The brutal road to Nikc through the Cemit Canyon is pure Albanian adventure
Nikç is a small town at an elevation of 660m (2,165ft) above the sea level, located in the Malësi e Madhe District of Shkodër County in Albania. Be careful: this road is not for the sissies. One mistake can have consequences.
Is the road to Nikç unpaved?
Set high on the northwestern part of the country, near the border with Montenegro, the road to the town is very difficult. It’s totally unpaved, narrow, muddy and littered with knee-deep potholes. Along the way you’ll have to deal with dangerous drop offs and crossing defiant bridges. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. The most demanding part of the drive is running through the scenic Cemit Canyon, a small canyon carved by the Cemit River. Not recommended to newbies.
How long is the road to Nikç in Albania?
Tucked away in the Cemit Valley, the road to the town is known as Nikç Road. Starting at the paved SH 20 Road, it’s 13.1 km (8.13 miles) long. The road is very steep, hitting a 15% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
Pic: Attila Gulyas