Nemërçka Mountains

Nemërçka features Albania’s most dramatic mountain landscape outside the Albanian Alps. When viewed from the Vjosa Valley, it forms a stunning wall that culminates at the highest peak, Maja e Papingut (2482 m). Its vertical eastern face creates an amphitheatre up to one kilometre high.

The Nemërçka mountain range stretches from the Greek border to the Dhëmbel Pass, separating the Vjosa valley from the southern Zagoria and Pogon regions, which tend towards Gjirokastër.

The most attractive hike in the mountains leads to the Sopot Waterfall. Start in the village of Strëmbec, an end of a 2 km gravel road good for all type of cars. From the waterfall, climb a few hundred metres and you will find yourself in the amphitheatre. It is about 4 km from the village (see map).

Climbing Maja e Papingut itself (from Vjosa Valley) is a real challenge due to the elevation gain of over two kilometres and it is difficult to do in one day (see map). Ascending from the west is easier as the slopes are less steep and an off-road car may take you about a thousand meters higher compared to the eastern side (route here).

You can also take a great hike in the very south of the mountains, near the Greek border. It starts at the village of Biovizhdë and goes around the Gryka e Kazanit gorge. There are great views of the Nemërçka ridge and the Tymfi Mountains in Greece (see map).

An iconic view of Nemërçka may be seen from the main road from Përmet to Greece, stopping at a viewpoint above Kanikol village. Here, Vjosa creates a beautiful meander below Nemërçka.

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