öÏÓãÊÓÆµapp

Skip to main content
You have permission to edit this article.
Edit

In Albania’s new national park, I found a tantalizing mix of outdoor adventure, history and traditional culture

The recently created Vjosa Wild River National Park is drawing travellers to Albania’s natural wonders.

3 min to read
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Vjosa CREDIT Christian Baumgartner.jpg

Paddling into a calm stretch of water, I let my gaze follow the sound of tinkling bells. A small herd of sheep is grazing the grassy bank above us, their belled heads creating a pleasing melody as they chew and move. Seconds later, I plunge my paddle back into the water to help negotiate the next set of rapids.

In mid-October, after a long, hot summer, water levels are low in Albania’s Vjosa river, but the flow is completely natural. While most other rivers in Europe have been dammed for hydro and straightened for the passage of ships, the Vjosa runs wild and free for 190 kilometres, from Albania’s border with Greece to the Adriatic Sea.

Signage CREDIT Suzanne Morphet.jpg

Vjosa Wild River National Park was created in 2023, after a campaign led by environmental groups.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Hikers CREDIT Suzanne Morphet.jpg

Hikers descend a steep slope above the town of Përmet.

Packrafting CREDIT Active Albania(2).jpg

Rafting the Vjosa river. 

Today's Headlines Newsletter
Get our free morning newsletter

You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.

Recommended For You

More from öÏÓãÊÓÆµappMercury.com & partners

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.

Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines. öÏÓãÊÓÆµapp Mercury Tribune does not endorse these opinions.