Free tour
Cold War Bunkers & Tunnels of Pogradec
No ratings yet
Guru: Eljo
PRO
Verified quality
Registered on 11 October 2022
I am Eljo Thoma Miti, a certified local guide and high school teacher. I live in Pogradec, by the Lake of Light (Lihnid), which inspires my vision. I hold a degree in Geography and History and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and I speak English and Italian. My work combines education and a passion for nature, creating meaningful and authentic experiences for visitors and young people.
Through Lihnid Tours, I guide visitors to explore the history, culture and natural beauty of southeastern Albania. From ancient Illyrian roots to the communist period, highlighting UNESCO heritage and uncovering hidden treasures off the usual tourist paths.
Lihnid Scouts strengthens this mission by engaging young people, connecting them with nature, and fostering awareness of cultural and environmental heritage.
For more information, visit www.lihnidtours.com
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
Discover Albania’s Cold War past through a unique walking tour of communist bunkers in Pogradec, near Lake Ohrid.
During the communist dictatorship, Albania became one of the most isolated countries in the world, covering its landscape with hundreds of thousands of bunkers. On this tour, we walk through scenic areas by the lake and nearby hills, stopping at hidden bunkers that tell powerful stories of fear, isolation, and control.
This experience goes beyond concrete structures. Through storytelling, historical context, and local perspectives, you will learn:
- How communism shaped everyday life in this border region and how its legacy is remembered today.
- The purpose of bunkers and underground tunnels
- Life near the border during the Cold War
- Albania’s isolation and military mindset
- How these sites are viewed today
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Meeting Point
Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point wearing a Lihnid Tours badge
1
Outside visit
Pogradec Tunnel & Bunker
On the first itinerary, heading toward Lin, our initial stop will be at the so-called Fortesat of Pogradec.
Locally known by this name, these bunkers were built during the Italian occupation as part of a defensive military system.
Unlike the later communist bunkers, they are wider (about 1.2 meters) and showcase early military engineering designed to control strategic routes near the lake.
2
Outside visit
Guri i Kuq
Located near Memelisht village, abandoned ferronickel processing plant of Guri i Kuq once employed 4,300 people during the communist era.
Today, it stands as a striking reminder of Albania’s industrial past and offers visitors a glimpse into the scale of communist-era industry along Lake Pogradec.
3
Outside visit
Bunker viewpoint
As we enter Lin, the first bunkers appear along the northern route, built to protect the railway and the border with former Yugoslavia.
We will walk along the lakeside, with the opportunity to see many of these bunkers up close and explore their unique structures.
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts bookings of up to 30 people.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 1 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
