From exploring ancient fortresses to losing yourself in grand old bazaars, there are lots of things to do in Krujë, an offbeat place to visit in Albania.
Kruje | Albania
In the foothills of Albania’s rugged Dajti mountain range, Krujë rises like a sentinel guarding the secrets of a proud and resilient past. There’s no flat land here; the town clings precariously to the precipitous mountainside. On this rocky perch, history and mythology intertwine. Krujë’s charm lies in its contrasts—the austere grandeur of its castle walls juxtaposed against the lively hum of its old bazaar. Time seems to move differently here, as if the world outside were a distant murmur.
Krujë is often referred to as the “City of Skanderbeg,” paying homage to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who led his people in a valiant resistance against the Ottomans from this very town. His legacy is omnipresent, from the museum that bears his name within the castle’s embrace, to the tales shared by locals, spoken with a pride that borders on reverence. It’s a place where the past feels palpable, a reminder of battles fought and victories hard-won.
Beyond the fortress, Krujë reveals its soul in quieter moments— in a sip of strong Turkish coffee in a sun-dappled café or in the intricate patterns of handwoven rugs, every moment set cinematically against a backdrop of dramatic peaks. A visit to this ancient bazaar which was once a busy centre for trade during the Ottoman era is one of the top things to do in Krujë. Here, the air carries whispers of cedar and the warmth of wood smoke, as traders and artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive. It is as much a town to explore as it is to absorb— a destination that invites reflection as much as adventure. Krujë holds the allure of a place untouched by haste, where you can watch the sun sink beneath the horizon and feel, just for a moment, that the world has paused. There’s a quiet magic here, both profound and undeniable, waiting to be discovered.
Where is Krujë
Krujë is a historic town in the Dajti mountains, north-east of Tirana. With its historic castle and rambling bazaar set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, it is one of the most dramatic destinations in Albania that you can visit on your trip. From its unmatched location in the mountains, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Albanian countryside, the shimmering Bovilla Lake, the tall skyscrapers of Tirana, and on clear days, the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. If you want to visit more places in Albania, read our guides for the top things to do in Tirana and in Vlorë, a sunny city on the Adriatic coast.
Best Things to Do in Krujë, Albania
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How to Reach Krujë
Krujë is easily accessible by public transport from Tirana.
BY BUS | Minibuses (locally called “furgons”) are the budget-friendly option. From Tirana, you can catch a minibus to Krujë at the North Albania Bus Terminal. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 150 lek (December, 2024). Minibuses also connect Krujë to nearby cities like Durrës.
Krujë to Tirana Airport by Bus | There are no direct buses from the airport to Krujë, so you have to take the bus to the North Albania Bus Terminal in Tirana and then take a bus to Krujë. However, some furgons take a detour to Rinas (where the airport) on their way back to Tirana from Krujë. Ask the driver or the staff at the hotel for more information.
Where to Stay in Krujë
In Krujë, it is best to stay on the castle grounds for the views which are absolutely breathtaking. Because the town faces the west, sunsets are unbelievably gorgeous. From your vantage point, you can watch the dregs of daylight spill golden light over the undulating Albanian landscape, watch it light up the still lakes which appear like flans of beaten metal from the mountain tops. The wooded hillside seems to exhale shimmering clouds and if you turn to look at the rugged peaks, you can see them clad in armours of gold. And then as the sun sets, everything is bathed in red and orange. Darkness blooms around the edges of the landscape, stars pop in the purplish sky, and in Tirana, lights begin to sparkle.
If you wish to soak in the sunset, here are our recommended places to stay in Krujë.
Rooms Emiliano | Rooms Emiliano is located on the castle grounds and offers stunning views of the countryside. They have a terrace restaurant where you can dine while enjoying the sunset. We spent our evening here, watching the sun set and sipping local wines. It was a fabulous end to our Albanian sojourn. You can also rent one of their bikes and explore the town.
Rooms Merlika | We stayed at Rooms Merlika in Krujë. Rooms Merlika is located on the castle grounds and offers lovely views of the countryside. The rooms are basic and the owners are lovely. Cards are accepted. They also have a restaurant and bar where you can try local dishes and wine.
