For the first time ever, Albania is becoming part of a major European hiking trail. The international E6 route—one of Europe’s most renowned long-distance hiking trails—will now pass through Albanian territory, entering from Shkodra. The news was announced during a meeting held in Elbasan, attended by the President of the European Hiking Federation and the President of the Albanian Mountaineering Federation.

“We now have the opportunity for a European trail to pass through Albania. Several years ago, during a meeting, we decided that two European routes would pass through the Balkans. It has now been confirmed that the E6 and E12 trails will go through Albania. The E12 will follow the Mediterranean coast, but today we are focusing on promoting the E6 trail. This trail will enter Albania from Shkodra via Montenegro. Today, we are here to discuss the development of the E6, and it is very important to announce that the first kilometers of E6 in Albania will be completed this year,” said Boris Micic, President of the European Hiking Federation.

This development is expected to significantly boost the promotion of Albania’s mountain tourism and natural beauty, bringing economic benefits and increasing the number of both domestic and international tourists.

“As the Albanian Federation of Hiking and Mountaineering, we have signed an agreement to develop one of the main hiking nodes—E6—which brings tourists who walk and explore every city and village along the way. There will be three main entry and exit points for this trail: Qafë-Thana, Ohrid, and Shkodra, as well as Qafë-Bota. These are the key locations where the E6 European trail will pass,” said Artur Guni, President of the Albanian Mountaineering Federation.

This marks a significant step toward placing Albania firmly on the European map for mountain tourism and outdoor adventure.