In the heart of central Albania, on the slopes of the picturesque mountains, lies Krujë, a city rich in history and culture that has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. Once the former capital of the Kingdom of Arberia (Albania’s former name), today Krujë is a living museum, attracting tourists with its extraordinary charm, fascinating monuments and cultural diversity. In this article, I will tell you all about Krujë and its link to the national hero Skanderbeg. Discover the best things to do for sightseeing, hiking, as well as my tips for accommodation and restaurants.
By Dirk Pohlers, adventure traveler, originally from Germany. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.
Known as one of the most picturesque and historic places in Albania, Krujë is located in the central part of the country, just about 20 km northeast of the capital, Tirana. Krujë is a small town in the mountains with only one historic street and actually a new castle, as only the walls of the fortress and the tower destroyed during the earthquakes are original.
Krujë is famous for its rich history, stunning landscapes and for being the former capital of Albania in the Middle Ages. Krujë is not only a tourist gem, but also a place that plays a key role in the national identity of Albanians.
Getting to Krujë from Tirana was straightforward for me. I hopped on a bus from the central bus station which cost me 200 Lek (around 2.00 EUR). The buses to Krujë run frequently, so I didn’t have to wait long. The ride took 40 minutes, and I enjoyed watching the cityscape transition into the beautiful Albanian countryside. If you prefer a bit more freedom, renting a car is also a great option—it’ll get you there in around 30 minutes.
If you are just visiting for a few hours with a rental car, there is a parking lot near Krujë castle, which is conveniently located for getting around town. Make sure to have cash on hand to pay for parking.
The name of the city comes from the word kroi which means ‘spring’ in Old Albanian, which perfectly reflects the character of this place being the first capital of the united Albanians. In addition to this, the city lies on a number of springs and in the vicinity of the Qafështamë National Park famous for the production of Qafshtama mineral water.
Krujë rose to prominence as a centre of resistance against the Ottoman army in the 15th century, when under the leadership of the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, the city fiercely resisted the invaders for more than 25 years.
In 1396, the city was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, but Skanderbeg’s cunning allowed the city to be recaptured from the Turks. In 1433, it ceased to be part of the Ottoman Empire and became the capital of Albania, more specifically the Albanian Principality. This made Skanderbeg a symbol of national unity for Albanians, and his figure is present in every corner of the city.
Skanderbeg is the greatest national hero. It is impossible to get acquainted with the history of the region without mentioning his figure.
George Kastriot, better known as Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti), was born in 1405 in northern Albania to an aristocratic family with strong military traditions. As the youngest child of Gjon Kastrioti, he was sent to Turkey at a young age as a hostage as part of a political arrangement. This experience was to shape his future in ways that no one could have predicted.
In Turkey, Skanderbeg received a military education, which formed the basis of his later achievements. His military talent and strategic skills were recognised by the Sultan himself, who gave him the title Iskander Bey Arnauti, which is short for Skënderbeu – hence his nickname. Iskander means Alexander (implicitly the Great) and bey/beg is a title given to Turkish chieftains, tribal chiefs and princes.
In 1443, taking advantage of the chaos in the Ottoman army, Skanderbeg made a decisive choice – he deserted and returned to Albania to lead a national uprising. His return to Krujë and the liberation of the city from the Ottomans became a watershed moment in Albanian history, winning him the hearts of the Albanians, who saw in him a leader defending their sovereignty.
Later, under the leadership of Skanderbeg, Albania was becoming a bastion of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. He managed to unite the scattered Albanian forces and form a coalition that successfully repelled successive Turkish invasions for more than two decades.
Krujë is not a large city, especially if we compare it to larger metropolises. Despite its small size, Krujë is rich in monuments and tourist attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors interested in Albanian history and culture.
A characteristic of Krujë is that its focal points, such as the castle, museums and bazaar, are concentrated in a relatively small area, making it an ideal place to explore on foot. Definitely 1 day is enough to get to know the historic part well.
At the top of Krujë’s list of attractions is certainly Skanderbega Castle (Kalaja e Krujës). While its yellow sandstone walls give it a unique character, it is important to understand what part of this structure is authentic heritage and what is the result of more recent reconstruction work.
The castle was designed by the daughter of Hoxha, or the dictator of Albania, who ruled Albania for more than 40 years. In fact, it was built from scratch.
