Looking for a hike near Tirana that genuinely feels like an escape from the city?
The trail up to Maja e Tujanit (Mount Tujanit) gives you wide-open views, airy forests and a summit with big-sky views. And you don’t need any specialist gear or to spend hours on the road.
It’s a straightforward climb, whether you’re a confident beginner or an experienced hiker after a quick nature fix.
Getting there’s simple: a 20-minute taxi or bus ride to the cable-car station, then a 15-minute glide up into the mountains.
Once you step out of the gondola, you’ll find clear paths, crisp air and hardly another soul in sight. And the summit rewards you with one of central Albania’s most photogenic panoramas.
This is easily my favourite day hike in Tirana. If you’ve only got time for one, make it this one.
Table of Contents
Toggle- Mount Tujanit Hike at a Glance
- How to Get to Mount Tujanit
- From Tirana City Centre
- Taking the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car
- About the Mount Tujanit Hike
- Trail Information
- Highlights Along the Trail
- Reaching the Summit
- The Final Ascent to Maja e Tujanit
- What to Expect at the Peak
- Practical Tips for Hiking Mount Tujanit
- Best Time to Visit
- Safety and Trail Etiquette
- Tips for a Great Experience
- Other Hikes and Activities in Dajti National Park
- Exploring Dajti National Park
- Restaurants and Cafés Near Dajti Ekspres
- FAQs
- How difficult is the Mount Tujanit hike?
- Can I take children on the hike?
- Is there an entrance fee for Dajti Ekspres?
- How long does it take to hike Mount Tujanit?
- Is there public transport to Dajti Ekspres?
- Final Thoughts
Need help planning your next trip? Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner!
Mount Tujanit Hike at a Glance
- Distance: 6 km return
- Elevation gain: 500 m
- Time: 2.5–3.5 hrs
- Start: Upper Dajti station
- Difficulty: Moderate
How to Get to Mount Tujanit
From Tirana City Centre
First, make your way to the Dajti Ekspres (Dajti Express) cable car station.
Take the blue Qender–Porcelan bus from the clock tower (Sahati) at Skanderbeg Square. It runs 05:30–24:00, every 5–20 minutes.
Bus tickets cost 40 Leke (€0.40) one-way. Buy your ticket from the driver – you’ll need cash.
Get off at Teleferiku or IKV stop. Both are a short uphill walk from the lower cable-car station.
If you prefer a faster, more direct option you can take a taxi to the cable car station. There’s no Uber or Bolt in Albania, so you’ll need to use a metered taxi or local apps (Speed Taxi or Taxi.al).
Metered taxis from the centre to the lower station typically cost around 700–1,000 ALL (€7–10) one way.
If you’re driving, head east from Tirana’s city centre. The drive to the Dajti Ekspres parking lot takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
The parking area has plenty of space, so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.
Taking the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car
The Dajti Ekspres cable car usually runs every day except Tuesdays, when it’s closed for maintenance.
Generally, the hours are 09:00–18:30 on weekdays and to 19:00 at weekends, weather permitting. Check their website before heading out to confirm timings.
Buy your return ticket at the lower station. An adult return ticket costs 1,400 ALL (€14).
The journey takes about 15 minutes and offers scenic views over Tirana and the surrounding valley. It’s a memorable highlight before you even start your hike.
After stepping off the cable car, walk straight out of the main exit. Head along the main path across the grassy meadows until you reach a slightly creepy dilapidated yellow building.
This is the remains of the Pioneers’ Camp, run by a youth organisation called The Pioneers of Enver during the time of Enver Hoxha.
Today, it’s fallen into ruin and has a strange, spooky atmosphere. The Mount Tujanit trailhead starts behind this old ruin.
Look for a small wooden sign that reads “Maja e Tujanit” to guide you to the trail.
The path is easy to follow once you’re on it.
About the Mount Tujanit Hike
Trail Information
The Mount Tujanit trail is moderate and well-marked, around 5.5–6 km round trip with about 500 metres of climb.
There’s nothing overly challenging, but be prepared for a couple of moderately steep sections that require a bit of stamina.
The hike took me 3 hours in total, walking at a moderate pace, including plenty of photo and water stops along the way.
I’d recommend wearing decent hiking shoes. Most of the trail runs through forest and the terrain is quite varied, with rocky paths and plenty of tree roots.
Keep an eye out for signs and trail markers painted on the rocks and trees. Also, make sure you are following signs to Mount Tujanit, not Mount Dajti.
