Koman Lake

Koman Lake (Liqeni i Komanit) is a hidden gem of Northern Albania, known for its stunning beauty and unique landscape. Formed by the damming of the Drin River, the lake is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dense forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop. What makes Koman Lake particularly enchanting is the ferry ride that traverses its crystal-clear waters, meandering through narrow passages and revealing hidden coves. Try boat excursions which take you into the heart of the untouched natural beauty of The Shala River.  

The lake was created in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the construction of a dam cascade on Albania’s longest river, the Drin. It was named after the village of Koman, which is located near a 115-metre-high dam with a hydroelectric power plant. It is 34 kilometres long and at one point no more than 50 metres wide. China, an ally of the communist regime in Albania at the time, contributed to its construction.

The lake’s charm is enhanced by the nearly deserted surroundings. You will only sometimes spot a house perched high on the hillsides while on the cruise. The hills surrounding the reservoir are covered in dense vegetation, and at some points, the vegetation transitions into perpendicular rocks along the coast. The surrounding mountains and rocks rise in altitude as you move further north.

 

Most of the tourists only use the lake to travel between Shkodër and the Albanian Alps. But the lake offers far more than just a breathtaking ferry ride and is well worth a one- or two-days trip.

The mouth of the Shala River (Lumi i Shalës) into the reservoir is the biggest draw here. Here, the river emerges from a little canyon and makes its way past gorgeous swimming-friendly pebble beaches before entering the lake. The emerald waters, pristine beaches, and untamed scenery of this enchanted location have earned it the moniker “Albanian Thailand.”

This place is considered as one of the most beautiful in Albania. There are several guesthouses and restaurants where you can enjoy fish or other traditional Albanian dishes. In recent years, it’s been busy in high season, with many dozens of visitors a day. There is also a new ZIP line.

TIP: The Blini Park guesthouse staff can pick you up at the dam in Koman and take you there by speedboat. The cost is 10 euros for a round trip. You can stay overnight (with lunch, dinner and breakfast for 40 euros) or return to the dam by boat the same afternoon. The car can be left in their secure car park. Everything can be arranged via facebook or by calling +355697254660.

Boat trips are also organised by the owners of the Berisha ferry, who run a small travel agency. The starting point is the settlement of Berisha (Svina also appears on maps), which is opposite the so-called Peace Island (Ishulli i Paqes). There are several accommodation options there (the 5 Stinet overlooking the lake is fantastic), you can rent a kayak or take a motorboat (10 euros per person) to the Shala River (10 km, 10 euros per person).

Berisha is very easy to get to: Get on the Dragobi ferry (it’s the small one that doesn’t carry cars – it leaves Koman at 9:00 and Fierzë at 6:00) and get off about halfway.

TIP: Those who want a bird’s eye view of the lake should climb the Mount Murga (Maja e Murgës) right above the dam. The ascent takes at least two hours, the descent another hour. On the way there is a spring and a nice meadow for a picnic. A map with the GPS route can be found here.

How to get to Koman Lake?

The owner of the ferry operates a minibus service. From Tirana to Koman it departs at 5:00 am from Gazheli Petrol station, from Shkodër at 6:30 am from the intersection of Skënderbeu and Arra e Madhe streets, and from Valbona at 10:30 am. In Shkodër and Valbona Valley a minibus will pick you up at your accommodation by arrangement, in Tirana you have to get to the petrol station.

At the ferry’s terminals (Fierzë in the north and Koman in the south), there are usually follow-up minibuses waiting to take you on to Valbona Valley, Shkodër or Tirana. For more information on transport here.

There are also a number of agencies offering day trips to Koman Lake directly from Shkodër or Tirana.

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