Krujë



Kruje, also Kruja in English, is a city in Albania just north of Tirana that is rich in history. Kruja has a long list of attractions to offer tourists from the ancient castle nestled in the craggy rocks, two museums, stunning views, a nearby national park, sacred temples, natural springs, the ancient city ruins of Albanopolis, and the old bazaar.

Understand
Kruje was the de facto capital of Skanderbeg. Due to its high position it was possible to communicate from there to other castles of the country by using light/fire signs.

Krujë is a small city approximately 31 km (20 miles) north of the capital city of Tirana. While the region has been populated since the 3rd century BC, it was also home to the eponymous Alban tribe as well as Gjergj Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania.

By bus
Hourly buses or furgons connect Krujë with Tirana between 07:00–18:00. From Tirana's Northern Bus Terminal they take casually 45 min and cost about 200 lek. Bus times are available under Tirana.

Alternatively, you can also connect via Fushë Krujë, from where you have regular furgons to and from Krujë (06:00–18:00, 100 lek).

From Shkodër and Durrës take a bus or van to Fushë Krujë first—it runs directly from the motorway to Tirana.

Get around
Kruje is small enough to get around on foot very easily. It is built on a mountainside, with the one-street bazaar the central attraction, and the renovated castle just above and to the south. You can start your journey by walking on the pedestrian street. From there you have the option to the Old Baazar and buy a souvenir or something traditional or you can go to the Ethnographic Museum. When you are there you can decide if you also want to see the remainings of the old castle. There are some cafes and small restaurants near the castle, which makes it really easy for anyone to take a break from walking for some time.

However, if you are more of a nature person you can go hiking in the mountains. At the top of the mountain you can find a holy place where many locals go called Sarisalltik.

Do

 * Enjoy the panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from the castle.
 * Leave your impressions at the Skanderbeg Museum Guestbook
 * Go for a walk along the pedestrian street and take a peak at the many restaurants and souvenir shops alongside
 * Visit the Sarisalltik Bektashi Temple at the top of Skanderbeg Mountain
 * Take a deep breath of fresh air in the Shtam Pass (Qafe Shtame) National Park, where Queen Geraldine is said to have taken water from the source with the same name


 * Shop for souvenires, handicrafts and carpets in the historic 17th-century Old Bazaar.
 * Hike in the National Park of Krujë with its waterfalls and springs.
 * Shop for souvenires, handicrafts and carpets in the historic 17th-century Old Bazaar.
 * Hike in the National Park of Krujë with its waterfalls and springs.

Nature

 * Krujë E1.jpgQafë-Shtamë National Park – This national park, established in 1996, is 25 km (15.5 miles) northeast of Kruja. The bottled drinking water of the same name is found here and is famous because it used to be delivered daily to the royal family in Tirana due to its curative properties. Its location is 1,100 m above sea level nestled in the mountains. The park is comprised largely of black pine forest and is famous for its curative water, special atmosphere, fresh air, natural beauty and the unique landscape that it offers. Here at the park you will be able to enjoy popular outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, picnics, yoga, etc. Accessing the park is easiest by car.
 * Hurdha e Kecit (The pond of the nanny-goat) –Hurdha e Kecit is a mountain pass located near the village of Kec in the Kruja region of Albania This pass has historical significance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. This toponym is present in the territory of Kruja where there are springs and waterfalls. The Pond of Nanny-goat is located in the village of Noje, 6 km in the east of Kruja, in one of the ramification of the Dro River. It is a waterfall with a length of 15-20 m and with a scenic view. The legend of this waterfall states that: Here has lived the beauty of the water (an Albanian myth) which went out every morning in the coast by drying and combing her hair under the sun and would dive again in the afternoon. The residents of this region have used this waterfall as a pilgrimage place because they believed in the curative powers of the waterfall.
 * Lake Bovilla – Lake Bovilla is a reservoir located in the central part of Albania, near the capital city of Tirana. The Lake Bovilla is situated about 15 km northeast of Tirana, in the Bovilla area of the Tirana County. The lake serves as a reservoir for drniking water suppy to Tirana and the surrounding areas. It is important source of freshwater for the region. Lake Bovilla is easily accessible from Tirana by car, with a drive of about 30 minutes.
 * It lies in between two mountain ranges with opportunities for walking, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing on the rocks. From any view of the lakeside mountains you can enjoy the beautiful view of the landscape.
 * Cave of Bovilla – In the southern part of the Gami Mountain, in the gorge of Bovilla, which divides Kruja from the Tirana district. This cave is not exposed for visitors. Based on researchers this cave is the continuation of the Cave of Pellumbasit of the Dajti Mountain. It is thought to have been inhabited around the 12th and 11th century BCE. A distinction of this settlement is the presence of prehistorical pictures which show scenes from that time.
 * Abdyl Agës Bridge – This bridge is between Mount Krujë and Mount Kurçajt in the southernmost part of Krujë and spans the Black River. It is believed to have been built in the early 1800s and is constructed entirely of limestone. The bridge is part of a medieval road that once led through this region and provided a safe crossing for the caravans that passed through.
 * Kurçajt Bridge – To the south of the Krujë region in the village of Kurçaj. It stretches over the Black River and served as an integral part of an old caravan trail connecting Krujë with Tirana. It was constructed in the late 1700s and is made from staggered stones raised gradually by concrete portions. The bridge was made with a unique asymmetric shape that reaches up to the opposite side like a staircase.
 * Weeping Gorge – 2 km (1.2 miles) from the north of Krujë, along the road that leads to Qafë-Shtama national park is a memorial for martyrs of the Ottoman invasion. The memorial hangs at the edge of a massive gorge overlooking an expansive valley. Historical evidence shows that below these stones are the remains of 90 girls that chose to be thrown into the abyss rather than succumb to the Ottomans on June 16th, 1478.
 * Black River Canyon – Between Kruja Mountain and Gamnit Mountain, this canyon offers a walking and hiking trail with views of waterfalls, rivers, and old ottoman bridges. Within the canyon are the Abdyl Agës Bridge, Black Gorge, Bridge of Kurcajt, and Medieval Steps. This area is thought to have been an important passageway around the 15th century and traces are readily seen in the area today.
 * Old City of Zgerdhesh - Archaeologists have said that they might have discovered traces of the Ilyrian city of Albanopolis. Several brick tombs have been discovered.

