SH-21

Dare to drive the dangerous Road SH-21

SH21 is the name of a spectacular high mountain road located in Albania. The road climbs up to Thore-Pass. 

How long is the Road SH-21 in Albania?

The road is 55.5km (34.4 miles) long running west-east from Koplik (a city and urban municipality, serving as the capital of the Malësi e Madhe District) to Theth (a community in the Shalë municipality, Shkodër District, in Shkodër County). The road was built in 1936.

Is the Road SH-21 in Albania open?

Set high in the Albanian Alps, on the northwestern tip of the country, the road tops out at Thore Pass (the highest point of the road at 1.691m-5,547ft above the sea level). It is usually impassable from November to May.

Is the Road SH-21 in Albania paved?

Surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, the road was fully paved on September 2021. It is narrow though, with a few turnouts in the newly paved section.

Is the Road SH-21 in Albania dangerous?

Tucked away in the Theth National Park, the road is pretty challenging and hairy. It features steep sections, hitting a 15% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. It’s narrow with high drops. Nothing too bad if you’ve no fear of heights. Avoid Sunday afternoons.
Pic: Rrustem Haradinaj *Mulosmani*