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Albania

Vlorë

Bistrica Reservoir – View of the Vjosa River loop from Natural Monument The Blue Eye

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Albania

Vlorë

Bistrica Reservoir – View of the Vjosa River loop from Natural Monument The Blue Eye

Easy

4.5

(258)

1,553

hikers

Bistrica Reservoir – View of the Vjosa River loop from Natural Monument The Blue Eye

01:12

4.32km

70m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

654 m

Bistrica Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

The stop for the "Bimmelbahn" is located directly at the dam - or you can walk about 1.5 km to the "Blue Eye"

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.90 km

Bridge at the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Highlight • Bridge

Leads to the blue eye of Albania

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.04 km

View of Syri i Kaltër (the Blue Eye Spring)

Highlight • Natural Monument

This excursion is particularly worthwhile in the early morning hours (access possible from 8 a.m. for 50 lek). After a 1.5 km long hike you reach this breathtaking water spring from which around 6000 liters per second (!) flow out.

Even if you would like to treat yourself to a fresh swim in this crystal clear water, you unfortunately have to forego it as swimming is prohibited in this nature reserve. The sight alone makes a visit highly recommended.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.16 km

View of the Vjosa River

Highlight • Viewpoint

A really great viewpoint. Wonderful colors.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.16 km

View of the Blue Eye Spring Outflow

Highlight • Natural Monument

Beautiful hiking trail on the east side of the reservoir. A bit of fitness and good shoes are beneficial.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.19 km

View of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Highlight • Viewpoint

A karst spring around 50 m deep in the middle of a fairytale pine forest. 6 cubic meters of water bubble up per second. The "Blue Eye" is supposedly the spring with the most water in Albania. The water, which is only 12°C warm, shimmers in the sunlight in all shades of color and, depending on the sunlight, appears from bright turquoise green to dark royal blue. Hence the name "Blue Eye". The spectacular landscape around the Syri I Kaltër has an almost jungle-like character and is a nature reserve. During the communist era, access was reserved for the party elite. From Saranda it is only about 30 minutes by car to the Syri I Kaltër lake. The Syri I Kaltër is a popular destination, especially in summer on weekends. Anyone who wants to experience the shimmering blue mountain lake without a large crowd of visitors should plan a visit during the week. There is a cozy restaurant on site (fish).

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.47 km

View of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Highlight • Natural Monument

In good weather, great reflections on the water surface

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.48 km

Syri i Kaltër Forest

Highlight • Forest

Beautiful untouched nature

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.32 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.41 km

1.20 km

702 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.34 km

1.14 km

1.08 km

594 m

170 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (200 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

Weather

Saturday 27 June

34°C

19°C

14 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Bistrica Reservoir – View of the Vjosa River loop from Natural Monument The Blue Eye

Bistrica Reservoir

Bridge at the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

View of Syri i Kaltër (the Blue Eye Spring)

View of the Vjosa River

View of the Blue Eye Spring Outflow

View of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

View of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Syri i Kaltër Forest

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