Qafë Shtamë Nature Park is known mostly for its mineral waters in Albania. Named after the mountain pass that divides the regions of Krujë and Mat, it’s distinguished by a hilly terrain and dense forests.
In almost every Albanian store, you’ll come across the Qafshtama brand, which draws its water from here. The most famous spring is the Queen Mother Spring (Kroi i Nënës Mbretëreshë), which is located by the roadside about two kilometres below the Qafë Shtamë pass. It was named after King Zog I’s wife Geraldine, who took a liking to this place in the 1930s.
The nature park became a popular tourist destination especially after an asphalt road was brought here a few years ago. From Krujë it is about 25 km to the Qafë Shtamë. The asphalt ends in the pass and with an off-road car, you can continue to Burrel and the Mat region (see map). In the Qafë Shtamë Pass, you can stay in a small hiking resort.
At 1,724 metres, the highest peak of the park is Maja e Liqenit, which can be reached by a trail directly from the Queen Mother Spring. First, you will walk through dense forest, then you will find yourself in picturesque mountain meadows where the path will take you to the top. There are spectacular views in all directions (see map). You can also reach the summit by following the ridge directly from the Qafë Shtamë pass.
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