Blue Eye of Theth | Shkoder

Information

Landmark: Blue Eye of Theth
City: Shkoder
Country: Albania
Continent: Europe

Blue Eye of Theth, Shkoder, Albania, Europe

The Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kaltër i Thethit) is a natural karst spring and pool located near the village of Kapre in the Shkodër District. It is situated in the Black River (Lumi i Zi) valley within the Alps of Albania National Park.

Visual Characteristics

The site is defined by a deep, circular pool of high-transparency water that exhibits a vivid turquoise-to-indigo color, contrasting with the bright white limestone boulders of the riverbed. A small, multi-tiered waterfall cascades into the pool from a height of approximately 5 meters. The surrounding area is densely forested with beech and oak trees, creating a shaded amphitheater effect. The water remains at a constant temperature of 4°C to 5°C throughout the year.

Location & Access Logistics

The Blue Eye is located approximately 10 kilometers from the village center of Theth.

By Vehicle: A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle can travel as far as the village of Nderlysaj (5-7 km from Theth).

By Foot: From Nderlysaj, a marked trail ascends through the forest. This hike takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes one-way.

The Full Trek: Walking directly from Theth village to the Blue Eye is a 3-to-4-hour journey (roughly 18 km round trip) involving moderate elevation gain and river crossings.

Public transport to Nderlysaj is limited to local 4x4 shuttles; most visitors walk or hire private transport.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Blue Eye is a karst resurgence point where subterranean water, filtered through the limestone massifs of the Accursed Mountains, emerges at high pressure. The pool was formed through thousands of years of hydraulic erosion of the limestone basin. It is part of the Shala River drainage system, one of the cleanest hydrological basins in Europe.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming: Despite the extreme cold, many visitors jump into the pool from the surrounding rocks.

Observation Deck: A small wooden platform is built directly over the waterfall, offering a vertical perspective of the "eye."

Hiking: The trail from Nderlysaj passes through the Stone Groves of Nderlysaj, unique rock formations smoothed by river erosion.

Photography: The pool is most photogenic when the sun is directly overhead (11:00–13:00), which illuminates the deep blue center.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure at the Blue Eye itself is minimal. A single, rustic wooden cafe-shack is situated on a platform above the pool, serving coffee, cold drinks, and basic snacks. There are no formal restrooms or changing rooms. More robust amenities, including guesthouses and restaurants, are located in Nderlysaj and Theth. 4G cellular signal is inconsistent and frequently lost once on the forest trail.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal window is from June to September. Earlier in the spring (April–May), the trail can be hazardous due to high water levels in the Black River. Winter access is restricted by heavy snow. To avoid peak crowds during July and August, it is recommended to reach the pool before 10:00 AM.

Facts & Legends

A verified hydrological fact is that the Blue Eye of Theth is distinct from the larger Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) in Sarandë; they share the name due to their identical visual appearance and karst origins. Local folklore suggests the pool is bottomless, though it has been measured at a depth of approximately 9 meters. A specific tip: the rocks surrounding the pool are extremely slippery when wet; footwear with high-traction soles is required.