2024 - Trek in the mountains of Albania

We are traveling with Nil Hoppenot. This photographer traveled 10,000 km on foot to cross Europe through its mountains, from Portugal to Turkey. He talks about his crush on Albania.

Posted on 07/23/2023 09:15

Update on 07/23/2023 14:23

Reading time : 5 min.

Nil Hoppenot and his partner Marie Couderc sign the book "Two steps towards each other" published by Glénat. They recount their crossing of Europe on foot for two years. (NIL HOPPENOT) — Nil Hoppenot and his companion Marie Couderc sign the book “Two steps towards the other” published by Glénat. They recount their crossing of Europe on foot for two years. (NIL HOPPENOT)

Nil Hoppenot explored Albania “the land of eagles” in the summer. Or 640 km traveled over 36 days with his partner Marie Couderc. The mountains south of Pogradec particularly marked him. These medium mountains reminded him of the landscapes of the American West. “We had problems with the cartography. Because there is little infrastructure, but with the D system, the experience is wonderful!”

Berat, the city of a thousand windows. Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, it is one of the best preserved cities of Ottoman influence in the Balkans. (NIL HOPPENOT)

Albania is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. In these mountains, Nil met shepherds, gatherers…

The majestic formations of Guri I Kamjes in Pogradec district, Albania. (NIL HOPPENOT)

Nil and Marie initiated the “1kg for the planet” project, which involves producing waste collection bags made from plastic bottles. A gesture to raise awareness among local populations.

The golden rule for camping: leave the places you take at least as clean as on arrival. Nil Hoppenot and Marie Couderc are followers of "leave no trace", they never leave anything behind. (NIL HOPPENOT) — The golden rule for camping: leave the places you take at least as clean as on arrival. Nil Hoppenot and Marie Couderc are adept at “leave no trace”, they never leave anything behind. (NIL HOPPENOT)

Nil and Marie met an extremely generous and welcoming people. “All those people who leave us their bed”. This was the case in these mountains of southern Albania.