Discover Albania
Discover Albania
A legend says: When God set out after a long time of creating the world to see what people had made of his work, he came to Albania at the end of his journey. Completely amazed and happy, he exclaimed: "Everything here is still as I created it!"
God's journey may have taken place several years ago, because Albania is one of those countries that was able to catapult itself forward economically and in terms of tourism within a very short period of time and at the same time swept aside all the negative prejudices that were circulating.
A legend says: When God set out after a long time of creating the world to see what people had made of his work, he came to Albania at the end of his journey. Completely amazed and happy, he exclaimed: "Everything here is still as I created it!"
God's journey may have taken place several years ago, because Albania is one of those countries that was able to catapult itself forward economically and in terms of tourism within a very short period of time and at the same time swept aside all the negative prejudices that were circulating.
"Albania of all places!?" - until a few years ago, this was the first reaction of many people when friends or family members set off for the unknown country in the Western Balkans on the southern Adriatic.
Of all places, to a country that far too many still associate with corruption, drug smuggling, crime and blood feuds. But Albania simply does not want to live up to its bad reputation. Nevertheless, drastic prejudices and half-truths persist about a country that has been considered one of the safest holiday destinations in Europe for more than 20 years.
However, attitudes have already changed in many people's minds. The media are reporting impressively about the alleged "last secret in Europe" and returning travelers are raving about their experiences and impressions. That's why many are now making their own way to Albania.
"Albania of all places!?"
- until a few years ago, this was the first reaction of many people when friends or family members set off for the unknown country in the Western Balkans on the southern Adriatic.
Of all places, to a country that far too many still associate with corruption, drug smuggling, crime and blood feuds. But Albania simply does not want to live up to its bad reputation. Nevertheless, drastic prejudices and half-truths persist about a country that has been considered one of the safest holiday destinations in Europe for more than 20 years.
However, attitudes have already changed in many people's minds. The media are reporting impressively about the alleged "last secret in Europe" and returning travelers are raving about their experiences and impressions.
Therefore, many are now making their way to Albania themselves.
And anyone who visits this small, foreign country without prejudice, scepticism or mistrust will experience something wonderful and be very surprised and impressed by its fascinating diversity.
Fantastic stretches of coast (there are said to be over 2,900 stretches of beach) with endless sandy beaches, rocky bays and diverse lagoons compete with an almost untouched, wild mountain landscape. In between there are deep valleys and fertile plains, original villages and lively, dynamic cities.
The ancient and eventful history, which is reflected in valuable cultural assets, is noticeable at every turn. The Albanians are characterized by warmth, helpfulness and hospitality, a trait that is hard to find in this world and seems to have long since died out, especially in Europe.
And anyone who visits this small, foreign country without prejudice, scepticism or mistrust will experience something wonderful and be very surprised and impressed by its fascinating diversity.
Fantastic stretches of coast (there are said to be over 2,900 stretches of beach) with endless sandy beaches, rocky bays and diverse lagoons compete with an almost untouched, wild mountain landscape. In between there are deep valleys and fertile plains, original villages and lively, dynamic cities.
The ancient and eventful history, which is reflected in valuable cultural assets, is noticeable at every turn. The Albanians are characterized by warmth, helpfulness and hospitality, a trait that is hard to find in this world and seems to have long since died out, especially in Europe.
Another circumstance that gives Albania a unique place in the Balkan travel landscape and at the same time increases its tourist value is its recent history in the 20th century. While Yugoslavia and Bulgaria built seaside resorts to attract tourists with hard currency, a paranoid dictator made travel in the country almost impossible for foreigners. The traces of this darkest chapter of the country's history are now an inseparable part of the tourist structure and Albania quickly learned not to just market the country's beautiful chapters. (We should also consider the country's long period of secrecy as a fortunate circumstance - otherwise its originality would have been lost and Albania would today be a country like many others.)
All this characterizes the proud nation in the Western Balkans.
Es gibt aber auch Schattenseiten, die dieses Juwel eher einem ungeschliffenen Diamanten gleichen lassen.
