
Mali i Koritnikut
Albania, europe
N/A
1,534 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mali i Koritnikut, a peak straddling the border between northeastern Albania and southwest Kosovo, is calling your name!
Reaching the 1,533m (5,032ft) summit within the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park is no walk in the park. Picture this: a gravel track, often rocky, always a bit tippy and bumpy – pure off-road bliss! Be warned, though – this route is usually snowed in from October to June.
This isn't a road to take lightly. Scout ahead and don't commit if you're unsure. We're talking extreme driving here, folks. High-clearance 4x4s are essential, and experience is non-negotiable. You'll need serious skill, patience, and a head for heights. The last few meters? Forget about driving – you'll be hiking! But the views? Oh, the views are SO worth it!
Where is it?
Mali i Koritnikut is located in Albania (europe). Coordinates: 41.0952, 20.1772
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,534 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.0952, 20.1772
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