Things to Do in Krujë
Krujë is the perfect destination to spend a day on your 7 days Albania itinerary. You can visit Krujë on a day trip but we are glad that we chose to stay the night because the sunset from Krujë was utterly mesmerising. Here are all the great things to do in Krujë.
Tour Krujë Castle
The towering walls of Krujë Castle seem to whisper tales of heroism. Set high on a rugged hill, this fortress is more than just stone and mortar— it’s a symbol of Albania’s resilience. Walking through its gates, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of awe. This was the stronghold of Skanderbeg, the fearless leader who led a 25-year resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Just like the magnificent Berat Castle, there are structures of national importance such as the National Skanderbeg Museum and the Dollme Teqe within the castle grounds. As we explored, each corner revealed its own story: defensive towers that once housed watchful guards, hidden passages that spoke of strategy and secrecy, and an open courtyard that offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding valley and even the Adriatic Sea on clear days. You can see the ruins of the minaret and lower walls of the Sultan Mehmed Fatih mosque that dates back to the 1400s. Did you know Krujë Castle is sometimes called the “Adriatic Bulwark” for its role in defending Europe? Wandering through, we imagined the weight of decisions made here, the echoes of triumphs and sacrifices. It’s a humbling experience to stand in a place that played such a pivotal role in shaping a nation.
Explore the Skanderbeg Museum
The Skanderbeg Museum is located inside the Krujë Castle complex. Though the building looks like it’s centuries-old, it actually only dates back to 1982. It was designed by the daughter of Enver Hoxha, Albania’s notorious communist leader. Visiting the museum is one of the top things to do in Krujë. The Skanderbeg Museum pays tribute to Albania’s beloved hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Every artifact here– from weapons to manuscripts– tell a story that detail his strategies and victories. The museum’s interiors, designed with traditional elements, added to the experience, creating a seamless blend of past and present. What struck me most was Skanderbeg’s iconic helmet with its golden goat emblem, a symbol of leadership and strength. Manuscripts and letters on display showcase Skanderbeg’s brilliant strategies and deep commitment to protecting his homeland. The carefully curated collection tell stories of his leadership, uniting disparate clans to stand as one against a formidable foe, and you can also read about his loyal generals who fought for their homeland. Learning about his 25-year-long resistance was deeply humbling—it’s no wonder he’s considered a figure of national pride.
TICKETS | Book online in advance, or buy tickets (cash-only) from the counter.
Discover the Ethnographic Museum
One of the best things to do in Krujë, rather one of the best places to do in all of Albania, is visiting the Ethnographic Museum in Krujë. Stepping into Krujë’s Ethnographic Museum felt like entering a time capsule of Albanian traditions and daily life from centuries ago! Located within a charming Ottoman-era house which was once the residence of an affluent family, the museum’s wood and stone architecture itself is a marvel. The intricately carved woodwork and the delicately painted walls and ceilings were gorgeous! As we meandered through its exhibits, we found ourselves immersed in the stories of artisans, families, and merchants who shaped the cultural fabric of Krujë. Rooms were filled with relics of everyday life: traditional weaving looms where Albanian kilims were woven, elegant silver filigree jewellery, and intricately embroidered clothing, and took us on a journey through the lives of various tradespeople who lived in the area. Our favourite rooms were the bride’s rooms and the groom’s room. The brightly painted chest and the floral frescoes in the bride’s room were stunning! One story we particularly loved was how the region’s folk music tradition has endured, passed down orally from generation to generation. There’s also an exhibit of local costumes and embroidery, for those of us who love to see local textiles and fabrics.
TICKETS | Book online in advance, or buy tickets (cash-only) from the counter.
