Vjosa Wild River National Park, Protected river system in southern Albania
Vjosa Wild River National Park is a protected river system in southern Albania featuring untamed waterways that flow through canyons, rapids, and natural meanders. The landscape includes forests, meadows, and steep banks that follow the river from its upper reaches down to the coast.
The park received official protection following years of advocacy against dam projects that threatened to alter the river's natural flow. The fight to preserve this area connects to broader international efforts to protect Europe's remaining free-flowing rivers.
Local communities practice traditional fishing methods that shape daily life along the riverbanks, adapting their routines to conservation measures that protect the water and wildlife. These customs remain visible in how people interact with the river today.
The area is accessible for rafting, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching with infrastructure at main entry points throughout the park. Water levels vary by season, which affects conditions for each activity, so it is worth planning your visit timing based on your preferences.
The river supports a wide range of animal species, including otters and Egyptian vultures, many of which have become scarce elsewhere in Europe. The ecosystem thrives without major human structures like dams that have reshaped most of Europe's rivers.
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