Nestled in the rugged mountains of Northern Albania, the road from Shkoder to Lepushe and Vermosh, two remote villages in the Accursed Mountains, weaves a story that spans centuries. This ancient route, once a narrow path carved by shepherds and traders, has evolved into a vital artery connecting isolated villages to the wider world. Already existing while the Ottoman Empire, it was an old trade route used by caravans. The journey is not just a passage through breathtaking landscapes but also a voyage through the rich cultural tapestry of the region, highlighting the significance of Lepushe, a small village that has been a silent witness to the transformations in this rugged region, from the days of communism to the present. Where traditions endure and the spirit of the people remains unyielding.
The village of Lepushë dreaming against a dramatic mountain backdrop at sunset. The landscapes of the Albanian Alps in the Kelmend region, the “Enchanted Mountains”, with their stone houses and mountain huts, fascinate nature lovers, hikers and adventurers. With his pictures, Mayer aims to capture the unspoiled nature and people that have been preserved here over the centuries and through the changing influences of history.
The Rash Serpentines are steep, winding switchbacks that offer breathtaking views of deep valleys and towering peaks. The twisting road reveals panoramic vistas of rugged terrain and lush, forested slopes.
Tourists are crossing an abandoned military checkpoint near Rapshe, which stands as a silent reminder of Albania‘s isolationist past, where tight border control once guarded against escape or infiltration. Decades later, it echoes the resilience of a region now embracing transformation.
The shepard Pashko Grishaj (77) and his wife Drande (66) in front of their farm house in Lepushë.
The green mountains near Lepushe rise majestically, their slopes covered in dense forests and vibrant meadows. The road offers sweeping views of these lush peaks.
From the Rash serpentines, there is a spectacular view of the crystal-clear, shimmering blue River Cem, which meanders through a deep valley lined with steep cliffs, and the border with Montenegro.
Tamarë is a small, picturesque village nestled in the mountainous landscapes of northern Albania, where stone houses are scattered along green hillsides beneath towering cliffs. The village is a peaceful retreat, with a clear river running through its valley and functions as the supply center of the region.
A local farmer and his son harvesting hay in the traditional way with less environmental impact in Vermosh.
The Catholic church of Rapshe rises elegantly in the middle of a mystical landscape. Its striking tower rises into the sky, while a blanket of mist envelops the surrounding mountains after a rain.
An old man with his horse and cart in Vermosh, located on the banks of the Vermosh river.
An elderly goatherd with weathered clothes drives her herd of goats through the rugged mountains.
Two hikers before starting their trail in the morning at Bujtina Tradicionale in Lepushë.
The Bujtina Tradicionale (guest house) in Lepushë, which is part of the ecotourism in this region. On the left, the newly built huts, for which mainly local materials were used, offer individualists a fantastic view in harmony with nature.
A guest in the Bujtina Tradicionale in Lepushë waits for the freshly prepared local breakfast in the traditional Oda (dining room), which is lit only by the open fire and small lamps.
Farm-to-Table Dining: A lamb raised on the pasture in front of the house is grilled with wood for hours and prepares a tasty dinner for the guests.
After dark, Tome Dragu, owner of Bujtina Tradicionale guest house, remains busy, embodying the tireless dedication that defines Albanian hospitality. His commitment ensures that every detail reflects the warmth and tradition of the region.
Simple and clean accomodations, offered by locals, reinforcing the idea of harmony with nature.
In the garden of their guest house in Vermosh, northern Albania, an elderly couple reflect on their enduring connection to their land and the traditions that have been part of their way of life for generations.
The local bar in Tamarë offers a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the countryside for a while.
At the cozy guesthouse „Cafe Natrya“ in Vermosh, Mrs. Mitaj welcomes her guests with a traditional spread of olives, sheep‘s cheese, and fresh bread, offering a warm taste of Albanian hospitality.
Shepherdess Grande Grishaj (66) in front of her farm lives from sheep farming in the village of Lepushë.
A female shepherd guides her sheep through the rugged northern Albanian landscape near Lepushë, embodying generations of resilience and tradition.
Shepherd Pashko Grishaj (77) and his wife Drande (66) after work in their traditional living room, also known as the „Oda“, where the host receives and entertains guests.
The host Tome Dragu leaves his guesthouse in Lepushë, a picturesque alpine village in northern Albania, nestled in the Albanian Alps, known for its untouched landscapes, traditional stone houses, and vibrant cultural heritage.