Although most of the structures are new, the Krujë fortress still has authentic fragments that bear witness to its long history. Among the most important are:
Stunning views from Krujë Castle
The castle also offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, as it is located on the side of a mountain at an altitude of about 600 metres above sea level. From the top, the view extends all the way to the Adriatic Sea, with massive mountain peaks on the other side. These views enhance the extraordinary charm of the town with every step. On a clear day you can see about 50% of Albania from here, and sometimes you can even see Montenegro from here.
The town of Krujë boasts several key museums, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Skanderbeg Museum, which are home to countless exhibits that tell the story of the region.
In the Skanderbeg Museum, which is housed in a reconstructed castle, visitors can see the history of ancient times, i.e. a bit about Illyria and images of Illyrian rulers and Illyrian artefacts, the history of medieval Albania, i.e. the Kingdom of Arberia including the armour and other personal items of the national hero. The artefacts themselves are scarce there, but the walls are decorated with paintings depicting the history of the territory of modern Albania.
The Ethnographic Museum is housed in the home of the Toptani family, one of Albania’s wealthiest families, who donated the building for historical purposes. The family nowadays owns, for example, the Toptani shopping centre in the centre of Tirana and the Tirana Castle (only the walls remain). The Ethnographic Museum offers an insight into the living conditions and culture of the region’s inhabitants over the past centuries. There you will learn about how people lived in Krujë, see traditional costumes and artefacts from the traditional farm.
Walking through the Krujë bazaar is like travelling back in time. Here you can find hand-woven carpets, traditional Albanian costumes and handicrafts that showcase the extraordinary skill of local craftsmen. The bazaar, located at the foot of the castle, is the ideal place to buy unique souvenirs and taste local Albanian specialities.
It was restored for the 500th anniversary of Skanderbeg’s death. It used to extend all the way to the city centre, but now only consists of about 30 stands.
In addition to its rich historical heritage, Krujë also offers excellent conditions for hiking and mountain biking. The mountains around the town are ideal for nature lovers, offering trails of varying degrees of difficulty and breathtaking views of the valley and the north-east of Albania.
Another attractive destination for hikers is Shtama Pass, located in the Qafshtama National Park near Krujë. This park offers a series of scenic trails that lead through dense beech and pine forests, streams and natural water springs. This is an ideal place to observe nature, as well as to relax in the shade of the trees after an intense trek.
For those looking for a more spiritual experience, we recommend trekking to the top of Mount Kruji to the Sari Salltik Shrine, also known as Tekke Sari Saltik. It is a sacred place with a rich and intriguing history and is a pilgrimage destination for many.
The shrine was named after Sari Salltik, who was a dervish and disciple of the famous Islamic mystic Hoxha Ahmed Yassawi. Sari Salltik is considered one of the main apostles of Sufism in the Balkans and is respected by both Muslims and Christians in the region. His missionary work in Eastern Europe contributed to the spread of Islam in this part of the continent.
The shrine was built to commemorate this Sufi saint and serves as a place of prayer and meditation. It is also a place where worshippers can seek spiritual solace and protection. The interior of the tekke is richly decorated, with elements characteristic of Islamic architecture, including beautifully decorated walls and ceilings with calligraphy.
Not far from lower Krujë, a picturesque river over which Ottoman bridges, recently reconstructed, are preserved. There you can admire the small waterfall Ujevara ne kanionin e Zeze, the Ottoman bridge Ura e Abdyl Ages.
Krujë has several hotels that offer good accommodation in different price ranges. Many of them are in close proximity to the main tourist attractions, such as the castle and the bazaar.
Hotel Panorama Kruje – As the name suggests, the hotel offers beautiful views of the old town, the bazaar, the castle and the surrounding area. It is an upper class establishment offering comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local specialities and additional services such as WiFi and parking. The largest and most popular hotel in Krujë, often catering for groups.
Accommodation in Krujë on the castle grounds:
Guest houses in Krujë
If you prefer a more personal approach to accommodation, Krujë also offers a number of guesthouses and guest houses. These are often run by local families, giving you the chance for a more authentic cultural experience.
You only need half a day to experience the main sights in Krujë. It can be a great stopover on your journey from Tirana to Shkoder.