View source for Valbonë

{{Distinguish|Valbona, Aragon}}
{{Infobox settlement AL
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|official_name      = Valbonë
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|county             = Kukës
|municipality       = [[Tropojë]]
|municunit          = [[Margegaj]]
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|coordinates        = {{coord|42.4533|19.8878|type:adm1st_region:AL_dim:100000|display=inline,title}}
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'''Valbonë''' ({{lang-sq-definite|Valbona}}) is a village in the [[Kukës County]], northern [[Albania]]. It is part of the former municipality [[Margegaj]] and situated in the valley of the river [[Valbonë (river)|Valbonë]], south of the mountain, [[Maja e Thatë]]. Following the 2015 local government reform, it became part of the municipality of [[Tropojë]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vendime.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/137-2014.pdf |title=Law nr. 115/2014 |language=sq |pages=6373|access-date=25 February 2022 }}</ref> As one of the main settlements in Valbonë Valley National Park, the village offers suitable accommodation for visitors and tourists, primarily in traditional alpine houses or inns ({{langx|sq|hane}}).<ref>{{cite web | author=MTKRS (Agjensia Kombëtare e Turizmit) | title=40 Hanet e Shqipërisë | publisher=slideshare.net| url=http://www.slideshare.net/madopol/40-hanet-e-shqiperise |pages=29–33 |access-date=April 2, 2012|language=sq}}</ref>

== Geography and Location ==
'''Valbonë''' is a mountain village located in northern [[Albania]], approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. It lies within [[Kukës County]] and is part of [[Valbonë Valley National Park]], one of the country’s most significant protected areas. The village is situated about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of [[Bajram Curri]], with access passing through the historic village of [[Dragobi]].

== Settlement and Architecture ==
The village of Valbonë consists of around 30 houses, most of which are traditional Albanian alpine dwellings. These are typically two- to three-storey stone towers with thick walls and roofs made of wooden boards, characteristic of the northern mountainous regions.

== Natural Features ==
[[Valbonë Valley National Park]] covers an area of approximately 8,000 hectares and is considered one of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the [[Albanian Alps]]. The [[Valbonë River]], known for its crystal-clear waters, runs through the valley, originating from alpine springs and fed by tributaries such as the Rragam Waterfall. The waterfall is located near the village of [[Rragam]], from which it takes its name.

Dense forests line the route to Valbonë, including areas near the Bajram Curri Cave, which is located shortly after passing Dragobi.

== Tourism ==
Valbonë Valley is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the [[Tropojë]] region, and ranks among the most popular in the [[Albanian Alps]], second only to Theth Valley. It attracts both domestic and international visitors who are drawn to its dramatic alpine scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities to explore the traditions of the northern Albanian highlands.

The journey from [[Tirana]], the capital city, to Valbonë typically takes around five hours. Many travelers choose to include a scenic ferry ride across [[Lake Koman]], considered one of the most picturesque lake journeys in Europe.

[[File:Maja e Thate mountain Valbone Albania.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Backdrop of Valbona.jpg|thumb]]
==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed heights=120px style="text-align:center">
Valbonë 2016.jpg
Liqeni i Xhemës - Valbonë 01.jpg
Shtëpi karakteristike Zallishtorja - Valbonë.JPG
Pejzhazh Valbone.JPG
Lumi i valbones2.jpg
Lumi i Valbones1.jpg
Pejzazh Valbone 08.JPG
Pejzhazh Valbone 07.JPG
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Geography of Albania]]
* [[Tourism in Albania]]
* [[Valbona Valley National Park]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Valbona}}
*[http://www.journeytovalbona.com/ Journey to Valbona website]

{{Tropojë div}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Valbone}}
[[Category:Populated places in Tropojë]]
[[Category:Villages in Kukës County]]


{{Kukës-geo-stub}}