Shebenik National Park
Discover Albania's Untouched Wilderness
34,507 hectares of glacial lakes, ancient UNESCO beech forests, and endangered wildlife in eastern Albania's pristine mountain wilderness.
Hectares
Peak Elevation
Glacial Lakes
Established
About the Park
A Living Wilderness
Straddling Albania's eastern border with North Macedonia, Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park protects one of Europe's last truly wild landscapes. Ancient glaciers carved its 14 pristine lakes, while centuries of isolation have preserved beech forests now recognized by UNESCO as irreplaceable natural heritage.
34,507.9 ha
Total Area
2,253m
Highest Peak
14
Glacial Lakes
2008
Established
Dramatic mountainous terrain shaped by ancient glacial activity. Dense coniferous and deciduous forests blanket mountainsides. Ancient beech forests in remote areas remain virtually untouched. 14 glacial lakes carved during the last ice age. Elevations range from 300m valley floors to the 2,253m summit of Mount Shebenik.
Conservation
Iconic Wildlife
Three flagship species embody the wild spirit of Shebenik. Their survival here is a testament to the park's ecological integrity and Albania's growing commitment to conservation.
Balkan Lynx
Lynx lynx balcanicus
One of the rarest cats on Earth, the Balkan lynx prowls Shebenik's forests as a ghost of the mountains. Fewer than 10 remain in Albania, making every sighting a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Learn MoreEuropean Brown Bear
Ursus arctos
The undisputed monarch of the Albanian wilderness. Shebenik's thriving bear population roams ancient forests, foraging through meadows at dawn and dusk in a landscape they have inhabited for millennia.
Learn MoreGray Wolf
Canis lupus
Highly social and fiercely intelligent, wolf packs patrol vast territories across the park. Their haunting howls echo through mountain valleys, a primal reminder of Europe's wild heritage.
Learn MoreHiking
Explore the Trails
From alpine summit scrambles to serene lakeside strolls, Shebenik's trail network reveals a different face of the wilderness at every turn.
Mount Shebenik Summit
Expert
The ultimate challenge — reach the highest peak of the park. Best undertaken as a 2-day trek with overnight camping in alpine meadows.
- Panoramic views from the highest peak
- Alpine meadows with rare mountain flora
- Challenging rocky terrain and scrambling
- Possible chamois and bear sightings
Glacial Lakes Circuit
Moderate
A scenic loop connecting six pristine glacial lakes, perfect for photography enthusiasts and those seeking serene mountain scenery.
- 6 pristine glacial lakes
- Crystal-clear swimming spots
- Perfect for photography
- Peaceful picnic locations
The ancient beech forests of Rrajca are among the last primeval forests in Europe — a living archive of ecological resilience spanning thousands of years.
Recognized as part of the “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe,” the Rrajca forests within Shebenik represent Albania's contribution to a transnational natural treasure.
Discover Our HeritageTestimonials
What Visitors Say
“Shebenik National Park exceeded all my expectations. The hike to Black Stone Peak offered panoramic views that were simply spectacular. The UNESCO beech forests are truly pristine — unlike anything I've seen in Western Europe. Our guide was knowledgeable about the local wildlife and we were lucky enough to spot fresh lynx tracks!”
Sarah Mitchell
United Kingdom
3-day hiking trip
Plan Your Adventure
The best time to visit Shebenik is from late May through October, when trails are accessible and wildlife is most active. Summer brings wildflower meadows, autumn paints the beech forests gold, and every season tells a different story.