Berat: Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall Day Trip with Swim

Summary

Swim at Bogove Waterfall hike Osum Canyon from Berat with local stories

You’ll meet locals in Polican’s old streets before hiking through forest trails to Bogove Waterfall—if you’re brave enough for a swim! Explore Osum Canyon’s dramatic views with your guide sharing legends along the way. Expect cold water, warm bread, and stories you’ll want to remember long after you leave Albania.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Berat when our guide, Ardit, started telling us about Polican — “the gun town,” he called it. He slowed down so we could see the old factories through the window, their concrete skeletons poking out of the green hills. I asked if anyone still worked there and he just shook his head, but you could tell he had more to say. We stopped for coffee in a tiny bar where a man in a flat cap nodded at us but didn’t smile; I think he was sizing us up. The air smelled like woodsmoke and something sweet I couldn’t place.

The drive toward Osum Canyon felt longer than it looked on the map, but maybe that’s because the roads wind so much. When we finally got out to stretch our legs, Ardit pointed down into the canyon — honestly, my stomach flipped a bit looking over the edge. The river below looked almost fake, that pale blue-green color you only see in postcards. He told us about Abaz Ali and how people come here to touch the “footprint” for luck; I tried to listen but kept getting distracted by the sound of water echoing up from below. It was colder up there than I expected — brought my jacket just in case, so that worked out.

The best part for me was hiking through Bogove Park toward the waterfall. The trail was soft underfoot and sometimes you’d catch this whiff of wet earth mixed with wild herbs (rosemary? thyme? never sure). When we reached Bogove Waterfall, Ardit dared us to swim — I went in first and nearly lost my breath from how cold it was. Everyone laughed at my yelp; even some local kids watching thought it was funny. The sun came through the trees in these weird little patches, making everything look kind of magical for a second. I still think about that chill when I close my eyes.

Lunch was simple — bread, cheese, tomatoes — but after swimming it tasted perfect. Someone passed around raki (not sure who snuck that in), and we sat on rocks until our clothes dried out enough to walk back. On the way home, nobody talked much; just tired in that good way where your legs ache but your mind feels full. If you’re wondering about a day trip to Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall from Berat… well, I’d do it again just for that swim.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall tour

• Meet at office in the morning
• Drive towards Osum Canyon
• Stop in Polican and learn history
• Hike through Bogove National Park
• Swim at Bogove Waterfall
• Visit Abaz Ali holy site
• Explore or hike Osum Canyon

Top questions

How long does the Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip starting in Berat and includes several stops; expect around 8 hours total.

Is swimming at Bogove Waterfall included?

Yes, swimming is possible for those who want to try—the water is very cold even in summer.

What’s included in this day trip from Berat?

The tour includes private transportation, a picnic lunch, and a local guide throughout.

Can you explore inside Osum Canyon all year?

No—full canyon exploration is only possible during dry season (July–September); other months focus on viewpoints above.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is included; your guide will meet you at your accommodation or central meeting point in Berat.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—the hikes are moderate and suitable for most people with basic fitness.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket (it can be chilly), swimsuit if you plan to swim, and some cash for snacks or coffee stops.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Berat with pickup by your guide, a relaxed picnic lunch after swimming at Bogove Waterfall (with plenty of fresh bread and cheese), plus time exploring Osum Canyon’s trails—before heading back as evening sets in.