This morning found us on a lovely spot on the shore of Komani Lake, a few kilometers from the city of Shkoder. On the previous day, we had failed to catch a ferry across the lake, so today we had to make it to Bajram Curri overland.
We got on the road SH5 and began on our long way eastwards. We were gaining altitude steadily. The rain soon stopped for snowfall to take its place. Everything around us was a vast, frozen, mountainous wilderness. We hardly encountered any other vehicles along the road and civilization was extremely sparse.
Some 70 kms later, we drove past Puke: one of the two towns to be found along this road. And shortly thereafter, we arrived in the second one, where we intended to stop for lunch.
In Fushe Arrez
Fushe Arrez was a very cute and picturesque little town. Despite everything being frozen, it was rather lively, too. We had a nice brief stroll around the town and ended up in one of its cafes. The owner was perched alone beside the blazing wood stove and seemed happier about the company than about receiving customers. After coffee, he gave us a tour of his music-instruments and other wooden artifacts workshop next door.
For lunch, we found a small hidden place in a bystreet. The old lady who owned it eagerly tried to sell us everything she’d cooked for the day. She was lucky I have a huge stomach and gladly ordered and ate about half of it all.
From Fushe Arrez to Bajram Curri
The GPS recommended from there on we drive all the way to Kukes and get to Bajram Curri. But there was another small road leading there via the village of Fierze. That forked off to the left from a point about 10 km after Fushe Arrez (junction coordinates: 42.0999, 20.1134).
The route was outright stunning, offering views of some incredible winter sceneries and going past scattered, rudimentary-sized villages.
Right before dusk, we made it to Fierze. We crossed the river twice and got on the road Bajram Curri. Shortly before the city, and having tried quite a few places already, we at last located a nice camping spot inside a gorge. We needed a good rest before venturing into the valley of Valbona the next day.
Rent a car in Albania
If you are intending to go on a similar road trip in Albania, definitely check out the Lada Guys. These Russian machines will get you everywhere. But if you’re looking for a casual, cheaper car to drive on asphalt, you’ll find some good deals on autoeurope.com
Accommodation and Activities in Albania
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