Vermosh Albania: Two Day Hiking Itinerary

Vermosh is the most northern village in Albania and is set to a backdrop of the beautiful and isolated Albanian Alps. Located in the Kelmend region, this itinerary is perfect for those who want to shut off for a few days, relax amongst the breathtaking landscape and explore the surrounding mountains and forests. This short, two-day walking itinerary will provide you with all the details to make your visit unforgettable.

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Overview of Vermosh

Vermosh is a tiny village located 200km away from the capital city of Tirana and 97km from the closest major city of Shkodër. While it may seem isolated, it’s closer to Montenegro and its capital city, as it’s only 7.4km from the border crossing.

Once a booming mountain village, Vermosh now boasts a permanent population of only 200 according to the locals. Many residents fled after the communist rule ended and have since emigrated elsewhere to countries including the USA.

Despite its size, Vermosh offers beautiful hiking and biking opportunities around the valley and nearby villages.

Best Time of Year to Visit Vermosh

Vermosh is located deep within the alps and perched at 1100m above sea level. Winter can be very harsh with frigid temperatures and can bring snow levels up to three feet deep. For this reason, I would not recommend visiting Vermosh during the winter. Most hotels and facilities shut down during the winter and spring months, only reopening during the summer and fall for tourists.

For snow-free ascents and great weather, I would recommend visiting Vermosh during late May to October. Summers in the Albania Alps, while short, are beautiful, lush, green, and filled with blooming wildflowers.

Facilities and hotels open for the season and the hiking trails and peaks once again become accessible. Situated in the deep valley, the nights in Vermosh can still be quite chilly, so make sure to pack some extra layers.

I visited Vermosh in early April. While the roads were open and free of snow, the mountains peaks were not. I unfortunately had to change my plans and hike some of the smaller routes around the foothills, as the snow was too deep to safely ascend the mountains. The evenings were very chilly but daytime temperatures hovered around 5-10 degrees, making for a pleasant hiking experience.

How To Reach Vermosh

Vermosh is very remote and as a result, public transit doesn’t frequent the area often, especially during the off season. Finding public transit information about journeys in Albania is a not an easy task.

Timetables, tickets, and bus stops are virtually impossible to find online, unless it’s a very popular route. This is incredibly difficult if you only have a week to explore this beautiful country and do not have time to fumble your way through the transport system.

Due to the unreliability of the information, I would recommend getting to Vermosh by your own means, by using your own vehicle or renting one. Road conditions in Albania and the Alps are excellent and navigation is super easy.

Driving route from Shkodër can be found here.

Driving route from Tirana can be found here.

Book your Albania Vehicle Rental

Another easy and stress-free way of reaching Vermosh and surrounding areas is by joining a private or organized group tour. This is particularly a great option for those short on time, travelling solo or those who are frustrated with the public transport system (like me!).

I used Go as Local to tour and hike round the northern and southern regions of Albania. This local company specializes in hiking and cultural tours to unique and uncharted regions in Albania. I would highly recommended using their services for both day and multiday trips throughout Albania.

Book your Vermosh Hiking Tour

Where to Stay in Vermosh

Currently, there is not a huge selection of accommodations available in Vermosh. Don’t expect large hotel chains or supermarkets. Instead, Vermosh offers small homestays and guest houses, with local cuisine. The village has a single bar, which also acts as a convenience market to gather small supplies like toiletries, snacks, and drinks.

Peraj Guesthouse : Check Prices and Availability

Columbus Villas: Check Prices and Availability

During my visit to Vermosh, I stayed at Hotel Vermoshi.

This guesthouse was run by a local schoolteacher in the area. The rooms were spacious, the location was great and delicious food was prepared at every meal.

In the summer months, this small hotel (as well as others in the area) sell out quickly. So, it is best to book your accommodation well in advance if you intend on visiting during peak season. Being April when I visited, I was the only guest in the hotel.

Hiking In Vermosh

Vermosh has plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, even if you happen to visit during the off season. Below are two great hiking adventures to pass the time during your stay in Vermosh.

Gjanve Waterfall/Bashkimi Canyon

• Distance:10.4km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Check out the walking route here
• Route: Out & Back

The first two spots of interest on your visit to Vermosh is the Gjanve Waterfall and Bashkimi Canyon. This walk is a great introduction of Vermosh, as it passes through the length of the town, showcasing the natural beauty and remoteness of the Albania Alps.

The walk begins in the village centre of Vermosh and primarily travels along the main asphalt road that services Vermosh. Approximately 1.3km from the main village, on the right-hand side will be a small gravel road that veers off into the woods. Follow this trail until you reach the small, yet wonderful Gjanve Waterfall.

Head back the way you came and continue along the main road, as you will follow the Vermosh River. Depending on what time of year you visit, the water could be a small trickle or a raging river. Around 4.5km, the road will split. Continue along the road towards Bashkimi.

Pass the abandoned hotel and follow the signs to the canyon.

The turquoise waters of this canyon are stunning and provide a unique contrast to the moody April weather in Vermosh.

Maja e Grebenit (Grebenit Peak)

• Distance:13km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 836m
• Route: Out & Back

This beautiful hike ventures into the hillside of Vermosh, deep within the woods and ends at Grebenit Peak. I only recommend trying this hike if there is no snow. Unfortunately, I was unable to reach the peak, as the snow was too deep. Instead, my guide and I walked along the meadow and continued our journey through the forest, before proceeding back to the main route. We encountered alot of wolf tracks along this route, so be cautious in this area.

From the village centre, follow the same road towards Gjanve Waterfall. There will be a small path and trail sign indicating the route.

This trail is very rocky and gains a fair bit of elevation within the first few kilometres. Leaving the village behind, the trail will climb into the highlands. This trail is marked with red/white markers but tends to be sparser closer to the peak.

Once through the rocky forest, the trail will lead to the open plateau. During the summer months, this area is used for shepherds and their livestock. The final 1km ascends 100ms over the plateau and up to the beautiful yet small mountain peak.

Further Exploring

Vajusha Peak

If you have extra time in Vermosh and surrounding areas, head to the neighboring village of Lepushe. Here you may find one of the most scenic hikes to Vajusha Peak. This hike is around 10km (from town) and gains around 700m in elevation.

Once again, the snow stopped me from being able to access this trail, but I would recommend it, as the pictures look stunning.

Selca Waterfall

Located a short 30-minute drive from Vermosh, is a beautiful hike to a 30m waterfall. This easy to moderate hike provides stellar views of the valley and has an amazing lookout point.

For all the details on hiking to this magnificent water, check out my hiking guide here.