Whether you’re doing a day trip or staying overnight, we’ll help you with the best things to do in Kruje.
Krujë (also spelt Kruja or Kruje and pronounced Crew – yuh) is a short distance from the capital Tirana. This city has a picturesque old town, perched on the side of a mountain. As the former Albanian capital, and home of Skanderbeg, the Albanian National Hero, Kruja stands as a symbol of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans in the 15th century.
Krujë has a small but lively old bazaar, castle ruins and a great museum. Along with plenty of good restaurants, you’re bound to enjoy your day in Krujë.
In this post, you’ll not only learn the best things to do in Kruje, but we’ve also provided plenty of practical information on how to visit Kruje.
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Best things to do in Kruja
Krujë Castle (Kalaja e Krujës)
You’ll see the castle perched on the rocky outcrop as you’re approaching the city. We were actually surprised that Krujë is quite a large town, but it’s definitely dominated by the castle.
There is archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back to the 3rd century AD and the fortress was built in the 5th century. Krujë became the capital of Albania in the 13th century and was Skanderbeg’s headquarters. From here he led the resistance against the Ottomans.
The castle is a short walk up a hill from the old bazaar. The castle grounds are open 24/7 and from here you have beautiful views over the city and all the way to the sea.
Inside the castle grounds you’ll find several museums and other points of interest.
Skanderbeg Museum
The Skanderbeg Museum is located within the walls of Krujë Castle. The museum was built in the early 1980s, designed by a team of architects including the daughter of dictator Enver Hoxha. The building was designed to resemble a medieval fortress.
The museum opened in 1982 and details the life and exploits of the Albanian National Hero Gjerj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Born into a noble Albanian family, Skanderbeg rose up through the military ranks in the Ottoman military until he defected.
He then led the Albanian resistance against Ottoman occupation, uniting the people of Albania against their common enemy.
Under Skanderbeg’s leadership, the castle of Krujë resisted not one but THREE Ottoman invasions. The Ottomans laid siege to Krujë in 1450, 1466 and 1467. It wasn’t until after Skanderbeg’s death and a lengthy siege that they were able to conquer the city in 1468.
Skanderbeg wasn’t just a great military leader, he was also a respected statesman. He enlisted the support of other European leaders in his fight against the Ottomans. This respect for Skanderbeg is reflected in how many European cities have statues of him, or streets named after him, even to today.
The highlight of the museum for us was the large mural called “Endurance” which shows the resistance and victories of Skanderbeg throughout 25 years. In front of the mural, you can see a replica of Skanderbeg’s horned helmet and his sword. (The original helmet is housed in the Kunsthistoriches Museum in Vienna.)
Entry fee is 500 Lek. This was one of our favourite museums in all of Albania.
Church Tower Ruins
The high point in the castle grounds is the 15th century church. All that really remains is the tower, and it is held together with strapping while being renovated. During excavations a fragment of a much earlier fresco was discovered.
Apparently there are plans for further restoration and opening this tower as a museum for archaeological findings.
While we were visiting there were sheep grazing all over the ruins and around the tower!
Ethnographic Museum
You’ll also find an Ethnographic Museum within the castle grounds. This museum is housed in a typical Ottoman-era house, dating from 1764. Inside the museum you’ll find exhibits detailing typical life in Albania for a wealthy family.
We didn’t visit this Ethnographic Museum as we had visited a similar museum in Gjirokaster.
The Skanderbeg Museum and Ethnographic Museum are open daily 9am – 7pm through the summer (May to October) and 9am – 4pm daily but closed Mondays during the winter (November to April). For more information, check the Castle and museum website.
Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar of Kruje is small but well worth a stroll through. In the 17th-19th centuries there were over 200 shops here with artisans and handcrafts.
Nowadays you will find a good selection of souvenirs, carpets, local handcrafts like ceramics, felt hats and shoes. You’ll also find several antique stores selling artifacts from WW2 and the communist era.
Where to eat in Kruje
There are several restaurants between the Old Bazaar and the Castle entry. You’ll find traditional Albanian dishes like Tave Kosi, Fergese and grilled meats. We’d been eating lots of Albanian food and we were craving Pizza! We loved the pizza at Café Fabiani.
Kruje Travel Guide – Essential Information
How to get to Krujë
Kruje is located only a 45 minute drive from the capital, making it a perfect day trip from Tirana.
By Car
You can drive to Kruje, but be aware that the road up to the city is narrow and winding with several switchbacks. Once you arrive in town, you’ll be driving on narrow streets to get near to the castle and bazaar. We recommend following signs rather than Google Maps!
Where to park in Krujë
There are several parking lots near the castle and old Bazaar. The one we were heading for (listed on Park4Night) was closed, but we were able to park right next door at the Hysen Parking. Parking here costs €5 for cars and €10 for a campervan (price is for anytime up to 24 hours – so yes, you can overnight here if you wish).
By Taxi
We spoke to a couple of Belgian ladies who had taken a taxi to Kruje from Tirana for €35.
By Bus
You can take a regional bus from the South and North Bus Terminal in Tirana. The bus takes around one hour and costs 150 Lek. Busses depart several times a day.
To catch a bus in Albania, just board the bus and take a seat. A conductor will come around to collect your fare and give you a ticket. You’ll need to have cash (Lek) to pay for your fare.
On a tour
If you’d rather not drive yourself or deal with the hassle of catching public transport, you can take a day tour to Kruje from Tirana.
When to visit Kruje
The best time to visit Kruje is probably during the spring or autumn. We think this is the best time to visit anywhere in Albania! The weather is mild, and there will be less crowds.
Where to stay in Kruje
We are travelling around Albania in our Campervan. While we visited Kruja on a day trip from Tirana, we did park in a campervan friendly carpark. The HysenPark is located right near the Old Bazaar and the Castle. Parking a motorhome or van here costs 1000 Lek (€10) per 24 hours.
There are toilets here, and electric hook up if required (additional fee applies for electricity).
You’ll find plenty of accommodation options, from the large Panorama Hotel, overlooking the bazaar and castle to smaller family run guest houses. We recommend booking.com to check availability and pricing.
Tips for visiting Kruje
Wear good shoes – the cobbled streets are quite rough, especially in the bazaar. I can imagine them being slippery after rain.
Bring cash – lots of places don’t accept cards
Final thoughts – Is Kruja worth visiting?
Kruje presents an excellent opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Albania. The old town is compact enough to enjoy on a day trip.
Have you visited Kruje? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Where to next?
Spend some more time in the capital of Tirana, head down to the Albanian Riviera to enjoy relaxing on the beaches, or head north to Shkoder and the Albanian Alps.