The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Grunas Waterfall in Theth
Grunas Waterfall is an unmissable attraction in Theth, so you can’t miss it on your Albania Itinerary. This is a stunning 25-meter-high waterfall in the Albanian Alps, which offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Theth is the best base for visiting the waterfall, but you can take a day trip from Tirana or Shkoder. We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Albania that you shouldn’t miss.
This ultimate guide to the Grunas Waterfall includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect on the hike, and tips for visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Theth
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Theth is from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for hiking and exploring the nearby attractions. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 34°C.
Theth is situated at an altitude of about 750 m above sea level. Therefore, it is much cooler here than in other parts of Albania, so pack warmer clothes. Weather conditions may vary throughout the year, so check the weather forecast before visiting Theth. Roads and hiking trails may be covered with snow, and you may not be able to reach the waterfall.
We visited the waterfall in early June and had fantastic weather, but evenings and early mornings were cold in Theth.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Theth
How to Get to Grunas Waterfall, Theth
The Grunas Waterfall, also known as Theth Waterfall or Ujëvara e Grunasit, is located on the outskirts of Theth Village in northern Albania.
The waterfall can only be reached by hiking and can also be visited independently. We hiked a scenic trail from Valbona to Theth and visited the waterfall the next day.
Alternatively, join an organized tour from Tirana or Shkoder and explore the best places in Theth.
Book your tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.
Waterfall Opening Hours & Entrance Fee
The Theth Waterfall is open 24 hours a day and is completely free to visit.
Good to know
The waterfall is located in Theth National Park and was declared a natural monument in 2002.
Grunas Waterfall Hike
As we were staying at the Bujtina Zemra Tradites outside the village of Theth, we had to walk an extra 20 minutes to get down to the center. After that, we visited the iconic Theth Church (Kisha e Thethit), enjoyed the morning lights, and ate our packed breakfast.
From Theth, follow the river, and you will cross a small red bridge. The bridge is in a bit of a poor condition, but you can cross it at your own risk! We did so, although you can go around it. As you approach the waterfall, the path becomes slightly more wooded, and you will pass a small cottage and houses.
Halfway along the trail, there is a cafe (Kunora e Grunasit), and from there, the trail splits, and you have to continue on the path on the left. The last 15 minutes are a bit steep, and the rocks can be slippery, so be careful! We recommend you wear hiking shoes.
Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can enjoy the stunning scenery. It is a magnificent waterfall in the middle of the forest in the Albanian Alps. If you want a truly refreshing experience, you can take a dip in the ice-cold water. The maximum water temperature is 8 degrees. The water level is low, so it is not suitable for swimming. The rocks are slippery, so be careful!
We recommend you start your hike as early as possible because it is incredibly hot in the midday hours.
You can get from Theth to Grunas Waterfall in 40-50 minutes with an easy, moderate hike. Visiting the waterfall was a great experience, and as we were early in the morning, we didn’t meet any other tourists. Only one cute dog followed us the whole way from the village.
Grunas Waterfall and Canyon Trail
This is the closest waterfall to Theth, where you can admire the beautiful scenery. But the mountain village has many other incredible attractions. The waterfall is located on the trail to Blue Eye Kaprre, so if you’re a hiking enthusiast, combine a visit to both attractions. Alternatively, you can hike back to Theth and take a minivan to the Blue Eye.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
We decided to continue on the trail to the Theth Blue Eye parking lot, which took another 1.5-2 hours. Just follow the trail and look out for the red-and-white painted flags on the trail so you don’t get lost. In our experience, the hiking signs on the trails were not very well marked, so if you are in doubt, ask the locals for directions or use an offline map like Maps.Me.
Keep reading → Blue Eye Theth
Where to Stay in Theth
Although you can take a day trip to the waterfall, if you have enough time, you should spend at least 2-3 days in the mountain village of Theth. There are many guesthouses, hotels, and campsites in Theth for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Theth
- Mid-Range: Vidis Chalet Hotel
- Budget: Gurra Family Guesthouse or Logu i Harushave
What to Pack for Visiting
- Osprey Small Backpack: A very lightweight, versatile, and durable backpack, perfect for day hikes.
- Light Raincoat: Packable, lightweight, and waterproof raincoat with hood perfect for travel and hiking.
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
- Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
- Quick-dry towel
- Swimsuit
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Camera gear
- GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
- Snacks
- Extra water
- Cash (Local money or EUR)
Grunas Waterfall Hike Map
We hope you found our guide to Grunas Waterfall useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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