Weekend Guide · Albania
Weekend in Shkoder
Shkodër, one of Albania's oldest and most historically rich cities, sits at the crossroads of the Albanian Alps, the Buna River, and the great Lake Shkodër. Known as the cultural capital of northern Albania, Shkodër has been inhabited since at least 500 BC and was for centuries the seat of the Illyrian Labeates tribe.
Arrive & Explore Shkoder
Rozafa Castle
Perched dramatically on a rocky hill above the confluence of the Buna, Drin, and Kiri rivers, Rozafa Castle is one of Albania's most impressive fortresses
Marubi National Museum of Photography
One of Europe's most remarkable photography museums, the Marubi collection documents Albania from 1858 to the present through over 500,000 glass plate negatives and prints
Lake Shkodër
Straddling the Albanian-Montenegrin border, Lake Shkodër is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most important wetlands in Europe
Hidden Gems & Local Flavours
Historical Museum of Shkodër
Located in a restored Ottoman-era building in the city centre, this museum covers Shkodër's long and complex history from prehistoric times through the Illyrian period, Venetian rule, Ottoman conquest, and the communist era
Pedestrian Street Kol Idromeno
Shkodër's lively pedestrian main street, named after the celebrated Albanian Renaissance painter Kolë Idromeno, is the social heart of the city
Shiroka & Zogaj Lakeside Villages
Two charming villages on the shores of Lake Shkodër, easily reached by bike or taxi from the city
Local Tips
- 1Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe.
- 2Albania is generally very safe for tourists.