Geography and geology

No other part of the Balkans offers high mountain scenery of such distinctively rugged and forbidding beauty. The barren karst landscape is a regular feature, since the rock here is predominantly limestone – indeed this is Europe’s largest region of karst topography. Thanks to its unique Geo-morphology and hydrology, the region has become the focus of important scientific karst research. Dolines (sinkholes), chasms and karst caverns are found wherever water penetrates the rock. These barren, rocky wildernesses can provide unusual attractive itineraries for hikers; until now, however, they have brought little in the way of economic development to the indigenous population.

The valley of Theth was formed by the ice movements, especially on the northern side. Theth has mountains that are up to 2570 meters over the sea level. This height is reached at the top of Radohima. The inhabited area of Theth is positioned 600 to 1000 meters over the sea level. Theth is linked to some other areas through some strips that are up to 1600 meters over the sea level.

In the territory of Theth and around it are located 170 caves and semi caves, from which ten are internationally known. The most beautiful and the most important are the cave of Rrathëve and the cave of Harapi.