Komani Lake

Komani Lake is a long, narrow reservoir on the Drin River in northern Albania, winding for some 35 km between the steep, forested walls of the Albanian Alps. The ferry ride across it is often called one of the most beautiful boat trips in Europe, and it is easy to see why: emerald water, sheer limestone cliffs and tiny villages that can only be reached by boat give it the feel of a Norwegian fjord.

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About Komani Lake

The lake was created in the 1980s by the Komani dam, which flooded a deep gorge of the Drin. Today the ferry links the dam at Koman with Fierza, the gateway to the Valbona Valley. Along the way the gorge narrows and widens again, revealing isolated farmhouses, small landing stages and hillsides that drop straight into the water.

Smaller boats stop at the Shala River, one of the most beautiful spots on the lake, where clear turquoise water flows out between pebble beaches and high rock walls. It is a favourite place to swim, relax on the shore and take a short walk upstream before the boat continues.

Komani Lake is one of the highlights of our Full Albanian Experience: A 10 Day Tour, which combines the boat trip with the mountains of the north and the historic towns of the south. Many travellers also use the ferry as part of the classic loop between the Valbona and Theth valleys.

Leave early in the morning from Shkodër to catch the boat at the dam, as the road up to Koman is narrow and winding. Sit on the open deck for the best views and bring a light jacket, since it can be cool and windy on the water. The boats run mainly in the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn.

Gallery photos: Tobias Klenze (CC BY 3.0), Tobias Klenze (CC BY 3.0), Tobias Klenze (CC BY 3.0), Colin Skidmore (CC BY-SA 2.0), Arben Llapashtica (CC BY-SA 4.0), Renis.hyka (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons