Lurë National Park

Lurë-Dejës Mt National Park is on the slopes of the Lurë Mountains, and was established in 1966 by a decision of the Council of Ministers of Albania. Since 2018, the national park was merged with former Zall-Gjocaj National Park to cover a total expanded area of 20,242 ha. The town of Peshkopi is about 25 km east of the National Park, and the villages of Fushë-Lurë and Sina e Epërme are within the expanded boundaries.

In 2014, the Albanian government launched a rehabilitation campaign including reforestation, roadwork, and the putting of new signs. After the fall of communism, the area suffered massive deforestation from illegal logging and forest fires that severely affected ecosystems.

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. 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.