Best Things to do in Kruje, Albania (2024 Guide)
Looking for the best things to do in Kruje, Albania? We got you covered. Kruja is a small town between Tirana and the Albanian Alps. It’s known for its castle and colorful local crafts in the shopping bazaar. Though many skip Kruja for larger cities, we believe it’s worth a stop if you have time. You can visit Kruja in a half-day. Whether heading north to Shkoder or south to Tirana, stop by Kruja for a few hours.
A Brief History of Kruje
Krujë, a small village in Albania, is historically significant. In Roman times, it was inhabited by the Albani clan, making it an important city then. Later, during the Middle Ages, it served as Albania’s first capital.
Krujë is famous for being the birthplace of Skanderbeg, a national hero who fought the Ottomans for 25 years until his death in 1468. Albania has a history of foreign rule, but Skanderbeg temporarily changed that by uniting Albanian troops against the Ottoman Turks.
Even today, the villagers of Krujë take great pride in their history. Skanderbeg remains central to Krujë’s identity, making it a fascinating stop on any trip to Albania.
Things to do in Kruje
Kruje, a medieval village, is near Tirana, Albania’s capital. It’s ideal for a day trip. It’s a good stop on an Albania road trip before heading to Theth in the mountains. The village sits near Mount Krujë, surrounded by green hills and a small river. When you arrive, it feels like entering another world. The old town center is beautiful with must-see sights you can explore for an hour or two. Krujë has a genuine Balkan atmosphere, interesting history, and welcoming locals that make it a delightful place to visit.
1. Visit Kruje Castle
At the top of a high hill overlooking the village, there’s a strong castle in an oval shape. It’s a key part of Kruje’s history. Skanderbeg and his army of 3000 used it in the 15th century. That’s why Krujë Castle is a must-see in Albania.
As you walk through the castle ruins, think about the battles that happened here. Skanderbeg raised the Albanian flag here and fought the Ottomans for years. Today, there are two museums, a Turkish bath, and good restaurants to visit.
Read also: Castles and Fortresses to Visit in Albania
The castle isn’t just historic—it also has stunning views. At 608 meters above sea level, you can see far. Look out over the village, river, and mountains. On clear days, you might even see Tirana and the Adriatic Sea!
Entrance Fee & Opening Times: You can enter the Krujë castle grounds for free, and they’re open 24/7.
2. Visit The Old Bazaar
One of the most lively and interesting things to do in Kruja is to visit the Old Bazaar. Situated near the castle, this historic market dates back to the 15th century and was constructed during Skanderbeg’s leadership. I
n the past, it was a busy hub of trade, where craftsmen and artisans from different areas gathered to buy and sell goods. Today, the market stands out as one of Albania’s finest examples of an ancient shopping street.
Read also: Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)
Although the market is fairly small, you’ll be amazed by the variety of wonderful shops you can find there. You can discover almost anything here, from old-fashioned pots and candle holders to embroidered slippers, handwoven rugs, and wooden crafts.
Some of the sellers might be persistent in urging you to visit their shop. Simply say “no thank you” politely and keep walking if you’re not interested.We sought out some of the shops that appeared more upscale and bought a few souvenirs (rugs) to bring back home with us.
Tip: Be sure to bring cash, as almost all the vendors accept only Albanian Lek and don’t take cards.
3. Visit the Museums in Kruje
On the lower part of the castle grounds, you’ll discover two museums that offer a special look into Albania’s history and culture. As you enter, you’ll see the impressive National Skanderbeg Museum on your left and, a bit closer, the Ethnographic Museum of Krujë.
The National Skanderbeg Museum is one of Albania’s most well-known museums. It shows what the castle used to be like and celebrates Skanderbeg’s stories with beautiful paintings and historical artifacts.
The Ethnographic Museum, on the other hand, is housed in a traditional Ottoman home and explores how Albanians lived during Ottoman times.
Fun fact: Even though the National Skanderbeg Museum’s building looks ancient, it was actually built in 1982. It was designed by the daughter of the well-known communist leader, Enver Hoxha.
Read also: Best things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)
Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
You can visit the National Skanderbeg Museum every day from 9 AM to 1 PM, and then again from 3 PM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is 500 LEK (about 4.20 USD). The Ethnographic Museum is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, and the entry fee is 400 LEK (about 3.40 USD).
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Kruje
There are many restaurants near Kruja castle, but here are a couple we suggest.
Restaurant KROI – The food is good and offers a wide range of traditional Albanian dishes, as well as pizza.
Bar Restorant Bardhi Agroturizem – Situated inside the fortress walls, this restaurant serves delicious Albanian food with a stunning view over the valley.
Where to Stay in Kruje
While you can visit Krujë in a day from Tirana, it’s also nice to spend the night there. The best place to stay is in the old part of town, near the market and close to the castle. You’ll enjoy great views of the landscape around. If you decide to stay overnight, one night is usually enough.
How to get to Kruje
Kruje is a wonderful place to visit, whether you’re just going for the day or including it as a stop on your trip to other parts of the country like Theth. Many people begin their journey in the capital city Tirana, and from there you can drive or take a bus to Kruje.
How to get to Kruje by Car
The best way to reach Krujë is by car. Renting and driving a car in Albania is a great experience because you can explore the country at your own pace. From the capital, it’s about a one-hour drive north through beautiful scenery to reach Krujë.
If you prefer not to drive yourself but still want private transportation to Krujë, you can take a taxi instead. The trip to the village will take about the same amount of time, depending on traffic, and will cost between 3000 to 3500 LEK (equivalent to 25 to 30 USD).
How to Get to Kruje by Bus
If you plan to use public transportation in Albania, taking the bus is the best way to get around. Whether you’re traveling from Shkoder to Kruja or from Tirana to Kruja, there are a few options available.
How to Get From Tirana to Kruje by Bus
There is a bus leaving for Kruja from the Tirana bus station every hour between 7am and 4pm. The bus journey takes just under an hour. Please note that the bus station is located outside the city center. To reach the station from Tirana center, you’ll need to take a local bus or taxi. A bus ticket costs 200 Lek.
How to Get From Shkoder to Kruje by Bus
There is only one bus per day between Shkoder and Kruja. The best option is to make a day trip from Tirana or stay overnight in Kruja before heading to Shkoder. The bus ride takes 1.5 hours and the ticket costs 300 Lek.
Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)
How much does it cost?
Food, lodging, and things to do are reasonably priced in Albania. Just keep in mind that most places only accept cash. It’s smart to always carry enough cash with you. There are many ATMs around Albania that take foreign cards, but they often charge a fee. The recommended bank for withdrawals is Credins Bank. Be sure to withdraw enough cash in Tirana before going to the mountain village of Krujë.
Costs of Traveling in Krujë
To travel affordably in Krujë, you can plan your budget between $140 to $220 USD per person per week for basic expenses. If you prefer a bit more comfort, expect to spend between $290 to $450 USD weekly. For a luxurious experience, budget around $420 to $590 USD per week. Keep in mind that your overall costs will vary based on where you stay, how you get around, and what you do each day. Flight costs are not included in these estimates.
Best Time to Visit Krujë
Krujë is a popular spot for tourists coming from Tirana since it’s just a short drive away. The ideal time to go there is in early or late summer, like June or September. It’s warm but not as scorching hot as August, which can hit 40 degrees Celsius. This means you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and explore when there are fewer tourists around.
Read also: Best Things to do in Albania in 2024
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