Lake Koman ferry

About Lake Koman ferry

By the ULTIMATE Tirana Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Ferries sail across Lake Koman, a reservoir on the Drin river, between Koman and Fierza in summer, through narrow gorges between steep mountains: a journey of around two and a half hours often compared to a Norwegian fjord. From Fierza, minibuses continue to Valbona. Morning departures connect with minibuses from Shkodër. Book through your guesthouse or an operator, check the season’s timetable, and sit on deck if the weather is good.

A lake made by a dam

Lake Koman is a reservoir on the Drin river in northern Albania, created by the Koman hydroelectric dam in the 1980s. The water fills a long, narrow canyon between steep mountains, and for many villages along its shores the lake is still the only road.

The crossing

In summer, ferries and smaller boats sail between the landing near the Koman dam and Fierza at the eastern end, a journey of around two and a half hours through narrow gorges, past waterfalls and isolated farms. It is often compared to a Norwegian fjord, and the light on the emerald water stays with you. Boats stop on request to drop locals with their supplies.

Two and a half hours between rock walls on emerald water: one of the great journeys of the Balkans.

Part of a loop

From Fierza, minibuses continue to the Valbona valley. Many travellers make a classic loop: Shkodër to Koman by minibus early in the morning, the ferry to Fierza, a night or two in Valbona, the hike over the pass to Theth, and back to Shkodër.

Our advice: book through your guesthouse or a Shkodër operator the day before, catch the early minibus from Shkodër, sit on deck if the weather is good, and bring snacks and a jacket.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Lake Koman ferry before you go.