Sehr weit ist man noch entfernt von einer touristischen Professionalität und von einem Standard, die in den Nachbarländern längst selbstver-ständlich sind. In vielen, im Grunde alltäglichen, Abläufen wird noch improvisiert, kaum etwas ist perfekt. Nach der Öffnung des Landes wurden die Dinge im Hauruck-Verfahren umgesetzt, Routine und Erfahrung benötigen jedoch Zeit.
Daran sollte man bei einem Albanienbesuch immer denken und Rücksicht sowie Verständnis für den Lern- und Entwicklungsprozess aufbringen, der sicher noch etliche Jahre andauern wird.
Mit all diesen Voraussetzungen kann und wird man in diesem aufstrebenden Land zweifelsohne seine schönsten, unvergesslichsten Urlaubszeiten verbringen können.
Ganz nach dem albanischen Sprichwort:
"Man kann viele Länder bereisen und dabei werden viele Menschen in dein Leben treten, aber nur wenige hinterlassen Spuren in deinem Herzen."
Things to Know for Traveling to Albania
Below you will find frequently asked questions about traveling to Albania and the corresponding answers.
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Is Albania a safe country to travel to?
Die allgemeine Aussage sämtlicher diplomatischen Vertretungen lautet: Albanien ist ein absolut sicheres Reiseland! Die Vereinten Nationen bezeichnen es sogar als das sicherste Reiseland in Europa! Man sollte sich lediglich vor Augen führen, daß ein respektvoller Umgang mit Land und Leuten diese Sicherheit stabil hält. Kleinkriminalität gegenüber Ausländern ist äußerst selten!
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What should I bear in mind when entering the country?
A passport that is still valid for at least three months is recommended for entry (you will need this when applying for an Internet SIM card, for example). An identity card is valid for a stay of up to 90 days, which is currently the maximum length of stay, after which you must leave the country. Generally, you are allowed to stay for 2 x 90 days within a year.
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Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Albania
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What is the situation with health care in AL?
There are no health risks. Medical care is now first-class, and ultra-modern hospitals have been built; for an impression, take a look at the Spitali Amerikan or the Hygeia in Tirana!
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How many bunkers are there in Albania?
"Defending the fatherland is a duty above all other duties." This propaganda by Enver Hoxha from the 1970s is the basis for the construction of the alleged 700,000 bunkers in Albania, which were built between 1972 and 1984. Each conscript had to create his own small defensive structure, and Hoxha's goal was to have one larger bunker built for every four Albanians. In reality, however, there were only around 171,000, but enough. It was an expensive undertaking; the production of the prefabricated bunker parts consumed a large part of the defense budget. The huge amounts of reinforced concrete would have been better invested in building houses. Moreover, they never fulfilled their function; after the Second World War there was practically no interest in the small state. Today it requires enormous effort, again financial, to remove the tank-proof steel and concrete structures. In some places they still serve a purpose, such as a beach bar, cattle shed, toilet, garbage dump or as the foundation of a bathing jetty.
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Where can I find sandy and pebble beaches?
Die Küste im Norden Albaniens bis zum Llogara-Pass besteht aufgrund der Mündungsdeltas der großen Flüsse oft aus breiten und langen Sandstränden, die meist sehr flach ins Wasser abfallen. Manchmal ist dadurch die Algenbelastung größer.
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Fläche: 28.748 km²
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What language is spoken in Albania?
Albanian, of course! The language belongs to the Indo-European language family, but is nevertheless not comparable to any other language.
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When does AL have its national holiday?
Name: Republika e Shqiperisë
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What currency is used in Albania?
In Albania you pay with the Lek (Leke), the money cannot be obtained outside the country and cannot be exchanged.
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What should I bear in mind when driving in AL?
top speeds
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Im Grunde kommen nur Vodafone und ONE Telekom in Frage. Vom Preis-Leistungs-Verhalten gibt es keine großen Unterschiede und mit beiden Anbietern ist man auch im hinterletzten Winkel recht gut bedient.
