Tracks in the north of Tomorr National Park

Berat is a city of 60,000 residents nestled in the valley of the Osum River. Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," visitors will quickly understand why: the white hillside houses, with their many black window openings, seem to gaze down like watchful eyes. In 1961, Berat was officially declared a museum city, and in 2008 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition is both an honor and a challenge for the city. On the one hand, strict UNESCO regulations must be followed, while on the other, there is a lack of economic activity to generate revenue. Tourism is the only sector that brings some money into the city.
Off-road enthusiasts can help support Berat by shopping in the city before embarking on this described tour through the northern Tomorr National Park. Or perhaps by stopping at a restaurant or café to replenish their energy levels—a good idea given the demanding nature of the track ahead.
About eight kilometers south of Berat, the route branches left off the SH 72, reaches the village of Bregas, and transitions to an unpaved road. From there, it begins a gradual climb into the mountains. With each passing kilometer, the surface worsens, as rough stones and ruts challenge the tires. Initially crossing bare rock, the trail eventually enters a dense forest and arrives at a spring that locals often use as a picnic spot.
Beyond this point, few vehicles venture further, and the trail is left largely untended. The result is a series of steep sections with deep ruts and rugged rocks, which are impassable without off-road experience, ground clearance, and four-wheel drive. Shortly after passing through the village of Dardhë, the route crosses the Dardhë Pass, where conditions improve. The gravel track becomes less demanding, curving gently downhill until it reaches the Devoll River Valley at Shemrizë.