Highlights Along the Trail
As you make your way up, you’ll pass through lush oak forests to start with. Then pockets of beech higher up, with open rock near the top.
Keep an eye and an ear out for birds and mammals including foxes, hares, and wild boar.
I loved the peace and quiet of this place, especially after a couple of busy weeks in the city.
Several viewpoints along the trail offer stunning panoramic views of Tirana, Lake Bovilla, and the surrounding mountains.
You’ll cross Cherry Pass between Dajti and Tujani, roughly halfway up. It’s a perfect spot for a quick rest and to soak in the scenery.
On very clear days, you can see all the way across central Albania to Durrës and the Adriatic Sea.
Reaching the Summit
The Final Ascent to Maja e Tujanit
The final stretch to Maja e Tujanit is a little steep, but the effort is well worth it. The views from the top are spectacular.
From the summit, you’ll be treated to 360-degree panoramic views, with a bird’s-eye perspective over Tirana, Bovilla Lake, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
What to Expect at the Peak
Once at the top, relax and enjoy a well-deserved break while you take in the scenery.
There are no facilities at the summit, so remember to pack out all your rubbish. This keeps the area clean and enjoyable for future hikers.
Practical Tips for Hiking Mount Tujanit
Best Time to Visit
The best seasons for hiking Mount Tujanit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these times, temperatures are generally milder, and the trail is less crowded.
I hiked it in the first week of October, and the conditions were ideal.
Avoid hiking in peak summer (July-August) when the heat can be intense.
Winter often brings snow and ice, which can make the trail more difficult and dangerous to navigate, and can even close the cable car.
Safety and Trail Etiquette
Make sure to bring at least 2 litres of water, as there are no refill points on the trail. Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, is also essential.
Pack some snacks to keep your energy up, and have a map or an offline map downloaded on your phone. I use Maps.ME for offline maps and highly recommend it.
Phone signal is patchy along the route, so don’t rely on this.
Stick to the marked trail to avoid getting lost. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers to adjust for temperature changes along the trail.
Be mindful of the local wildlife. Avoid disturbing animals you may encounter, and respect their natural habitat.
Tips for a Great Experience
Starting early is a smart choice to avoid the midday heat, especially in warmer months.
I did it in the afternoon, and the climb up was pretty hot. I also spent the second half worrying about missing the last cable car back down to the city… I think I managed to catch the very last one!
Watching the sun dip over Tirana from the gondola on the way down was pretty magical though.
The trail is safe and totally fine to do whether you’re solo or in a group. Just keep an eye on the time!
Other Hikes and Activities in Dajti National Park
Exploring Dajti National Park
At the upper cable car station you’ll find Dajti Adventure Park, offering zip-lining, ropes courses, and mini‑golf. (A good option if you’re with friends who don’t want to hike!)
Dajti National Park also has other hiking trails, including the route to Dajti Mountain Peak.
There are some other, lesser-known trails in the park as well, offering an even quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Restaurants and Cafés Near Dajti Ekspres
There’s a cafe inside the top cable car station serving the usual snacks and drinks.
For something more upmarket, Ballkoni Dajtit sits right on the cliff edge and does classic Albanian dishes with big city views.
FAQs
How difficult is the Mount Tujanit hike?
The Mount Tujanit trail is moderate overall, with a few steep sections near the top. It’s not technical, and most people with a reasonable fitness level should manage fine. Allow extra time if it’s hot, as shade is limited on the ridge.
Can I take children on the hike?
Yes. Older children or those used to hill walks will enjoy it, though younger ones may struggle on the steeper parts. Take plenty of water and allow time for breaks at the viewpoints.
Is there an entrance fee for Dajti Ekspres?
You’ll need a ticket for the Dajti Ekspres cable car to reach the trailhead. Adult returns cost 1,400 ALL (around €14). There’s no extra charge for the trail itself.
How long does it take to hike Mount Tujanit?
Most hikers take 2.5–3.5 hours for the round trip from the upper cable-car station, depending on pace and stops for photos. Add another 30 minutes each way for the gondola and transfers.
Is there public transport to Dajti Ekspres?
Yes. Take the Qender–Porcelan bus from Skanderbeg Square and get off near the cable-car base (about 20 minutes). From there it’s a short uphill walk to the lower station. Taxis cost 700–1,000 ALL one way.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Mount Tujanit was one of my favourite things to do in Tirana. The trail mixes adventure, natural beauty and wide views, yet it’s still easy to reach.
If you’re exploring Tirana, add Mount Tujanit to your itinerary. It’s a hike you’ll definitely remember.
