Understand
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Bulqiza has a mainly hilly-mountainous relief with heights ranging from 435 m to 2101 m, Kreshta Peak (Maja e Kreshtës) above sea level. In this territory lies the Bulqiza Valley, extending from west to east and with a length of 25 km and a width of up to 1 km. This valley is crossed by the Bulqiza River, which flows into the Black Drin.
The surface area like forests, rich flora and fauna, meadows, glacial lakes and suitable climate is a great natural potential for the development of various economic activities. The underground is also very rich (chrome) and of great economic value for the area and the entire country.
Bulqiza has also great water resources. A number of streams, brooks, and rivers traverse its territory (the Black Drin, the Zall of Bulqiza) as well as a large number of lakes (the picturesque lakes of Dhoks, the Black Lake, the lakes of Tërnova and the lakes of Balgjajt.
History
[edit]Talk
[edit]The main language you will hear in the street is Albanian, not the official language, but Bulqizaˈs dialect. The standard language is spoken in schools and institutions. English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants (not everywhere), mostly by young people.
Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city is small and walkable and people are helpful and generally receptive to efforts to communicate.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]Bulqiza is about 60 minutes ride from Tirana through the Arbriˈs road, by bus and furgon (minibus), and 3 hours through the old road that goes through Fushë - Kruja, Milot, Burrel and then Bulqiza (there are no buses; you can only go by car or taxi). Following the Arbriˈs road, the ticket price is 400 lek. It is paid cash at the bus or minibus (furgon) and you don't get a ticket.
For seat reservation you can call the bus agency or the bus driver.
The distance from Peshkopi by furgon (minibus) is 45 min. The ticket price is 300 lek.
By taxi
[edit]40 min from Bllatë border (North Macedonia). You can travel by car, by taxi. The ticket price is 1000 lek.
1 hour and 45 min from Librazhd. There are no buses. You can travel by car or by taxi.
By car
[edit]You can rent a car in Tirana.
By bicycle
[edit]If you are a biker you can ride your bicycle from Tirana to Bulqiza easily going through the tunnels.
Get around
[edit]By bus
[edit]If you want to travel in the villages, you can use furgons and buses too, but they don't go to every village. There is a minibus (urban) only between Bulqiza e vjetër - Bulqiza e re. The ticket price is 20 lek.
You will find buses and the minibuses at the terminal.
- 1 Terminali i Autobusave Bulqizë (Qytetas-Ndërqytetas), Bulqizë, Albania, ☏ +355672063963.
By taxi
[edit]Taxis are found in the city center (Bulqiza e vjetër). Between the two cities the price is 200 lek. In around villages the ticket price is 1000-1200 lek.
On foot
[edit]In Bulqiza, people usually walk to different places as the town is really small. The town and some nearby villages are accessible on foot.
By bicycle
[edit]If you don`t have your own bike, you can rent one at Kulla Hupi.
- 2 Kulla Hupi (Hupi Tower), Rruga Skenderbeu, ☏ +355 68 837 3793. Kulla Hupi offers bicycles for rent.
See
[edit]Bulqiza is one of the richest natural areas of Albania in terms of biodiversity and the beauty of mountainous, forested, and lake landscapes. Due to its high natural values in this area, Shebenik - Jabllanicë has been declared national park, a significant part of which extends into the municipality of Bulqiza, Mali me Gropa Martanesh a protected landscape, and lots of natural monuments.
Bulqiza also has a number of geomonuments, such as caves, stones, cliffs, pits, etc, declared natural monuments. Among the main caves, we mention: The Cave of Xixella, The Cave of the City Bridge, The cold Cave of Gjuras, etc. In addition to geomonuments, Bulqiza is rich in hydromonuments, where among the most important are: The Black Lake with glacial origin, on the northern slope of Mount Lopa (1600 m above sea level), The glacial lakes of Kacni on the eastern slope of Mount Balgjaj (1700 m above sea level), The Three Taps of Zerqani, Duriçi Waterfall etc.
