Fierza Reservoir, reservoir in Albania and Kosovo
Fierza Reservoir is a long, winding body of water in northeastern Albania that stretches into Kosovo, formed by damming the Drin River. It sits between steep mountain slopes and deep gorges, giving it a narrow, branching shape with small inlets and islands scattered along its length.
The dam was built in the late 1970s to produce electricity for Albania, making it one of the country's main sources of hydropower. When the waters rose, the old town of Kukës was flooded, and its residents were relocated to a new town built on higher ground nearby.
Small villages dot the shoreline, where fishing and farming still shape everyday life much as they have for generations. Wooden boats tied along the banks are a common sight, giving the place a rural character that feels far removed from city life.
The roads along the shore are winding and sometimes narrow, so a sturdy vehicle is helpful when exploring the area. Mornings tend to offer the calmest conditions on the water, which is useful if you plan to take a boat trip or walk along the banks.
When the water level drops significantly during dry periods, the foundations and remnants of old Kukës occasionally surface near the shore. Divers sometimes visit the site to explore the submerged ruins, which lie on the bed of the reservoir in a few dozen feet (roughly 10 to 20 meters) of water.
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