-
Is Albania a safe country to travel to?
Die allgemeine Aussage sämtlicher diplomatischen Vertretungen lautet: Albanien ist ein absolut sicheres Reiseland! Die Vereinten Nationen bezeichnen es sogar als das sicherste Reiseland in Europa! Man sollte sich lediglich vor Augen führen, daß ein respektvoller Umgang mit Land und Leuten diese Sicherheit stabil hält. Kleinkriminalität gegenüber Ausländern ist äußerst selten!
-
What should I bear in mind when entering the country?
A passport that is still valid for at least three months is recommended for entry (you will need this when applying for an Internet SIM card, for example). An identity card is valid for a stay of up to 90 days, which is currently the maximum length of stay, after which you must leave the country. Generally, you are allowed to stay for 2 x 90 days within a year, with 90 days in between.
-
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Albania
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What is the situation with health care in AL?
Gesundheitliche Risiken bestehen nicht. Die medizinische Versorgung ist inzwischen erstklassik, es entstanden hochmoderne Krankenhäuser; für einen Eindruck könnt ihr einen Blick auf das Spitali Amerikan oder das Hygeia in Tirana werfen!
-
How many bunkers are there in Albania?
"Defending the fatherland is a duty above all other duties." This propaganda by Enver Hoxha from the 1970s is the basis for the construction of the alleged 700,000 bunkers in Albania, which were built between 1972 and 1984. Each conscript had to create his own small defensive structure, and Hoxha's aim was to have one larger bunker built for every four Albanians. In reality, however, there were only around 171,000, but enough. It was an expensive undertaking; the production of the prefabricated bunker parts consumed a large part of the defense budget. The huge amounts of reinforced concrete would have been better invested in building houses. Moreover, they never fulfilled their function; after the Second World War there was practically no interest in the small state. Today it requires enormous effort, again financial, to remove the tank-proof steel and concrete structures. In some places they still serve a purpose, such as a beach bar, cattle shed, toilet, garbage dump or as the foundation of a bathing jetty.
-
Where can I find sandy and pebble beaches?
Die Küste im Norden Albaniens bis zum Llogara-Pass besteht aufgrund der Mündungsdeltas der großen Flüsse oft aus breiten und langen Sandstränden, die meist sehr flach ins Wasser abfallen. Manchmal ist dadurch die Algenbelastung größer.
-
Fläche: 28.748 km²
-
What language is spoken in Albania?
Albanian, of course! The language belongs to the Indo-European language family, but is nevertheless not comparable to any other language.
-
When does AL have its national holiday?
Name: Republika e Shqiperisë
-
What currency is used in Albania?
In Albania you pay with the Lek (Leke), the money cannot be obtained outside the country and cannot be exchanged.
-
What should I bear in mind when driving in AL?
top speeds
-
Im Grunde kommen nur Vodafone und ONE Telekom in Frage. Vom Preis-Leistungs-Verhalten gibt es keine großen Unterschiede und mit beiden Anbietern ist man auch im hinterletzten Winkel recht gut bedient.
more information about Albania?
- Albania - Tour book for motorhomes and cars - a fascinating country for motorhomes and cars
- Albania - Offroad Guide - selected routes and destinations for adventurers
- Albania - Travel Guide - Europe's new top destination for individualists
- Albania - what? where to? 99 facts about a fascinating country on the move
- Western Balkans Camping Directory | Albania - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro
mehr Infos?
- Albanien - Tourenbuch -
für Wohnmobile und Pkw
ein faszinierendes Land für Wohnmobile und Pkw
- Albanien - Offroad-Guide -
ausgewählte Strecken und Ziele für Abenteurer
- Albania - Travel Guide -
Europe's new top destination
for individualists
- Albanien - wie bitte? wohin? -
99 Fakten über ein faszinierendes Land im Aufbruch
- Western Balkans Camping Directory - Albania - Bosnia and Herzegovina -
Montenegro
- Albanien - Landkarte -
1:150.000
von freytag & berndt
