
Shtame Pass is a tragic road in Albania
Albania, europe
55.7 km
1,229 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Qafë Shtamë, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,229m (4,032ft) in Albania! You'll find this beauty nestled between Durrës and Dibër counties, smack-dab in the Shtamë Pass National Park. Keep an eye out for the obelisk at the top, a tribute to Major Abaz Kupi.
This epic road, also known as Qafa e Shtames, Qafshtama, or Qafë-Shtamës, stretches for 55.7 km (34.61 miles) from Fushë-Krujë in the west to Burrel in the east.
Heads up – it's a tale of two roads! The western side, freshly paved in 2016, offers a silky-smooth ride from Fushë-Krujë right up to the summit, packed with hairpin turns and crazy twists. But hold on tight, because the eastern side is a different beast. This unpaved section, reserved for 4x4 vehicles only, drops you towards Burrel with steep sections and hairpin turns that will test your skills.
A word of caution: back in 1997, this area saw a tragic explosion in an old underground bunker complex filled with leftover ammo from the communist era.
But don't let that deter you! The scenery is amazing, and the drive is worth the challenge. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Shtame Pass is a tragic road in Albania is located in Albania (europe). Coordinates: 41.5488, 20.3450
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 55.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,229 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.5488, 20.3450
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