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 known in English as Lura National Park (Albanian: Parku Kombetar i Lurës), is a park located in the municipality of Lurë in northeastern Albania. It 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] After the fall of communism, the area suffered massive deforestation from illegal logging and forest fires that severely affected ecosystems.
Natural features
Lurë National Park is situated on the eastern slopes of the Lurë Mountains. It was established in 1966 by a decision of the Council of Ministers of Albania. The national park covers an area of around 1280 ha. 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.[4] 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:
- Great Lake (Alb.: Liqeni i Madh), 32 hectares;
- Lake of the Pines, 13 hectares;
- Black Lake (Alb.: Liqeni i Zi), 8 hectares;
- Lake of Flowers (Alb.: Liqeni i Luleve), 4 hectares
- Cow's Lake (Alb.: Liqeni i Lopeve)
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.
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Brown bear, the largest carnivore
References
- ↑ Soviet military map К-34-77-В (1:50.000)
- ↑ 2 million trees for the Lura Park
- ↑ Nis rehabilitimi dhe ripyllëzimi i Parkut Kombëtar të Lurës
- ↑ From official website
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lurë. |
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Lure_National_Park. |
- Video of Lurë National Park's Destruction
- Lura as it was before the destruction of the 90s (start of video)
Coordinates: 41°47′N 20°11′E / 41.783°N 20.183°E
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