Do you need to get away from the bustle of the city for a moment and feel the essence of a unique natural experience? Don’t think twice about exploring Bovilla Reservoir! Just 20km from Tirana, Bovilla Reservoir is a breathtaking lake where you can discover great viewpoints. For adventurers, pleasant hiking, breathtaking photos, and creating travel memories. 

A touch of history 

Bovilla is an artificial lake, constructed in the 1980s to supply drinking water to the capital. By the time it became an immense lake beside Tirana, it made a valuable contribution to its capital infrastructure, but remarkably today it has also become a place of great satisfaction for hiking, walking, or immersing ourselves in the untouched landscape of Albanian nature. 

How to get there? (Step by step) 

  1. Departure from Tirana –Begin your journey from the center of Tirana and set off heading north in the direction of the Casa Italia roundabout (a well-known landmark).
  2. Head toward Kamëz and the Agricultural University of Tirana. – From Casa Italia, follow the main road going straight in the direction of Kamëz. After passing through Kamëz, you will arrive at the Agricultural University of Tirana (Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës) located on the right-hand side on the road. This is a significant point to note on your trip.
  3. Drive toward Zall Herr – After the Agricultural University, continue straight on the main
    road until reaching the village of Zall Herr. This is a small village with a few local shops along the way.
  4. Turn onto Hida Rd (in Zall Herr)
    Once you have passed through the center of Zall Herr, you will see a small intersection (with signage of “Hida Rd”). Follow the road, which starts out paved, but soon stops and becomes a dirt road.
  1. Dirt Section (about 5-6 km)– After the paved roadway ends, you will be driving on a 5-6 km long dirt road that is very rough with potholes, rocks, and tight curves. This section of the drive will require slow moving, patience, and is best done in a 4×4 vehicle or SUV.
  2. Arrival at the Bovilla Dam – At the end of the dirt road, you will encounter a small bridge crossing part of the lake that will provide a scenic view of the turquoise waters. Just past the bridge, you will arrive at the dam. There will be a small parking area at this point.
  3. Continuing Uphill (about 1 km) -You can continue up from the dam on a more rough and steep dirt road for about 1 km. This section is off-road and will need much care to drive. It is steep, on loose rocks, has some sharp bends, and you will have to be qualified in this type of driving. Otherwise it may be easier to walk or take a group tour.
  1. Arrive at Bar-Restaurant Bovilla – At the top of Mount Gamti, you’ll find the Bar-Restaurant Bovilla, which offers food, drinks, and a place to relax. From here, you’ll enjoy an amazing view of the turquoise Bovilla Lake and the bright green hills that drop steeply into the water.
  2. Short hike to the panoramic viewpoint – From the restaurant, you can take a 10-minute walk (some stairs included) that leads to a viewpoint at the very top of Mount Gamti. From there, you’ll have a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire lake and the surrounding mountains. You got it!

Practical Tips

  • Check your vehicle before you leave, especially your spare tire.
  • Always take water and some snacks.
  • Wear appropriate shoes for hiking and consider wearing a hat for sun protection.
  • Although you may not feel comfortable driving to the location on your own, Albania Inbound provides safe, organized transport with explanations from an expert guide that is knowledgeable about the area.

What to expect?

 On arrival, you will be welcomed with peaceful, clear waters surrounded by rolling, green mountains. Whether you are wandering the dam or climbing the hills, there will be an incredible place to take in the views and take photos to impress your friends.

Turn it into an adventure with Albania Inbound 

Bovilla Reservoir is included in our sequence of tour itineraries: 

  • Hiking & Trekking for all levels – we can get you in those epic views!
  • Day Tours with lakeside relaxation.
  • Photo Tours to capture magical moments.
  • Combo Tours with Bovilla Reservoir and exceptional stop at Kruja city, all on the same amazing day! 

Bovilla is much more than a lake, it is your likely-to-be-favourite nature getaway, hidden gem just waiting for you. Come to see it with Albania Inbound and make memories that will last a lifetime.