Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park - protected area in Albania

Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park is in the Librazhd and Bulqizë regions of Albania. It is one of Albania's newest national parks, having been created in 2008. The park occupies the northeastern section of the district of Librazhd and runs along the border with North Macedonia.

Understand

The Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park is named after two mountains in the park: Shebenik and Jabllanice. It is a new park, and thus underdeveloped

History

Landscape

The terrain of the park is mostly foothills leading up to mountains which reach over 2,200 meters high. It is covered in small pine and deciduous forests, as well as grazing meadows.

Flora and fauna

The part is home to a number of rare and endemic species of plants and wildlife. Beech, oak, fir, and other pine trees dominate the forested portions of the park. There are also a number of meadows and pastures. The brown bear, grey wolf, and Eurasian linx are all inhabitants of the area.

Climate

The climate is temperate with dry warm summers and cool wet winters, though the highest reaches of the park are often covered in snow until May.

Get in

By car

You can reach the park by car in a number of ways.

• From the north, from Peshkopi or Debar it can be reached by the Peshkopi-Librazhd road at the access in the village of Stebleve, or continue down to the entrances below.
• From Tirana, Elbasan or west, the park can be reached by the Tirana-Skopje Highway. Turn off in Librazhd and follow the signs for Peshkopi. After about 15 minutes, near the village of Dorez, signs detailing the park are on the right.
• From North Macedonia, Pogradec or Korca, take the Tirana highway and the park can be accessed just before the town of Prrenjas near the village of Rrajc. Also, you can continue to Librazhd, and access the park as described above.

By train

There are two entrances to the park are near Librazhd and Prrenjas, which both lie on the Tirana-Pogradec train line. Once in Librazhd or Prrenjas, follow the public transportation instructions.

By public transportation

Villages near the periphery of the park are served by minibuses from Librazhd and Prrenjas, which travel to park entrance points in Rrajc, Librazhd Katund, Dorez, usually early in the morning.

Fees and permits

There are no entrance fees.

Get around

Most of the roads around the periphery of the park are dirt roads, a few requiring four-wheel drive. Further, there are 4 marked hiking trails which traverse the park. Maps for the trails in the park can be obtained free from either the Info Point in Fushe Studen Tel +355 69 6223130 or from the Librazhd Forest Directorate, near the train station. +355 51 423 738 or +355 67 207 9658.

See

• The highest point of the park - 'Maja e Shebenikut' (Peak of Shebenik Mountain) with its breathtaking views of the Librazhd region and into North Macedonia.
• Festivals - a number of the villages in and near the park have annual festivals in the beginning of the summer

Do

• Go for a hike!
• Swim in a number of the small rivers or glacial ponds which cover the park.

Buy

Traditional Albanian food can sometimes be purchased from villagers. Make sure to try the dairy products, such as fresh cheese and buttermilk.

Eat

Wild blackberries, strawberries, plums, and figs can be found in the park.

Drink

There are a number of small bars in villages around the park. Ask to try the local raki (the variety made from dogwood tree, or Thanë as it's known in Albanian is quite good).

Sleep

Lodging

There are hotels in Librazhd and along the Tirana-Skopje National Road.

In Librazhd

• Lindi Komplex, Town Square (across From the City Hall), +355 69 224 1774. A room with two beds is 2000 leke a night and includes coffee, tea, or espresso as well as washing and ironing for those staying longer. Furthermore, extended visitors may negotiate lower prices. There is no reception, but you may inquire for a room at the attached bar which is open until midnight. The owner's name is Agron Gurra. 2000 leke

In the Park

• Hotel Hasa, Stebleve, +355 682158475. This 106-room hotel is just outside one of the entrances to the park in Stebeleve, about halfway between Peshkopi and Librazhd. Rooms which contain a queen size and a twin bed are 2,500 lek.

Camping

There are no establish camping sites in the park, but it is allowed in the confines of the park, but check to make sure you're not on someone's property!

Backcountry

Stay safe

Remember there are bears, wolves, and reportedly lynx living with the park. Practice caution around wild animals.

Go next

Fushe Studen - a small village close to the park. The village has a nice lake where you can camp also.

Tirana, Librazhd, Elbasan, Pogradec, Korca, Struga and Ohrid are all within a few hours of the main entrances to the park.