With backpacks and sporting gear, many locals and visitors have caught sight of Ida and Marjan — a Slovenian couple walking through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Shkodër region. We met them at the iconic Mes Bridge (Ura e Mesit), their next stop on a remarkable journey through northern Albania.
“This is our first time here,” said Ida Oderlap Kranjc, smiling warmly. “We’ve visited Shkodër, and next we’re heading to Theth. We follow maps because we don’t know the area well. We’ve done everything on foot — the whole journey has taken about a month so far. We started in Kukës, then made our way to Valbona.”
Their Albanian adventure is just one leg of a broader trek across the Balkans. Ida shared that their passion for exploration brought them to Montenegro last year.
“We love this kind of adventure. Last year, we explored Montenegro. We hiked through Žabljak, Gusinje, and Plav. Our next destination now is Theth. We're still at the beginning of our journey in Albania, so we don’t know what to expect — but we’re excited.”
Despite their age, the couple continues to pursue a lifestyle of global travel — albeit with a slower pace and deeper appreciation.
“We traveled a lot when we were younger. Now that we’re a bit older, we’re taking things more calmly, and we’re truly enjoying this lifestyle,” Ida said. “Of course, carrying all this gear on our backs isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.”
Marjan, Ida’s lifelong travel companion, spoke briefly but fondly about their time in Shkodër. With modest English, he smiled and said:
“Super experience. I love the mountains here. The food is amazing — but the mountains, they are very beautiful.”
Ida and Marjan are among the many tourists exploring Shkodër during this time of year, but for them, Albania stands out. Between stunning mountains, rich culture, and warm hospitality, they describe this journey as one of their most memorable yet.
Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure — that no matter the age, the road ahead is still full of wonder.