Fierzë Lake and Shala River Boat Access Guide

Updated 2026-11-01 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.

Getting from Shkodër to Shala River or Fierzë

Take a morning minibus (furgon) from Shkodër to Koman terminal.
Arrive at the Koman ferry pier by 09:00.
Board the large ferry for Fierzë (Valbonë route) or a smaller boat specifically for Shala River.
For Shala River, travel roughly 1.5 hours to reach the beach area; for Fierzë, remain on the main ferry for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

How do you reach Shala River by boat?

Shala River is only accessible by small passenger boats departing from the Koman Dam pier.

Because the river is shallow and narrow, the large car ferries going to Fierzë cannot enter this branch. You must board a dedicated 'Lumi i Shalës' boat. These usually depart once per day in the morning and return in the late afternoon, making it a common day trip.

Is there a car ferry to Fierzë?

Yes, large ferries transport both passengers and vehicles between Koman and Fierzë daily.

The car ferry is a vital link for travellers heading to Valbonë National Park. It is highly recommended to book vehicle spots in advance during summer months, as space is limited. The journey offers views of the vertical canyon walls of the Drin River valley.

What are the typical boat departure times?

Most boats depart from Koman between 09:00 and 10:00 and return from their destinations by 15:00 or 16:00.

There is generally only one main departure window per day. If you miss the morning boats, you may have to hire a private boat, which is significantly more expensive. In winter, schedules are reduced and may be cancelled due to weather or water levels.

How much does the boat trip cost?

Prices vary by boat type, with passenger tickets generally ranging from 10 to 20 Euros one way.

Car transport costs significantly more and is calculated based on the size of the vehicle. It is standard practice to pay in Albanian Lek or Euros on-site, though some ferry operators now offer online booking portals.

Route	Boat Type	Duration
Koman to Fierzë	Large Ferry	2.5 - 3 Hours
Koman to Shala River	Small Longtail	1.5 Hours
Fierzë to Koman	Large Ferry	2.5 - 3 Hours

When is the best time to visit?

The main season runs from May to September when water levels are stable and all boat services are operational.

During peak July and August, the Shala River area can become very crowded. Late May and June offer the best balance of manageable temperatures and fewer crowds. In late autumn and winter, the Shala River boats typically cease operations entirely.