This ancient Albanian city sits where the Drin River meets the Adriatic. Its iconic Rozafa Castle, perched on a rocky hill, overlooks centuries of history and culture.
Shkoder, Albania's fifth-largest city, sits at the foot of the Albanian Alps near Lake Shkoder. This ancient settlement dates back over 2,000 years. In Shkoder, you can explore the hilltop Rozafa Castle, walk the pedestrian streets filled with cafes and shops, visit museums like the Marubi National Museum of Photography, and take a boat trip on Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in Southern Europe.
Exploring Rozafa Castle
Rozafa Castle stands on a rocky hill overlooking Shkoder, with views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains. As you walk through the ruins, you'll see remnants of walls, towers, and cisterns from different eras, including Illyrian, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. The on-site museum provides context about the castle's long history.
Wandering the Old Town
Shkoder's old town centers around the pedestrian Kole Idromeno Street. This area is filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops housed in colorful buildings. You can spend hours exploring the narrow side streets, where you'll find a mix of architectural styles reflecting Shkoder's past. Stop for a coffee or raki (local brandy) at one of the many outdoor cafes to watch local life unfold.
Visiting Museums
The Marubi National Museum of Photography houses Albania's first photographic collection, started by Pietro Marubi in 1856. The museum displays over 500,000 photographs documenting Albanian life and culture from the 19th century onward. For an informative look at Albania's communist period, visit the Site of Witness and Memory museum located in a former prison. It contains exhibits about political prisoners and persecution under the regime.
Enjoying Lake Shkoder
Lake Shkoder forms part of the border between Albania and Montenegro. You can take a boat trip on the lake from the village of Shiroka, located a short drive from Shkoder. The lake and surrounding wetlands are home to numerous bird species, making it a good spot for birdwatching. Several lakeside restaurants in Shiroka serve fresh fish caught from the lake.
Getting There and Around
Buses run regularly between Tirana and Shkoder, with the journey taking about 2 hours. Within Shkoder, you can walk to most sights or rent a bicycle. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bike rentals. Taxis are also available for longer trips within the city or to nearby attractions.
Day Trips from Shkoder
Shkoder serves as a gateway to northern Albania's mountains. Common day trips include visiting the village of Theth in the Albanian Alps or taking a ferry ride through the steep-sided gorges of Lake Koman. You can also cross the nearby border into Montenegro to visit coastal towns like Ulcinj or the capital Podgorica.
