Discover Shalë: Nature Park, Shala River and Holiday Apartment

Nicaj-Shalë is located near the Shala River and the Albanian Alps. The landscape around Nicaj-Shalë is characterised by a mountain backdrop and lush vegetation; it includes the turquoise waters of the Shala River.

Nature and Water

The “Lugina e Shalës” Nature Park was designated a Category IV nature park by Council of Ministers Decision No. 60 of 26 January 2022 and covers 10,619.35 hectares. In the wider regional area around Nicaj-Shalë, it offers opportunities for boat excursions, ascents to surrounding peaks, swimming in the Shala River and camping.

The Shala River is one of two main access routes in the area between Shkodra and Theth. One of the main ways to reach the landscape around Nicaj-Shalë is by boat across Lake Koman. The upper section of a paddling trip on the Shala ended at Nicaj-Shalë, while a section of the river below the village was 8 kilometres long.

Hikes to viewpoints are among the possible activities in Nicaj-Shalë. You can consider water, peaks and viewpoints as different focal points when planning your trip.

Routes and Connections

An east-west connection begins in the village of Kir, crosses the Kir Pass and continues towards the Shala Valley. A connection runs along the Shala Valley from Breglumi (Nicaj Shala) to the Kir Pass.

A route through the Albanian Alps leads from Theth via Nicaj-Shalë to Lotaj. A connection from Vuksanaj to Nderlysaj passes through the villages of Pjolla, Nicaj-Shales, Dednikaj, Rrethi and Palna e Trasit. Continuing via Nicaj, Lotaj and Kir is considered challenging even for an off-road vehicle.

Different starting points and modes of transport can be compared for your own planning. The routes include the river, pass, valley connection and off-road continuation as different forms of travel. The boat trip across Lake Koman, the water and paddling sections of the Shala, as well as the peaks and viewpoints therefore represent clearly different focal points. This makes it possible to distinguish mentally between days spent on the water, on land and in the village without mixing the themes.

Culture and History

Only a few remnants of the Shën Premte Church remain today, including dry-stone masonry foundations. The path to the ruins is still marked by wooden crosses.

Padre Gaspari’s 1671 map places the ruins of a church called San Prende by the locals between Nicaj and Pecaj. The feast day of Shën Premte is celebrated on 25 July.

In the wider regional area around Nicaj-Shalë, the Kisha “Sh. Shtjefni” church in Breg Lumi is assigned to the Shalë-Dukagjin parish.

Other Places

Other places: Çukë, Lepushë, Vermosh, Bahçallëk, Grilë, Razëm, Bogë, Velipojë

Local Character

In the valley, Nicaj-Shalë is considered the only “village”. Local cuisine can be sampled in the guesthouses of Nicaj-Shalë.

To the main travel overview: Shkodra County.