Vjosa Wild River National Park

Vjosa Wild River Overview

Vjosa Wild River National Park, or Parku Kombëtar i Lumit të Egër Vjosë in Albanian, is one of Europe’s newest national parks and a landmark of conservation success. Officially designated in 2023, it is located in southern Albania and spans approximately 167 square miles (432 square kilometers), protecting the entirety of the Vjosa River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe.

This pristine river flows for about 170 miles (270 kilometers), beginning in the Pindus Mountains of Greece and winding its way through Albania before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The park’s location encompasses diverse landscapes, including riverbanks, forests, and meadows, providing an awe-inspiring environment for both nature enthusiasts and conservation advocates.

The terrain of Vjosa Wild River National Park is defined by its crystal-clear waters, gravel bars, oxbows, and braided river channels. The river is flanked by rugged hills and limestone mountains, with notable features such as the Trebeshina-Dhëmbel-Nemërçka mountain range creating a dramatic backdrop.

Dense riparian forests and Mediterranean vegetation thrive along the riverbanks, including willows, poplars, and oleanders, while alpine meadows dominate the higher elevations. The park’s landscapes remain largely untouched, offering a glimpse into what many of Europe’s river systems once looked like before widespread damming and industrialization.

Vjosa Wild River National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide array of species that depend on its unaltered ecosystems. The park supports over 1,100 plant and animal species, including several endemic and endangered species. Among the mammals, visitors might spot otters, European jackals, or Balkan lynxes, a critically endangered subspecies.

Birdwatchers can marvel at species like the Dalmatian pelican, golden eagle, or black stork, all of which thrive in the park’s undisturbed habitats. Fish species, such as the European eel and Vjosa shad, are particularly abundant in the river, benefiting from the free-flowing waters that provide critical spawning grounds.

One of the most popular features of the park is the Vjosa River itself, celebrated for its untamed beauty and importance as a natural heritage site. Visitors can enjoy kayaking or rafting on its gentle and sometimes thrilling rapids, offering a unique perspective on its unspoiled grandeur.

The surrounding hills and trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, while photographers are drawn to the area’s striking scenery and vibrant biodiversity.

The establishment of Vjosa Wild River National Park represents a monumental conservation achievement. For decades, the Vjosa River was threatened by plans to construct hydropower dams, which would have irreversibly altered its ecosystems. Through the collaborative efforts of local communities, environmental organizations, and the Albanian government, the river has been safeguarded as a natural treasure.

However, challenges remain, including the need for ongoing funding and monitoring to ensure its protection from illegal activities such as poaching and pollution. The park stands as a symbol of sustainable development, balancing ecological preservation with the promotion of eco-tourism and community well-being.

Park Map

Vjosa Wild River National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The bird species of Vjosa Wild River National Park are equally captivating, with many thriving in the park’s diverse habitats, from riverbanks to forested areas. Below are some of the more popular bird species found in the park:

Golden Eagle
A majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars high above the park’s mountains, hunting small mammals and birds.

White Stork
This large, long-legged bird is often seen nesting in the meadows near the river, feeding on insects, fish, and amphibians.

Common Kingfisher
With its striking blue and orange plumage, the kingfisher is a frequent sight along the Vjosa River, diving into the water to catch fish.

Eurasian Hoopoe
Recognizable by its vibrant crest and unique call, the hoopoe frequents open areas near the river and feeds on insects.

European Bee-eater
This colorful bird migrates to the park during warmer months, where it catches bees and other flying insects in mid-air.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon nests on the cliffs and hunts for smaller birds in the open skies.

Grey Heron
A large wading bird, the grey heron is often spotted along the riverbanks, standing still in shallow water as it hunts fish.

Barn Owl
This nocturnal bird roosts in tree hollows or old structures near the park, feeding on rodents and small mammals.

European Roller
Known for its vivid blue plumage and acrobatic flight displays, the roller inhabits open woodlands and meadows near the river.

Cirl Bunting
This small, colorful songbird is often seen in the scrublands and meadows, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

Vjosa Wild River National Park, located in Albania, is a unique and pristine ecosystem celebrated for its biodiversity and vibrant aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. As Europe’s first wild river national park, it is home to an array of species thriving in the unspoiled waters and surrounding landscapes. Below are some of the more popular animal species found in the park:

Balkan Lynx
A critically endangered subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, this elusive cat roams the forests surrounding the river. Its distinctive spotted coat helps it blend seamlessly with its environment.

European Otter
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the clean waters of the Vjosa River, where it hunts for fish and other aquatic prey. Known for their playful behavior, otters are a keystone species in the park.

Golden Jackal
Found in the meadows and woodlands near the river, the golden jackal is a cunning and adaptable predator that plays an important role in the ecosystem.

Wild Boar
Common in the forests and scrublands of the park, wild boars are integral to the food chain, foraging on roots, nuts, and small animals.

Brown Bear
These large mammals inhabit the mountainous areas near the park, where they forage for berries, roots, and fish, contributing to the ecological balance of the region.

Balkan Chamois
A nimble, goat-antelope species, the Balkan chamois is often seen scaling the rocky cliffs surrounding the Vjosa River.

Eurasian Badger
This nocturnal mammal digs burrows in the soft earth near the riverbanks and plays a key role in soil aeration.

Fire Salamander
A brightly colored amphibian, the fire salamander can be found in the damp and cool areas of the park, particularly near streams and forest floors.

Grass Snake
A non-venomous snake commonly found near water, the grass snake is an important predator of amphibians and fish in the Vjosa ecosystem.

Balkan Trout
This freshwater fish, endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, thrives in the clean, fast-flowing waters of the Vjosa River, representing the health of the aquatic ecosystem.