Kruja is a small mountain town (about 20,000 people) at 600 m elevation, an hour's drive north of Tirana. This is where Albania's national hero Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti) held his fortress against the Ottomans for 25 years in the 15th century. Today there are three main draws: Kruja Castle with panoramic views of the mountains and plains stretching to the sea, the Skanderbeg Museum inside the walls (entry 500 ALL), and the Old Bazaar – a 400-year-old cobbled trading street leading up to the castle, selling carpets, antiques, and souvenirs. Also inside the fortress: the Ethnographic Museum, the Dollma Tekke (an 18th-century Bektashi shrine), and ruins of a medieval church with a watchtower.
From Tirana to Kruja, furgons (minibuses) cost about 400 ALL round trip, taking 45–60 minutes. They depart from the bus terminal when full. By rental car – 45 minutes; the uphill road is narrow and winding. All attractions are within walking distance of each other (from the bus stop to the castle is less than 1 km). Half a day is enough to cover the essentials. If you want to hike up to the Sari Saltik Cave in the mountains, plan a full day. Important: the last furgon back to Tirana leaves around 4:00 PM. Museums may be closed on Mondays during the off-season (November–May).
