About Shebenik National Park
A sanctuary of ancient forests and pristine wilderness, protecting Albania's natural heritage for future generations.
Albania's Pristine Wilderness
Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park stands as one of Albania's most spectacular natural treasures, encompassing 34,507.9 hectares of pristine mountainous landscape along the border with North Macedonia. Located in eastern Albania, north of Lake Ohrid, this remarkable park represents the country's second-largest protected area and youngest national park.
The park is characterized by its dramatic mountainous terrain, ancient forests, pristine glacial lakes, and rich biodiversity. Named after its two highest peaks—Mount Shebenik (2,253m) and Mount Jabllanicë— the park showcases the raw beauty of the Balkans' untouched wilderness.
What makes Shebenik truly special is its role as a refuge for some of Europe's most endangered species and its preservation of ancient forest ecosystems that have remained virtually unchanged for millennia.
A Brief History
Military Protection Era
For over half a century, the area that is now Shebenik National Park was protected as a military zone along Albania's border with Macedonia. This isolation, while initially restrictive, inadvertently preserved the region's pristine natural state, protecting it from development and human interference.
National Park Designation (2008)
In 2008, recognizing the area's exceptional natural value, the Albanian government officially designated Shebenik-Jabllanicë as a national park. This marked the beginning of systematic conservation efforts and the opening of this wilderness to responsible tourism and scientific research.
Expansion (2022)
In January 2022, the national park was expanded from 33,894.25 hectares to 34,507.9 hectares, further strengthening protection for critical habitats and wildlife corridors. This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to enhance conservation of the park's unique ecosystems.
Geography & Landscape
The park's landscape is a testament to the power of ancient glacial activity. Elevations range from 300 meters at the lowest valleys to over 2,200 meters at the summit of Mount Shebenik. This dramatic topographical variation creates diverse microclimates and habitats, supporting an extraordinary range of plant and animal species.
The park features 14 glacial lakes and 3 artificial lakes, remnants of the last ice age that carved the dramatic valleys and peaks visible today. These pristine water bodies, located at altitudes between 1,500 and 1,900 meters, provide critical habitat for aquatic life and serve as stunning focal points for visitors.
Dense coniferous and deciduous forests blanket the mountainsides, with some areas containing ancient beech forests that have remained virtually untouched due to their remote location and difficult accessibility.
Quick Facts
Established
2008 (Expanded 2022)
Size
34,507.9 hectares (345 km²)
Elevation Range
300m - 2,253m
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site (Partial)
Location
Eastern Albania, Elbasan County
Flora Diversity
32% of Albania's plant species
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
World Heritage Recognition
Roughly 212,945 hectares of Shebenik National Park's territory are included within the "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe" UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation recognizes the park's exceptional universal value and its role in preserving Europe's natural heritage.
The Rrajca forests within the park are particularly significant, representing some of the most pristine beech forest ecosystems in Europe. These ancient forests have survived ice ages and human interference, maintaining their original character for thousands of years.
Conservation Significance
The park's inclusion in this transnational World Heritage property highlights its role in protecting genetic diversity and ecosystem processes that are essential for the long-term survival of European beech forests. These forests serve as natural laboratories for understanding forest ecology and climate adaptation.
As part of the European Green Belt initiative, Shebenik National Park serves as a crucial corridor for endangered species and maintains connectivity between protected areas across the Balkans.
Conservation & Management
Protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological integrity for future generations
IUCN Category II
Designated as a Category II protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, ensuring the highest standards of ecosystem protection.
Habitat Protection
Safeguarding critical habitats for endangered species including the Balkan lynx, brown bears, and gray wolves through dedicated conservation programs.
Research & Monitoring
Ongoing scientific research and monitoring programs track ecosystem health and inform adaptive management strategies for long-term conservation success.