- 1 Mali me Gropa Bizë Martanesh. It extends over a large area, moreover attached to the area of the “Dajti Mountain” National Park and near Qafë Shtama. It represents a large mountain massif, which consists of Triassic-Jurassic limestone. It is interrupted by several valleys, rich in streams, which often constitute the beginning of large rivers, as is the case of the Mati River. Several interesting mountains stand out, such as: Mali i Lopës (2,000m), i Snoit të Madh (1,846m), as well as Mali me Gropa (average 1,500-1,600m), quite unique, due to the karst pits present in it.
- 2 Liqeni i Zi (Black Lake). It is a glacial lake with a north-south length of 600m, an average east-west width of 300 m, a depth of 60 m, and an average surface area of 16.5 ha. The altitude above sea level is 1645 m. It is surrounded on three sides by very steep slopes, covered with beech and pine forests, which give the lake a rare beauty. It has crystal clear and cold water. During the winter it freezes on the surface. Due to its great depth and chromite deposits at its bottom, it has a black color. It is rich in a living and diverse world and forms an interesting ecosystem of alpine lakes.
It can be visited according to the itinerary: from the Burrel-Peshkopi national road, or the Bulqizë-Zerqan road then the walking path to Liqeni i Zi. - 3 Maja e Dhoksit (Dhoksi Peak). Dhoksi lakes are located in the northeastern slope of the main peak of Mount Dhoksi (2020), in a well formed and relatively large cirque complex. The glacial lakes of Dhoks are also known as Duriçe lakes after the name of a tribe in the area, and sometimes as the Skënder lakes, based on the name of the main lake, which is believed to be related to the name of Skanderbeg, a toponym or an affiliation that has remained for centuries. The cirque complex where the lakes lie is located at an altitude of 1700-1900 m, with an area of 200 hectares of different plants.
- 4 Ujëvara e Duriçit (Duriçi Waterfall). It is located on the northern slope of Mount Dhoksi, very close to the city of Bulqiza, 3.3 km from the city center, of which 2.2km can be reached by car, the rest is on foot.
- 5 Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut (on the southernmost slope of Mount Temla). Approximately 1000 m above sea level. Its position shows a spectacular view over the Bulqizë valley and beyond. The tower was built around 1450 by the Skanderberg army that served as a military unit to protect the country by the enemy.
- Gurra dhe shpella e Zerqanit (Zerqan's rocks and caves) (near the homonymous village). At an altitude of 740 m above sea level, it consists of several karst phenomena (spring and cave), which emerge at the lithological contact between the Upper Triassic limestones and the terrigenous. It has clean and cold water. It creates a very attractive environment. It has scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological), cultural, didactic and touristic values. It is visited according to the Bulqize city-Zerqan villages itinerary.
- Lugina e Drinit të Zi (Black Drin Valley). Through the twisted gorges and stunning natural beauties, the Drin Valley offers a fantastic landscape. The Black Drin provides an extraordinary rafting experience, attracting the attention of locals as well as foreign tourists, who, in addition to the famous tourist spots, come to explore the Drin River.
- 6 Shpella e Valit Martanesh (Vali`s cave). The Cave of Val in Martanesh is one of the most interesting monuments of the Bulqiza district. It is 250 meters long, up to 35 meters wide, and 25 meters high. It is the cave where water disappears, as the locals call it. A cave full of unknowns, where without any funnel and without any hole, the river of Biza ``disappears`` without a trace. The Cave of Val is full of mysteries. Located in a short distance from Bulqiza and the capital Tirana, the cave can be visited by all. Distance: 52.8 km from the center of Bulqiza.
- 7 Parku Kombëtar Shebenik-Jabllanicë (National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë). The Shebenik - Jabllanicë National Park is located in the northeastern part of our country, within the forest management boundaries of Librazhdi. The park has a total area of 33,927.66 hectares, where the main part is occupied by forests, followed by pastures, agricultural lands, non-productive lands, rocky areas, and plots. There are numerous ecological values, both the flora and fauna, as well as the tourist landscapes, with towering beech, fir, black pine, juniper, brushwood, and a rich variety of herbaceous plants. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 92.3 km.
