Maja e Ostrovice (vogel)

Maja e Ostrovices, near Elbasan, has the same name as its more famous namesake in Korca region, though it is 1000 Meter lower. We therefore call it Maja e Ostrovices (e vogel, or the small one), and hope that nobody takes offense.

We noticed Ostrovice when travelling from Studen to Librazhd, and Ostrovice appears as a sharp pyramid to the west. We immediately decided to give it a try at the next possible date. Ostrovice sits somewhere between Labinot in Elbasan district and Shengjergj in Tirana district.

The biggest challenge for hiking Ostrovice, therefore, is to find it. It may take longer to drive to the trailhead than to climb to the summit.

The hike is easy and not strenuous. Still, we gave it a moderate rating, because orientation is not easy, and because its remoteness.

Though not particularly high, Ostrovice (and getting there) provides for excellent views, including to Tomorri, Polis, Gafer, Shebenik, Jablanica, Snoijt, Dajti (from the backside) and many more. On a clear day in late October the views went far, and autumn colors gave everything a special tint. The very summit of Ostrovice is covered in trees, which also provide possibly welcome shade on a hot summer day.