Grunas (Theth) Falls Hiking Trail and Map, Albania
Grunas Falls located in Theth, Albania is a spectacular waterfall nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps, known for its dramatic 30m drop and serene surroundings. Located near the village of Theth, this majestic natural wonder offers a rewarding hike through alpine terrain, allowing visitors to experience the untamed beauty of Albania’s mountain landscapes. It’s an ideal stop on any Albania road trip for those seeking adventure and awe-inspiring scenery Albania Roadtrip.
Viewpoint - End of Hike Next to Schwarzsee
Hike Overview and Map
Short Hike (Vehicle)
Trailhead: From the parking spot walk down the hill and turn right to start the trail | Google Maps
Cost: free
Total Hiking Distance: 1 km
Total Hiking Duration: 1.25 hour hike | round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 550 meters above sea level
Highlights: Views of the Albanian Alps, stream crossings, and lush forests leading to the Grunas Falls.
This hike is ideal if you have a vehicle available and are able to drive to the parking spot or are limited on time on a day trip.
Long Hike from Theth Church (No Vehicle)
Trailhead: Theth Church | Google Maps
Cost: Free
Total Hiking Distance: 2.5 km
Total Hiking Duration: 2 hour hike | return
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 550 meters above sea level
Highlights: Views of Theth Church, the Albanian Alps and Grunas Falls,
This is a great option if you arrived into Theth via bus and therefore do not have a vehicle available.
Getting There
From Shkoder:
Hire Car
The hire car company Green Motion offer rentals from Shkoder
A day hire cost 21,476 LEK I 216,00 €
The company was quite flexible with pickup and drop off times providing ample time if you were to only do a day trip
The road has recently been resurfaced so a 2WD vehicle was fine for the journey
The drive takes around 2.5 hours one-way to the start of the short hike
The total distance is around 100 km from Shkoder to the start of the short hike
Alternatively you could hire a vehicle from central Tirana or Tirana airport as a part of a larger Albanian Road Trip Itinerary
This offers the greatest flexibility and timing options. It can also work out to be cheaper then an organised tour depending on the number of travellers.
Organised Day Tour
On Get Your Guide there are several day trip tours options into Theth from either Shkoder or Tirana
These are typically priced around 12,030 LEK I 121,00 €
The tours go for around 10 hours and include stops at the Church of Theth, Grunas Waterfalls and the Blue Eye
This would be a good option for solo travellers short on time
Public Bus/ Shuttle
Shuttle buses typically depart from Shkoder
Cost is between 1,190 LEK I 12 € one way
These aren’t official public buses and typically involve getting into contact with a driver via Whatsapp
Several numbers are provided on the Thethi-Guide site
The journey takes around 3 hours and the drop off point is in central Theth where you would then need to complete the long hike
This is a good option if you plan to spend multiple days in Theth
Viewpoint - Glacial Lake
General Tips
Start the hike as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to improve the likelihood of favourable weather conditions.
Note that there are limited facilities available or options to fill up water bottles once you have departed from Theth Church, as such it is reccomended that you bring ample snacks and plenty of water for the journey.
From the start of the short hike there is no mobile reception in the majority of this area so it is wise to download an offline map on Google Maps or use Maps.Me however the trail is fairly easy to follow.
Ensure that you wear sturdy well-worn hiking boots as well as packing sunscreen, and a towel.
Viewpoint - Glacial Lake
Viewpoint - Glacier
Viewpoint - Last Descent Into Schwarzsee
Arrival Blue Grunas Falls
Grunas falls stands approximately 30 meters (about 100 feet) tall and is one of the most popular attractions in the region.
There are a number of viewpoints on either side of the falls offering a range of different perspectives and really showing the scale of the place.
You are able to swim in the water beneath the falls, but expect it to be freezing cold at around 6 degrees celcius.
Alternatively people were swimming in the stream section that you pass as you are walking up towards the falls.
Viewpoint - Matterhorn from Schwarzsee
Where to Next
The Blue Eye of Kaprre: there is the option to continue the long hiking trail for another 8 km to reach the famous Blue Eye of Kaprre (Theth). The Blue Eye is a vibrant natural spring in the Albanian Alps, known for its strikingly clear blue waters and surrounded by lush, scenic landscapes.
Theth Church: if you opted to drive into Theth from Shkoder and as such completed the short hike, be sure to stop at the famous Theth Church before leaving the area. The chuch is a historic stone chapel, offering a picturesque setting amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Albanian Alps. The church serves as a symbol of the village's cultural and religious heritage.
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