Lurë National Park

Lurë National Park
Parku Kombetar i Lurës

Lake of Flowers (Liqeni i Lulëve),
one of the Lurë Mountains glacial lakes
Location Albania
Nearest city Peshkopi
Area 1,280 ha
Established 1966

Lurë National Park, also Lura National Park (Albanian: Parku Kombetar i Lurës), is a national park located in the municipality of Dibër in northeastern Albania declared in 1966. The park encompasses 1,280 hectares on the eastern side of the Kunora e Lurës, the highest summit in the Lurë Mountains, which reaches a height of 2,119 m (6,952 ft) above sea level.[1] The park is renowned for its 12 lakes and wildlife that attract visitors year-round.

In 2014, the Albanian government launched a rehabilitation campaign including reforestation, roadwork, and the putting of new signs.[2][3] Local non-governmental organizations are also contributing in the planting of trees in the park.[4][5][6] After the fall of communism, the area suffered massive deforestation from illegal logging and forest fires that severely affected ecosystems. Accommodation consists of two family run hotels and several guesthouses near the park in Fushe-Lure.

Geography

Kulla fortified tower house in Lura
Great Lake of Lura

Lurë National Park is situated on the eastern slopes of the Lurë Mountains. The town of Peshkopi is about 25 kilometres east of the National Park, and the villages of Fushë-Lurë and Sina e Epërme are nearby. The National Park is home to many rare species of wildlife and natural beauty. The glacial complex of the lakes is one of the most beautiful pearls of Albania and comprise a prime attraction for visitors to Lurë National Park. The twelve glacial lakes of Lurë that were formed during the Würm glacial period have a general surface area of 100 ha. They are located in the northeastern part of the nation in the Dibra district at an elevation between 1,200 and 1,500 m (3,937 and 4,921 ft). In summer, the Lake of Flowers becomes an astonishing display of big white water lilies, leaving the impression of a big garden created by the hand of a mastermind.[7] The waters are home to the smooth newt and the great crested newt. In winter, the lakes freeze becoming part of the cross-country skiing trails through the park.

The five principal lakes are:

Flora and fauna

Deforestation around Kallabes Lake, Lura

The most common type of tree in the park is the beech which is found at altitudes between 900 and 1,000 m (2,953 and 3,281 ft) to 1,900 and 2,000 m (6,234 and 6,562 ft). European black pines are abundant between 1,600 and 1,700 m (5,249 and 5,577 ft) elevation, and red pines are found on rocky slopes between 1,700 and 2,000 m (5,577 and 6,562 ft) elevation. These forests are home to the rare European brown bear, Eurasian lynx, Eurasian wolf, European pine marten, roe deer and Western capercaillie.

The southern part of the park has a meadow of multi-color flowers and coniferous trees called the Field of Mares which offers scenic views. The park offers variety of possibilities for eco-tourism, winter sports, equitation, horse riding, and other activities.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Soviet military map К-34-77-В (1:50.000)
  2. ↑ 2 million trees for the Lura Park
  3. ↑ Initiation of Lura National Park rehabilitation and reforestation project
  4. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/ecovolis/posts/1200252156661345
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVsCzwWP8Tk
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgS7SYnu_ac
  7. ↑ From official website
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lurë National Park.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Lure National Park.

Coordinates: 41°47′N 20°11′E / 41.783°N 20.183°E / 41.783; 20.183

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/1/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.