The sixth stage in a tour through Albania takes you from Fushë Lurë to Tirana. Via paved and unpaved roads you drive through the Ulza Nature Park on a number of spectacular roads towards the South. The road winds along Lake Ulza, via Qafë-Shtamë National Park and via Lake Bovilla and the gorge of the same name to the capital of Albania.

Today you leave the Lurë National Park. Perhaps you took a nice walk along the glacial lakes? The first kilometers you drive along the border of the Park and you can still enjoy the beautiful mountains here. You glide through the valley and follow the Uraka River towards the South. Large parts of the road are unpaved, so it has all your attention. An occasional stop on the side of the road to enjoy the view is definitely worth it.

You haven't finished one bend before you dive into the next. Eventually you reach the asphalted road and drive leisurely to Lake Ulza. The small lake plays an important role in the biodiversity in the area and nourishes a number of impressive oak forests in the area.

A little further along the route, you can stop for a break in the small town of Burrel. The town was once known as the apple town, because many of the streets in and around the town were full of apple trees. These trees were cut down during communism, so you don't see any anymore. Unfortunately, communism has also left another scar here. The town became known for a notorious prison, where opponents of communism were locked up for long periods of time in the past. Take some time at the Orkidea restaurant for something tasty to eat and drink.

The second part of your route you enter Shtamë Pass Nature Park. This mountain area of more than 2,000 hectares consists largely of pine forests, which provide good protection for the wolves, foxes and brown bears in this area. There are also several springs in this area, from which Qafshtama, the national mineral water, is bottled.

From this park you turn onto a dead-end part of the route. Don't skip this as it will take you to Krujë Castle. This castle is famous for its resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. When various areas and castles had to surrender to the Ottoman army one by one during this period, this castle managed to hold its ground. Partly thanks to the “Albanian Dragon”: Gjergj Kastrioti. As a child he was taken as a hostage to Turkey, only to return to Albania later in life and lead the uprising against the Ottomans.
In the castle you can learn more about this history and the Dragon of Albania. And in the vicinity of the castle you will find (remains of) an old bazaar and mosque. Walk through the narrow streets, absorb the (tourist) atmosphere and enjoy the local products at a delicious restaurant.

After this historical intermezzo you drive back the same way. An unpaved branch is created along the asphalted road towards the south. Follow this into the valley until you arrive at a wooden bridge over the Zeza river. Take the time here for some beautiful (action) photos of your motorcycle and the modest waterfall in the background.

The unpaved road leads you to a beautiful place. Lake Bovilla. It's a popular spot, so be aware of traffic on this road. The lake was created in 1998 by damming the Tërkuzë River. Its main function is water supply for the city of Tirana. A small road branches off from the main route and climbs up the mountain. At the top of this road you will find a parking lot and a restaurant. From here you have a beautiful view of the reservoir. If you have skipped a break in Krujë, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks here.

Via beautiful hairpin bends you descend deeper towards the lake and eventually drive into the Bovilla gorge. The clear blue water shows you the way through the gorge. Please note that your navigation may be disrupted here. Fortunately, there is only one main road through the gorge towards Tirana, your final destination for today.

After a long and hopefully beautiful day, you arrive in the capital of Albania. Of course you can refuel here again and end your day at a nice hotel. This time Hotel Elisa near Melia. The hotel is within walking distance of a number of special locations in the city, such as the Pyramid of Tirana, the House of Leaves and Bunk'Art. If you have the time, stay here for one or more days to explore the city.