Director of the Administration of the Protected Areas of Kukes Lefter Gjana told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that, “Between January and June, protected areas drew 34,015 visitors, consisting of 17,210 locals and 16,805 foreigners. June alone accounted for 22,925 visitors—the highest monthly figure of the year”.

“Visitors are especially drawn to the towering peaks of the Alps National Park. Majestic summits like Rragam and Maja e Hekurit reward hikers with sweeping, awe-inspiring views of the Albanian Alps”, said Gjana.

Gjana said that, “Lake Kallabaku remains a highly sought-after destination, captivating both domestic and international visitors with its scenic beauty, peaceful setting and endless opportunities for adventure.”.

“To help you explore safely this summer, we’ve marked some of the most popular trails in the Alpine National Park, including Çerem–Trokuz, the Valbonë Waterfall, Valbonë Pass and Dragobi–Valbonë. We invite you to enjoy our stunning landscapes, fresh mountain air, and local hospitality. To help protect these natural wonders, please stick to the marked paths, take your trash with you, avoid open fires, and leave only footprints”, said Gjana. /k.s/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media a view underway for the revival of these two schools and the dormitory in Kukës, considering them as direct investments in improving the teaching quality for students and their teachers.

The “Bajram Curri” and “Avni Rustemi” schools, as well as the dormitory in the city of Kukës, are expected to directly impact into the improvement of the quality of education in the area, by offering students modern spaces and better opportunities for the development of their skills and talents.

This investment is considered an important step in supporting the community and creating better conditions for the new generations. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

The contract for implementation of the study has been signed with the company DFS Aviation Services GmbH, headquartered in Langen, Germany, following an open procurement procedure, opened in September and closed in October 2025. The value of the contract is around 162 thousand euros.

The feasibility study aims to provide detailed data for the most efficient configuration of the air traffic infrastructure and to assist Albcontrol in decision-making on future investments.

The analysis includes the identification of objectives, scope and time horizon, as well as the creation of a strategic document that summarizes the prerequisites and priorities for the development of the airport.

According to the procurement documentation, the study will examine several technical alternatives for the air traffic control infrastructure in Kukës, including the construction of a concrete tower, the use of a mobile tower, the purchase of a remote tower and the construction of a remote control center (RTC) with the possibility of serving several airports, including small AFIS runways and as an emergency center for the towers of Tirana and Vlora.

Albcontrol emphasized that an appropriate strategy must be sustainable, adapted to local conditions and oriented towards the development of Kukës International Airport, ensuring technical harmonization of Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems and efficiency in the provision of services.

Currently, Kukës Airport operates under a concession contract approved in March 2019, with a duration of 35 years, while the feasibility study is not related to the concession, but aims to provide data for the future management and development of air traffic services. This study is an important step for strategic decision-making and for determining future investments, ensuring that Kukës airport operates according to modern air traffic management standards and has a sustainable development plan for the coming decades. /j.p/p.s./

Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji told ATA today that, “There is a rainy and windy weather in Kukës region, while in the mountainous areas there is snow. All national roads are passable”.

“We have no reports of any emergency problems from the municipalities of Kukës, Has and Tropoja”, said Baji.

There is electricity supply in Kukës region except for the municipal units of Margegaj, Lekbibaj and Berisha village, the municipal unit of Bytyç and the municipality of Tropoja.

According to him, the supply of drinking water is carried out according to the schedules set Kukës Water Supply and Sewerage Directorate.

Prefect Baji appealed to drivers to be careful especially during the night and early morning hours due to frost on the roads.

During the morning, there has been snowfall even in Puka.

The Military Meteorological Service reported that today our country is under unstable weather conditions. The weather forecast shows rain, while in the mountainous areas there will be light snowfall. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

The decision was taken yesterday by the panel of the Special Appellate College composed by Albana Shtylla as presiding judge, Sokol Çomo as rapporteur, Ina Rama, Mimoza Tasi and Rezarta Schuetz as members.

At the end of the trial in the consulting room, the panel unanimously decided to uphold the decision of the Independent Qualification Commission dated September 4, 2024.