Wander through the Old Bazaar of Krujë
Perhaps the top thing to do in Krujë is visiting its old bazaar. The Old Bazaar of Krujë is a symphony of colors, scents, and bustling energy. As we walked along the cobblestone streets of this historical marketplace, it felt like stepping through a portal into the past! The bazaar dates back to Ottoman times and retains its old-world charm which draws tourists from across the world. In winter when we visited, the twisting alleys were empty but come summer, and the bazaar is bustling with buyers and sellers. Wooden stalls line both sides of the cobbled streets– the edges of their roofs almost touching– and vendors proudly displayed their wares: vibrant handwoven rugs, traditional Albanian garments, copperware, silver jewellery, felt shoes and hats, and hand-carved wooden items. In recent years, cheap Chinese exports have arrived here but if you keep a close eye, you can still find authentic handmade Albanian souvenirs. We visited a few shops and bought two small handwoven rugs (you can tell the handwoven ones apart by the quality of the weave and the texture of the material) to frame and hang in our home in Edinburgh. If you are looking for a unique souvenir to buy from Albania, I highly recommend buying some of these handmade rugs and runners, a wooden charcuterie platter, or one of the beautiful felt hats made by the master craftsmen at Qeleshepunues Albanian hat workshop.
Visit Dollma Teqe (Bektashi Religious Site)
When we asked the lady at the Ethnographic Museum about places to visit in Krujë, she pointed out the dome of Dollma Teqe and recommended that we visit. Originally built in the late 1700s, Dollma Teqe is an important site of worship for the Bektashi sect, a Sufi branch of Islam that was originally founded in Turkey but became prevalent in the Balkans during the Ottoman rule. It is also known as the teqe of Haxhi Mustafa Baba. On the grounds of the teqe stands an olive tree that is said to have been planted by Skanderbeg himself! Inside, the dome is adorned with beautiful murals showcasing the natural world; you can spot flowers and fruits, lush foliage and trees. We were captivated by the symbolic motifs in the decorations— representing unity, balance, and the harmony of the universe. The temple was destroyed in the 2019 earthquake and work is on to restore it. A kind caretaker shared stories about the Bektashi dervishes who once lived here, dedicating their lives to spiritual growth and tolerance. From its terrace, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Krujë and the surrounding countryside.
Try Local Albanian Specialties at Traditional Restaurants
At the top of the hill, there are a handful of restaurants that showcase local produce and Albanian wines in their menus. We spent a leisurely evening at Villa Emiliano savouring some local meats and wines while watching the sun set over the countryside. One of the most interesting items we ate in Krujë was a meat-based dessert called kabuni.
What is kabuni? Kabuni is an Albanian sweet dish made of rice fried in butter, sweetened mutton stock (the mutton is first simmered in sugar and water), raisins, and some salt. It is then boiled, and mixed with the shredded mutton, sugar, cinnamon, walnuts and ground cloves. It is absolutely unique and delicious! You must absolutely try some kabuni when you are visiting Albania.
Watch the Sunset from Krujë
The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the landscape in a warm, ethereal glow as we sat sipping our glasses of wine. Below us, the rooftops of the town reflected the light, creating a kaleidoscope of colors, while the valley stretched endlessly, kissed by the amber rays. As the Adriatic Sea shimmered on the horizon, we couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of peace. The quiet murmur of the evening breeze and the rustling of leaves added a musical quality to the moment. Did you know that locals often refer to this time of day as “golden serenity” because of its calming effect? Standing there, hand in hand with history and nature, it felt as though time itself had paused to share this moment with us. What a sunset! Hands-down, one of the best things to do in Krujë!
More Amazing Things to do in Krujë
Got More Time in Krujë? Here are some more things to do in and around Krujë.
Hike to Mount Sarisalltik | For nature enthusiasts, a hike to Mount Sarisalltik is a must. This sacred mountain is home to a 13th-century Bektashi shrine which is nestled in a cave. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the spiritual atmosphere at the top is truly serene. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Explore the National Park of Qafë Shtamë | Just a short drive from Krujë, this national park is a haven for outdoor lovers. Known for its lush forests, crystal-clear springs, and diverse wildlife, it’s an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of nature. The park’s spring water is said to have healing properties, adding a touch of mystique to your visit.
Visit the Old City of Zgerdhesh | Step back in time by exploring the ruins of Zgerdhesh, an ancient Illyrian city located near Krujë. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into Albania’s distant past, with remnants of walls, towers, and other structures that tell stories of a bygone era. We saw the signs to do on our way to Krujë from Tirana.
Admire the Black River Canyons | For a more adventurous experience, the Black River Canyons provide breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking or even canyoning. The dramatic cliffs and rushing waters create a landscape that’s both thrilling and picturesque.
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