Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park

Established in 2008, it protects one of the country's most rugged mountain landscapes and is internationally recognized for its ancient beech forests, glacial lakes, and exceptional biodiversity.

Landscape

The park covers about 34,508 hectares, with elevations ranging from roughly 300 meters to more than 2,200 meters. Its scenery includes dramatic mountain ridges, alpine meadows, deep valleys, dense forests, and 14 glacial lakes formed during the last Ice Age, making it one of Albania's premier destinations for hiking and nature photography.

Wildlife and conservation

The park forms part of the European Green Belt, an important ecological corridor stretching across Europe. It provides habitat for rare species including the Balkan lynx, brown bear, gray wolf, golden eagle, and numerous endemic plants. A section of its ancient beech forests, centered around the Rrajca area, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Visiting

The most popular activities are hiking, wildlife observation, mountain trekking, and exploring the glacial lakes. Trails range from relatively accessible forest walks to demanding high-altitude routes, with late spring through autumn generally offering the best hiking conditions. A visitor center is located in Fushë Studë, which serves as a gateway to several of the park's main trails.

Why it stands out

Shebenik-Jabllanicë is among Albania's newest national parks and remains one of its least-developed protected areas, giving visitors an opportunity to experience extensive wilderness with relatively little crowding. Its combination of pristine forests, glacial landforms, and habitat for endangered wildlife makes it one of the country's most significant natural conservation areas.