! 

There are several ways of climbing this mountain. The most popular one is starting from Fusha e Gjes’ in Valbona Valley to Maja Jezercë.

How to get to Valbona Valley National Park

Valbona Valley is 22 km from the city called Bajram Curri. Reaching Bajram Curri from Tirana takes around four hours. The bus station in Tirana is in front of Asllan Rusi Sports Center. 

Another way to reach Bajram Curri is from Prishtina, Kosovo. First, you go from Prishtina Main Bus Station to Gjakova Bus station and then from Gjakova take the bus to Bajram Curri.

Where to sleep and eat

In Valbona Valley there are a lot of Guesthouses, which are cheap, traditional, cozy and they serve you very delicious food. During the summer, the Guesthouses are usually full of tourists, so make sure to book them early. 

About the Valbona to Maja Jezercë hike

Albania Jezerca

It takes around 10 hours reaching the summit and descending, be sure you start hiking very early in the morning. It would be great if you have your helmet, cause during all the paths you will have rocks. Also, you may need the crampons and ice axe in some places during the year, especially at winter. Usually, you can climb this peak all year, but in some places, it is very dangerous because of the snowfall. 

You start this hike from Fusha e Gjes in Valbona Valley, through Rrogam (a small village) then at some point you will see a bar, called “Te Simoni” and there you have the last water source during the spring.  After you leave the bar called “Te Simoni” you follow the trail until you see a small sign where you choose the left path to go to a village called Theth (Valbone – Theth) or the right to Maja Jezerce.

There is a fixed rope near the summit:

You follow the path but make sure you don’t mix the road to another peak near Jezerca (Popluka Peak). 

Points of interest: 
Starting point: Fusha e Gjes’, Valbona
Starting altitude: 949 m/alt
Highest altitude: 2’694 m/alt
Elevation gain: 1’745 m/alt

You can follow the signs, but it would be better if you follow the trail in Wikiloc.