- Shpella Xixëll Martanesh (Xixëll Cave). It is also known by the names Xixëlla and the Battle of 1860, Xixëll the Qerbela bridge. It is located near the village of Peshk in the Administrative Unit of Martanesh, 1200 m above sea level. It constitutes a field shaped by glaciers and karst, with an almost oval shape, over 1.5 km in length and several hundred meters wide. In the middle, there is a well-preserved grown fir tree. Nearby, there is a karst spring and a monument for the battle of Sheh Fejzë Bulqiza, as well as a stone bridge named the Qerbela bridge. Historical events of the 19th century in the region have also taken place here. Religious festivals with pagan roots are organized here. It has scientific values (geological, geomorphological, historical), didactic, ecological, and cultural. It can be visited according to the itinerary of the city of Bulqizë - Peshk. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 50.7 km/
- 8 Muzeu Bulqizë (Bulqiza Museum), Shetitorja e Bulqizës. The museum is divided in three sections: archeological, ethnographic and chromium mine museum.
February 18, 1948, marks the official establishment of the largest chromium mine in the country. On September 29, 2023, the ethnographic and mining museum open for the first time in Bulqizë.
Bulqiza has a very rich cultural heritage that we find exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum. The museum displays traditional costumes from the region, as well as objects from ancient traditions with specific characteristics.
Do
[edit]Hiking to Maja e Dhoksit, Ujëvara e Duriçit, Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut, Guri i Vashës, Mali i Bardhë, Malësia e Gollobordës.
The Bulqiza area offers untouched nature, all still to be discovered on long hikes through mountain trails, river valleys, forests rich in flora and fauna, and magical water springs. Daily hikes in nature can take place in every season of the year, but winter is not recommended due to bad weather.
Sailing on the Black Drin River – The Black Drin provides an extraordinary experience in rafting.
Cave exploration – For cave exploration enthusiasts, it presents a quite interesting territory from a geological perspective with rocks, caves, natural cavities, and underground water. For safety reasons, we suggest being accompanied by a local guide.
Mountain biking – You can experience this adventure on unpaved roads, in a beautiful nature rich in biodiversity.
Horseback riding – Families and guesthouses can offer their visitors the opportunity to engage in horseback riding in the wild nature.
Village walks – The village and the rural landscape in general are considered as an oasis of tranquility, nature, and relaxation.
Play football at Kalçeto Terziu.
- 1 Kalçeto Terziu, Fushë-Bulqizë, ☏ +355686389571.
Buy
[edit]There are many shops, markets, fruit and vegetable stands, in every corner. You can buy fresh local products like dairy products, fruit, vegetables and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania, typically plum-based, but also found made from grapes.
There is only one bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and one ATM in town, Bulqiza e Re.
There is an Western Union Office, Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre.
Exchange office, Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre.
- 1 Big Market Bulqiza, Shetitorja e Bulqizës.
- 2 Spar & Jumbo Bulqizë, Rruga Naim Frashëri, ☏ +355 69 404 0069 (mobile).
- 3 Market Basha, ☏ +355 68 200 1094 (mobile).
- 4 Hasmeta 1, Rr. Hasmeta, ☏ +355 68 606 3367 (mobile).
- 5 Café Pizza Plus, Fushë-Bulqizë, ☏ +355 69 854 5941 (mobile).
- 6 Market CAMI, Shupenzë, ☏ +355 69 674 9311 (mobile).
- 7 Pazari i Shupenzës, Shupenzë.
Eat
[edit]Restaurants generally offer fresh seasonal traditional food, affordable almost for everyone. Bulqiza is mountainous, so the products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains and valleys. Some restaurants offer seafood too. There are a lot of lakes and rivers in the area.
