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Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park: Albania's Eastern Gem

Discover Albania's hidden gem: Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park, where rugged mountains meet pristine glacial lakes and diverse wildlife thrives.

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Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park, established in 2008, is a haven of rugged mountains, dense forests, and pristine glacial lakes along Albania's eastern border with North Macedonia. It offers diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Shebenik National Park

  • Qarrishtë, AL
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots, as trails can be rugged.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for insights into the park's ecology and history.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Librazhd, drive east on the SH3 road towards Qarrishtë. Continue for approximately 22 kilometers. As you approach Qarrishtë, look for signs indicating the entrance to Shebenik National Park. The main entrance is located just outside the village. Parking is generally free. No tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    From Librazhd, find the local bus station and take a bus towards Qarrishtë. Buses typically run every hour, but schedules can vary. The journey should take around 30-45 minutes. Once you arrive in Qarrishtë, you may need to walk approximately 1-2 kilometers to reach the park entrance. Bus fare is approximately 200-300 Lek.

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Discover more about Shebenik National Park

Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park, one of Albania's newest national parks, sprawls across 33,928 hectares of the Librazhd and Bulqizë regions, bordering North Macedonia. Named for the Shebenik and Jabllanice mountains, the park boasts a diverse landscape sculpted by glaciers during the last ice age, with elevations ranging from 300 to over 2,200 meters. The park is a mosaic of ecosystems, from dense beech, oak, fir, and pine forests to alpine meadows dotted with 14 pristine glacial lakes. These lakes, nestled between 1,500 and 1,900 meters above sea level, add to the park's stunning beauty. The area is also home to the rivers Qarrishte and Bushtrice, each stretching 22 km long. Shebenik-Jabllanice is a biodiversity hotspot, harboring endangered species like the brown bear, grey wolf, and the critically endangered Balkan lynx. The park also boasts a rich variety of flora, with 32% of Albania's plant life found within its borders, including rare and endemic species. Visitors can explore marked hiking trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The park also holds historical and cultural significance, with traces of early settlements dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, and traditional villages dotting the landscape.

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