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Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park

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Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park (Albania)

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Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park is located in southeastern Albania in the Frashër region and, with an area of around 343 square kilometers, is the largest national park in the country. It was established in 2008 by expanding an existing protected area. The park is named after the Hotova Fir, a rare and resilient fir species that has one of its most important refuges in Europe here. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, rugged limestone cliffs, and deep valleys such as that of the Lengarica River. The region is particularly known for the thermal springs of Bënja and the spectacular Lengarica Canyon, located at the edge of the park. The fauna is exceptionally rich and includes brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and wild boars. Culturally, the park is linked to the history of the Frashëri brothers, significant figures of the Albanian national movement. The park gives excellent opportunities for soft tourism, including hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. Nature conservation projects focus on preserving the fir forest and protecting water catchment areas.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C014813182121161161
Rain mm79736959614630327485102101

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Accessing the park's dense forests typically requires a sturdy 4x4 vehicle starting from Përmet, as the remote mountain roads are unpaved and often severely washed out.
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Best season
Late spring to early autumn provides the safest access and best hiking conditions, as heavy winter snows and spring rains make the mountain dirt roads impassable.
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Terrain & paths
The park has rugged mountainous terrain featuring deep river valleys, dense fir forests, and rocky, poorly marked trails that demand excellent navigation skills.
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What to bring
Complete self-sufficiency is required: bring reliable offline maps, comprehensive camping equipment, significant food and water reserves, and sturdy mountain hiking boots.
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Parking
Vehicles are usually parked in clearing areas near the park entrance or the main ranger station. Driving deeper into the forest requires local knowledge of the tracks.
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Safety
The sheer isolation means rescue services are distant. The presence of brown bears requires proper food storage and making noise while hiking to avoid startling wildlife.
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Time needed
A proper exploration of the park takes a minimum of one full day, though many adventurous nature enthusiasts opt for a two to three-day wilderness camping trip.

Geography

Coordinates
40.35000, 20.40000

Facts

  • Largest national park in Albania (343 km²)
  • Named after the rare Hotova Fir tree
  • Home to the thermal springs of Bënja
  • Includes the 4 km long Lengarica Canyon
  • Habitat for brown bears and lynxes
  • Cultural heritage of the Frashëri brothers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

FrashërFrashër3 km · EExplore →
BënjëBënjë11 km · SExplore →
Katiu BridgeKatiu Bridge12 km · SExplore →
PërmetPërmet14 km · SExplore →
KëlcyrëKëlcyrë18 km · WExplore →
Osum CanyonOsum Canyon20 km · NWExplore →
Këlcyra GorgeKëlcyra Gorge22 km · WExplore →
ÇorovodëÇorovodë23 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park (1)

Tekke of Frashër📍 landmark

The Tekke of Frashër is a Bektashi religious building in Bredhi i Hotovës National Park.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Bredhi i Hotovës' mean?
It means 'Fir of Hotova'.
What is special about this forest?
It is one of the largest stands of Macedonian fir.
Which city is nearby?
The city of Përmet, known for its thermal springs.
Are there bears there?
Yes, brown bears, wolves, and roe deer are native there.
Can you go hiking there?
Yes, there are many beautiful, untouched hiking trails.
Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park: where is it located?
Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park is located in Albania.
Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangelli National Park is located in southeastern Albania in the Frashër region and, with an area of around 343 square kilometers, is the largest national park in the country.
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