Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park

Bjeshket e Nemuna Overview

Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, known as “The Accursed Mountains” in English, is a stunning protected area located in western Kosovo. Spanning approximately 235 square miles (608 square kilometers), it is one of Kosovo’s largest and most ecologically diverse national parks.

The park is nestled in the rugged Prokletije mountain range, which extends into Albania and Montenegro. Its striking landscapes feature steep cliffs, deep valleys, and a mix of alpine meadows and dense forests. Some of its most prominent peaks, such as Gjeravica, Kosovo’s tallest mountain at 8,714 feet (2,656 meters), serve as breathtaking landmarks for visitors. The park is also home to rivers like the Lumbardhi i Pejës and stunning waterfalls such as the White Drin Waterfall, adding dynamic elements to its natural beauty.

The terrain is exceptionally diverse, characterized by jagged peaks, limestone ridges, glacial valleys, and expansive alpine pastures. Ancient beech and fir forests cover significant portions of the park, offering a sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna.

Seasonal wildflowers bloom across the meadows, creating vibrant tapestries during spring and summer. Bjeshkët e Nemuna is also a biodiversity hotspot, providing habitat for over 1,500 plant species, many of which are endemic or rare.

Wildlife in the park is equally remarkable. It is a refuge for several large mammals, including the brown bear, gray wolf, and Balkan lynx, a critically endangered subspecies. Roe deer and chamois roam the higher elevations, while smaller mammals like red foxes and badgers thrive in the lower regions.

The park also supports an impressive variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and Eurasian eagle-owls are among the notable avian residents, while songbirds and woodpeckers are abundant in the forests.

Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hiking is one of the leading ways to explore its dramatic landscapes, with trails ranging from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, such as those on the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

Rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing are also popular activities, catering to adventurers year-round. For more tranquil experiences, visitors can enjoy picnicking near crystal-clear streams or visiting charming mountain villages that preserve traditional Albanian culture and hospitality.

Conservation remains a critical focus for the park’s management. Efforts to protect endangered species, restore degraded habitats, and combat illegal logging have seen some success, though challenges persist. The Balkan lynx, in particular, remains under threat due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Collaborative cross-border initiatives with Albania and Montenegro aim to strengthen the conservation of the broader Prokletije ecosystem.

Park Map

Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a rich variety of avian species. These birds add vibrant life to the park’s rugged landscapes and serene skies.

Golden Eagle
This majestic bird of prey is a symbol of the wilderness and can often be seen soaring high above the park’s mountains, scanning for prey with its keen eyesight.

Peregrine Falcon
Known for its incredible speed, the peregrine falcon is a skilled hunter that thrives in the park’s open skies and rocky cliffs.

Western Capercaillie
This large grouse is a striking sight in the park’s coniferous forests. The males are especially notable for their elaborate courtship displays during mating season.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owl species in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl can be spotted in the park’s rocky outcrops and forested areas, particularly during dusk and nighttime.

Common Buzzard
A widespread raptor, the common buzzard is often seen gliding on thermals above the park. It feeds on small mammals, reptiles, and carrion.

Black Woodpecker
This striking woodpecker, with its black plumage and red crown, inhabits the park’s forests, where it drills into trees to forage for insects.

White-throated Dipper
This small aquatic bird is often seen along the park’s streams and rivers, diving underwater to catch insects and small fish.

Alpine Chough
A social and acrobatic bird, the Alpine chough thrives in high-altitude areas of the park, where it feeds on insects and food scraps from visitors.

European Bee-eater
This vibrantly colored bird adds a splash of color to the park. It is often seen in open areas, catching flying insects with remarkable precision.

Rock Partridge
This ground-dwelling bird is well-adapted to the rocky slopes and open meadows of the park. Its distinctive call and camouflaged plumage make it a fascinating species to observe.

Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park (also known as the “Accursed Mountains” National Park) in Kosovo is a stunning mountainous region known for its dramatic peaks, alpine landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species that thrive in its rugged terrain and pristine environment. Below are some of the more popular species of animals found in the park, excluding birds and vegetation:

Eurasian Brown Bear
This iconic mammal roams the dense forests and high-altitude regions of the park. Known for its strength and size, the Eurasian brown bear is a key species in the ecosystem, playing a significant role as a predator and scavenger.

Gray Wolf
A symbol of wilderness, the gray wolf is one of the top predators in the park. These elusive creatures are known for their social behavior and hunting skills, often traveling in packs to hunt prey like deer and smaller mammals.

Balkan Lynx
This critically endangered subspecies of the Eurasian lynx is a rare sight in the park. With its characteristic tufted ears and solitary nature, the Balkan lynx symbolizes the conservation challenges in the region.

Chamois
This agile goat-antelope species thrives in the park’s rocky and mountainous terrain. It is well-adapted to steep cliffs and can often be spotted grazing in high-altitude meadows.

Wild Boar
A common resident of the park, wild boars inhabit the dense forests and open grasslands. These adaptable omnivores forage for roots, nuts, and small animals, contributing to the ecological balance.

Red Fox
The red fox is a familiar sight in the park, known for its striking orange coat and bushy tail. It is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats within the park.

European Badger
These nocturnal mammals are known for their digging abilities, creating extensive burrow systems. They play an important role in soil aeration and seed dispersal within the park’s ecosystem.

Golden Jackal
Similar to wolves but smaller, golden jackals are opportunistic predators and scavengers. They thrive in the park’s diverse habitats, from forests to grasslands.

European Wildcat
These elusive and solitary felines are slightly larger than domestic cats and inhabit the park’s dense forests. They are excellent hunters, preying on small mammals and birds.

Otter
European otters can be found in the park’s rivers and streams. Known for their playful behavior, they are strong swimmers that rely on aquatic habitats for food like fish and amphibians.