Shebenik National Park, National park in eastern Albania
Shebenik National Park is a protected mountain area in eastern Albania, covering glacial lakes, dense forests, and alpine meadows. The terrain rises from low elevations to peaks above 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), creating a wide range of natural habitats across the park.
The geology of the area formed during the Triassic and Jurassic periods, leaving behind rock formations that still shape the landscape today. The area was officially protected when it became clear that its ancient beech forests were among the least altered in Europe.
The park is known for rare orchids visible in the meadows and for eagles that regularly circle above the ridgelines. Visitors who walk the forest paths quietly have a good chance of spotting both.
A visitor center in the village of Fushë Studë provides information on trails and protected zones within the park. Summer is generally the best time to visit, as mountain paths are more accessible and weather conditions are more stable.
The Bushtrica River, which runs through the park, is home to a trout species found nowhere else in the world. This species was described by scientists only recently, which shows how little studied this part of Albania had been.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