- 1 Bujtina Hupi, Rruga Skenderbeu, ☏ +355 68 837 3793. 4000 lek.
- 2 Bar restorant Stone, Fushë-Bulqizë, ☏ +355 69 567 0472. 500–1,000 lek; 1,000–1,500 lek; 1,500–2,000 lek.
- 3 Café Pizza Plus, Fushë-Bulqizë, ☏ +355 69 854 5941. Pizza, crepes, drinks, market, gas and petrol station. 500–1,000 lek.
- 4 Troja Resort, Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë, ☏ +355 68 313 1631.
- 5 Jeton Resort, Ura e Çerenecit, Diber, ☏ +355 69 551 0372.
- 6 Mona Lisa Pizza Bar, Shetitorja e Bulqizes, ☏ +355 68 222 4740. 500–1,000 lek.
- 7 Verrini Restorant, Fushë-Bulqizë.
- 8 Pishat Resort, rruga me pisha, Bulqizë Vajkal.
- 9 Zabel House, ☏ +355 68 394 2558.
- 10 Fish Krajkë, Krajkë.
- 11 Byrektore Pastiçeri Torja, Shetitorja e Bulqizes.
- 12 Kafja e Rremës, Fast-Food, ☏ +355 68 288 7954 (mobile).
Drink
[edit]Cafés and bars usually serve only drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Relax Lounge Bar also serves croissants for breakfast.
- 1 Relax Bar Lounge.
- 2 Vila Grand.
- 3 Bar Hotel Everest, Bulqize - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2, ☏ +355 68 538 8474.
- 4 Center Coffee Bar.
- Bar Kafe Big Ben, Pedonale.
- 5 Hotel Bulqiza, Shetitorja e Bulqizes, ☏ +355 219 22371.
Sleep
[edit]Accommodation structures in the city are of different types. The price depends on the type and conditions they offer. Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used. You can also book by calling them or chatting on their social media, or direct at the reception. Cash payment is common, but you have card payment option too.
- 1 Hotel Bulqiza, Shetitorja e Bulqizes, ☏ +355 219 22371. Located in the town center, featuring air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar café and a 24-hour front desk. It’s one of the largest and most equipped options in Bulqiza. 60€.
- 2 Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi), Rruga Skenderbeu, ☏ +355 68 837 3793. A cozy, traditional guesthouse with warm hospitality. 40€.
- 3 Hotel Everest, Bulqizë - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2, ☏ +355 68 538 8474. 25€.
- 4 Hotel Irdi, Rruga e Arbërit.
- 5 Hotel Kaci Petrol, Kaci petrol, Shupenzë.
- 6 Hotel Troja, Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë (In Troja Resort), ☏ +355 68 313 1631. Located ~23 km away, this resort-style hotel offers excellent value—rooms. It includes parking, a restaurant, and a garden setting.
Connect
[edit]Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Free public WiFi is not available.
There is a post office in town, Posta Shiptare, Bulqiza e vjetër.
Stay safe and healthy
[edit]The town is generally quiet and safe, but in case something happens, we will inform you where to go.
There is a Police Station in Bulqiza e vjetër, where you can report any danger that threatens you.
In case of damage or accidents, you can contact the emergency services. In Bulqiza e vjetër there is a hospital, Spitali i Bulqizës (works 24 h), and three medical centers that work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday. Two of them are located in Bulqiza e vjetër, and one in Bulqiza e re. You can also find medical centers in almost every village.
The city has a large number of pharmacies. Since the city is small, it is very easy to find them, and also a lot of Dental Clinics, all located in Bulqiza e vjetër.
You will also find the fire department service, located in Bulqiza e vjetër.
There are plenty of Petrol Stations alongside the main road. The service is good.
People are generally kind and helpful, but they do not always respect traffic rules. Beware of bad drivers.
In case of car damage, you can get service at car service stations. They are generally located along the main road.
Emergency Numbers:
Emergency: 127 Fire Brigade: 128 Police Station: 129/ 112