Berat: Osumi Canyon & Bogova Waterfall Day Trip with Swim

Summary

Swim beneath waterfalls hike Osumi Canyon from Berat with stories

You’ll hike through forest paths to Bogova Waterfall for a cold swim (if you dare), then explore Osumi Canyon’s wild stone corridors with a local guide sharing legends along the way. Private transport keeps things easy between stops, and there’s time for sunbathing or just listening to canyon echoes. Bring your sense of humor — some memories last longer than dry shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that the waterfall?” I asked, but our guide Erion just grinned and kept walking — apparently it’s always further than you think. The hike from Bogova village isn’t hard, just a bit muddy in places (my shoes are still drying out), and the air smelled like wet earth and wild herbs. You hear the waterfall before you see it — this low roar tucked behind trees — and then suddenly there’s this blue pool, colder than I expected. One of the guys from Tirana dared us to jump in. I did, but only for about ten seconds because wow, Albanian mountain water does not mess around.

After drying off in a patch of sun (my towel ended up covered in pine needles), we piled back into the van for Osumi Canyon. The drive is bumpy but you get these flashes of tiny villages and sheep everywhere. Erion told us stories about Abaz Aliu and pointed out Kasabashi bridge — he laughed when I tried to pronounce it right. Walking inside the canyon felt like stepping into a different world: huge stone walls, little streams trickling down, birds echoing above us. We stopped at “the bride’s hole” (which sounds odd in English), and he explained why locals believe it brings luck. It was quiet except for our footsteps and sometimes you’d catch this cool wind coming through the rocks.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there — or to laugh so much with people I’d just met that morning. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Osumi Canyon & Bogova Waterfall from Berat, just bring extra socks and an open mind. Some moments stick longer than others; for me it’s that first icy shock under the falls, and Erion’s stories winding through the canyon air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bogova Waterfall and Osumi Canyon

• Drive 45 minutes to Bogova village
• Take a short refreshment break
• Hike 40 minutes to Bogova Waterfall
• Relax and swim at Bogova Waterfall
• Drive 20 km to Osumi Canyon
• Explore Osumi Canyon for two hours
• Visit Kasabashi bridge and panoramic spots

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Berat to Osumi Canyon & Bogova Waterfall take?

The drive to Bogova village takes about 45 minutes, followed by a 40-minute hike. After visiting the waterfall, there’s another 20 km drive to Osumi Canyon with around two hours exploring inside.

Is swimming included at both Bogova Waterfall and Osumi Canyon?

You can swim at Bogova Waterfall and in some pools inside Osumi Canyon depending on weather conditions.

Are guides included during the tour?

Yes, an accompanying local guide is included throughout your day trip.

Is transportation provided from Berat?

Private transportation is included from Berat for all parts of the tour.

What should I bring on this day trip?

Bring comfortable walking shoes (it can be muddy), extra socks, swimwear if you want to swim, and maybe a towel.

Are swimming jackets provided?

Yes, swimming jackets are included as part of your tour package.

Can people of all fitness levels join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to organizers.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this day trip from Berat.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Berat between all stops, swimming jackets for safety during water activities, half-liter bottled water to keep you going on hikes or after a swim, plus an accompanying local guide who’ll share stories along every stretch of trail or canyon wall.