Hike

 * Path of Skanderbeg – The hike, which can be done by any age, goes 1265 m to the highest peak (the Lake Peak is 1725 m. Along the trail, there are numerous streams flowing from the highest peak of this mountain with icy and crystalline water. The hike takes about 2½ hours and has a 3.71-km climbing distance. At Skenderbeg Mountain, there are views of the long coastline of the Adriatic, and the visibility goes to Burrel in Mali i Dejës.
 * Hiking to Shrine of Sari-Saltik – It is accessible by road, but also by a wonderful hiking trail.Hiking the entire path from the city center to the temple will take approximately an hour or an hour and a half depending on speed. Once at the top you can enjoy the historical temple as well as a few cafes and restaurants within walking distance, some of which offer breathtaking views.
 * Droja River Canyon Hike – This trail is approximately 1.5 km long and takes around 25 minutes to reach the end. At the end of the primary and secondary trails are beautiful water features including some waterfalls. The beginning of the trail can be accessed by car.

Buy
Some beautiful carpets, hand-made felt items such as slippers, antiques including traditional costumes of all sorts, and lots of more or less kitsch "Albania" red paraphernalia with the eagle on it.

Eat
Some tradional dishes in Kruja:
 * Tavë me fasule – A traditional food with the main ingredient "legume"
 * Fërgesë me qumësht – Traditional food with curd and milk.
 * Kabuni - A traditional dish, made with rise, cinnamon and ram's neck meat.
 * Sultjash - A dessert (rice pudding) not to be missed, cooked with love by the grandmothers of Kruja.



Nearby

 * Fushë-Kruja
 * Laç is a town in central Albania, situated near the Shkumbin River and surrounded by picturesque hills. It's known for its agricultural activities, particularly in wheat and corn cultivation. The town has a relatively small population and a laid-back atmosphere. Lac is also home to historical sites such as the ruins of the ancient city of Byllis, which dates back to the 4th century BC and offers insights into Albania's rich history. Additionally, Lac serves as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding region, including nearby lakes and mountains, making it a pleasant stop for travelers interested in both history and nature.
 * Thumanë is a small town located near Fushë-Kruja in Albania. This area is known for its natural beauty and rich history. The Balshaj Tower is one of the main historical attractions of the town. Thumanë offers a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful blend of nature and local culture.
 * Qafshtamë is a mountainous area located near the city of Kruja in Albania. This area offers magnificent natural views, with high hills and dense forests. In this area, you can also find some important historical sites, such as the Balshaj Tower, an ancient tower that was part of the defense of Kruja during the medieval period. Qafshtama is also a popular destination for travelers and hikers seeking adventure in nature and wishing to explore the beauty of the area.

Further away

 * Tirana
 * Shëngjin
 * Shkodra
 * Lezhë