The decision of the Independent Qualification Commission is final and has immediate effect. Former prosecutor Xhevahir Lita was found guilty by the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime for the criminal offense of corruption in two episodes and disclosure of secret acts, regarding the “Metamorphosis” file. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

In context of his “Beautiful Albania” feature in the social media, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today a video with views of Kukës mountains, which for years have become a destination for nature and mountain climbing enthusiasts.

The video published by Rama shows a herd of horses running on the high peaks of these mountains.

The stunning landscape created by the immeasurable dimension and space in a colorful field is the magic that attracts tourists and makes them fall in love with these wonderful mountain plateaus.

Kukës, with its surrounding natural beauties and cultural monuments, has become a tourist destination both in winter and summer.

Trail of Colors, Gjallica and other mountains of Kukës are among the most frequented spots. There are many local and foreign tourists, passionate about mountain climbing, which enjoy the beauties of the mountains. /k.s/a.f/r.e/p.s./

Located in the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, the trail runs for approximately 13 kilometers through alpine pastures, offering panoramic views of green meadows and colorful wildflowers. The area is part of one of the largest alpine grazing zones in Southeastern Europe.

Starting from the villages of Novosej or Shishtavec and continuing toward Grykë Çajë, the trail runs near the borders of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Along the route, hikers can ascend Mount Kallabak, which rises 2,174 meters above sea level, and view the expansive Sharr Mountains stretching across the region.

The trail begins in Shishtavec, 32 km from Kukës, and leads travelers through the picturesque mountains. The journey finishes in the Kosovo highlands, making it an ideal cross-border adventure for nature lovers.

The most scenic part of the route, which forms part of the broader High Scardus Trail, lies between Kallabak peak and the village of Grykë Çajë – one of Kukës’ top tourist destinations.

This trail offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure, making it an unforgettable experience for all types of travelers. It contributes to bringing development and growth to an area of astounding natural beauty that until now has remained quite isolated.

Kukës region, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and healing alpine air, is increasingly attracting nature enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in Albania.

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Water bikes now offer an exhilarating adventure for nature-loving thrill-seekers on the lake.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video showing tourists pedaling on the lake’s calm water surface.

“Water bike in Kukës! The newest trend gliding over the water towards tranquility, nature, and adventure,” PM Rama wrote.

Lake Kallabaku is a 7 ha water catchment situated among forests consisting of beech, fir, birch, etc.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media photos of this new work, which connects the banks of the Drini River in Kukës and which is considered one of the most special and innovative projects in the field of road infrastructure in Albania.

Designed by Italian architect Giorgio Rizzo, the bridge provides a solution to an important connecting node on the national road, significantly easing traffic in this area that until now relied on a structure built over 45 years ago, before the construction of the Fierza dam.

The new bridge was built entirely outside its location and was then positioned through a rare engineering method, floating the structure on water, a special technique that makes this project unique in the region and among the rarest in Europe.

The bridge structure includes two strong concrete foundations on the shores of the lake, while its length is composed of a metal construction with a large arch, without intermediate support legs, ensuring high stability and an impressive architectural appearance.

This project has cost about 40 million euros, including the construction of two access roads, entry and exit.

The Grand Kukës Bridge is expected to have a direct impact on increasing the flow of tourists and facilitating transport along one of the most important national roads, as well as further strengthening the connections between Albania and Kosovo. /r.e/p.s./

Addressing a campaign rally in the district of Kukes on Wednesday, PM Rama described the next month’s elections as historic moment for the country’s EU integration process.

The government head stated that the EU has opened its door to Albania and the country should not miss this opportunity.

Saying that the May 11 elections were not like any other previous electoral process, PM Rama also urged Democratic Party (DP) supporters to back the ruling SP to advance the country’s EU membership.

The government head recalled that the European Union has set a timeline for Albania to wrap up the accession negotiations by 2027 and the country should not miss this opportunity on its path to become an EU full-fledged member state.

/j.p/u.sh/