Plizio Visual Lab
Lake Koman
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
Weather…
Water temperature…
Lake Koman is an artificial reservoir in northern Albania, created by the damming of the Drin River during the construction of the Koman hydroelectric power station between 1978 and 1988. Covering an area of approximately 12 square kilometers, the lake stretches through extremely narrow, canyon-like valleys flanked by limestone cliffs reaching heights of up to 600 meters. The dam itself stands 115 meters tall and serves as a primary source of electricity for the national grid. Due to the rugged terrain, the lake remains a vital transport corridor, with ferries providing the only connection between the settlements of Koman and Fierza. Water depth reaches over 90 meters in certain sections, making it one of the deepest reservoirs in the Balkans. Ecologically, the region is part of the Albanian Alps and hosts numerous rare plant species within its inaccessible shoreline zones.
- Location: Albania
- Top sights: Komani Lake · Kalaja e Dalmacës · Kisha Peshkopale
- Nearby: Lake Koman (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 124 | 114 | 110 | 87 | 78 | 56 | 33 | 34 | 93 | 115 | 150 | 142 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The journey typically starts by driving the severely degraded and winding road from Shkodër up to the Koman ferry terminal. The scenic boat rides from here serve as the primary access to the lake's upper reaches.
Best season
The ferries operate most reliably from late spring through early autumn, providing brilliant sunshine and clear views. Winter weather brings heavy rains, low visibility, and frequent schedule disruptions.
Terrain & paths
Since the experience is predominantly on board a moving vessel, the terrain involves steep, rocky embarkation points. Any optional hikes around the small side valleys will require navigating very rocky shores.
What to bring
Pack warm layers even on sunny days, as the wind roaring through the deep mountain canyons can be surprisingly cold. Sunglasses, cameras, and some basic snacks are vital for the long boat journey.
Parking
Parking at the Koman terminal is notoriously chaotic and extremely limited. Arriving significantly before your scheduled departure time is crucial to secure a spot before the ferries start boarding.
Safety
Follow the crew's instructions closely when moving around the open deck. The drive to the terminal itself is narrow and plagued by potholes, requiring slow, defensive driving and constant attention.
Time needed
The classic boat journey across the lake typically takes around two and a half to three hours each way. Most tourists incorporate this ferry trip into a full-day transit to the remote Valbonë Valley.
Geography
Facts
- Construction period: 1978 to 1988
- Height of the dam: 115 meters
- Maximum water depth: over 90 meters
- Surface area: approx. 12 km²
- Primary inflow: Drin River
- Installed capacity: 600 megawatts
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lake Koman (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry on Koman Lake?
Yes, daily ferries and boats operate between Koman and Fierza.
How long does the ferry ride take?
The trip between Koman and Fierza takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Can you take cars on the ferry?
Yes, there are car ferries, but advance booking is highly recommended.
Where does the ferry start?
The departure point is the Koman hydro station, about a 1.5-hour drive from Shkodra.
Is the scenery really that impressive?
Yes, the lake resembles a Norwegian fjord with high, steep rock walls on both sides.
Lake Koman: where is it located?
Lake Koman is located in Albania.
Lake Koman: what is there to see?
Highlights include Komani Lake, Kalaja e Dalmacës, Kisha Peshkopale.
Lake Koman: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lake Koman: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Koman is an artificial reservoir in northern Albania, created by the damming of the Drin River during the construction of the Koman hydroelectric power station between 1978 and 1988.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Albania →
Nearby cities
Arapaj
Arapaj is a historical village near Durrës, famous for the remains of one of the largest early Christian basilicas in the Balkans.
Vau i Dejës
Vau i Dejës is a small town in northern Albania located at the exit of the Drin gorge.
Postribë
Postribë is a village rich in history northeast of Shkodra on the Kir River.
Shkret
Shkret is a mountain village in the Kruja region known for its traditional olive oil production and wide views of the central Albanian co…
Krujë
Krujë was the center of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire under Skanderbeg.
Kukës
Kukës is located in the mountainous northeast of Albania on the shores of Lake Fierza.
Golem
A popular seaside resort south of Durrës, known for its extensive sandy beaches, pine forests, and a wide variety of modern resorts.
Qerret
Qerret is a popular coastal village in Albania with fine sandy beaches and warm waters.
Kavajë
Kavajë is a historical city located near the Adriatic coast.
Bulqizë
Bulqizë is the heart of Albanian chrome mining and home to one of the world's largest chrome mines.
Tropojë
Tropojë is a historical village in northeastern Albania, near the border with Kosovo.
Balldren
Balldren is a village north of Lezha, serving as an important transport hub between the coast and the Mirdita highlands.
Lezhë
Lezhë is a historic city in northern Albania.
Fushë-Krujë
Fushë-Krujë is located in the plain below the historic city of Krujë.
Peshkopi
Peshkopi is the center of the Dibra region in eastern Albania.
