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Lura Lakes

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

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The Lura Lakes are a cluster of twelve glacial lakes situated within the Lura National Park in northeastern Albania. Located on the slopes of the Kunora e Lurës mountain range, these lakes sit at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,500 meters above sea level. The most prominent among them include the Great Lake (Liqeni i Madh), the Lake of Pines (Liqeni i Pishave), and the Black Lake (Liqeni i Zi). They were formed during the last ice age by glacial action carving hollows into the limestone bedrock. The surrounding environment is characterized by dense forests of beech and rare Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii), creating an alpine ecosystem. Although the area suffered from extensive illegal logging in the late 20th century, recent reforestation initiatives are working to restore the park's biodiversity. Established in 1966, the park is home to significant wildlife, such as brown bears and wolves. The lakes are renowned for their clarity and the scenic reflection of the surrounding peaks, serving as a vital ecological hub.

Location: Albania
Nearby: Peshkopi (21 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	6	10	15	20	23	23	18	12	8	2
Rain mm	124	114	110	87	78	56	33	34	93	115	150	142

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching the glacial lakes high in the mountains typically involves navigating very rough, unpaved off-road tracks from the surrounding valleys. A sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced driver are often deemed absolutely essential for the ascent.

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Best season

Summer provides the most realistic opportunity to access the area, as the high-altitude tracks become passable and the weather stabilizes. Attempting this journey outside the warm months risks encountering severe mud, deep snow, and impassable conditions.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain surrounding the twelve lakes is fundamentally wild and alpine, featuring dense patches of forest interspersed with rocky glacial bowls. Trails connecting the different water bodies are mostly unmarked and naturally uneven.

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What to bring

Comprehensive wilderness survival gear is necessary due to the extreme remoteness, including robust hiking boots, warm layers, and reliable GPS devices. Visitors must carry all required water, food, and emergency supplies for the duration of the trip.

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Parking

There are no formal parking facilities; drivers typically find a wide, safe spot along the rough tracks to leave their robust off-road vehicles. Ensuring the car does not block the narrow mountain passage is an important courtesy.

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Safety

This is a harsh, unforgiving environment far from medical assistance, demanding serious respect for weather shifts and wildlife encounters. Hiring a local guide with intimate knowledge of the unmarked alpine routes is highly recommended for safety.

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Time needed

Exploring the dispersed lakes demands at least a very long, exhaustive full day, though setting up a wilderness camp to spend multiple days is better. The challenging approach route itself consumes a significant portion of the time.

Geography

Coordinates

41.78500, 20.21400

Facts

Comprises 12 distinct glacial lakes
Kunora e Lurës is the highest peak at 2,119m
National park established in 1966
Home to the rare Bosnian pine species
Great Lake is the largest of the group
Located between 1,200 and 1,500 meters altitude

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lura National Park<1 km · SWExplore →

Zall-Gjoçaj National Park12 km · SExplore →

Mount Deja14 km · SExplore →

Black Mountain17 km · SEExplore →

Battle of Torvioll Site17 km · EExplore →

White Mountain21 km · SExplore →

Peshkopi21 km · SEExplore →

Burrel26 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lura Lakes (1)

Maja e Runja e Lures📍 landmark

A mountain peak located near the Lura Lakes in Albania.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many lakes are in the Lura National Park?

There are 12 glacial lakes in total, with the Great Lake and the Black Lake being the most famous.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the Lura Lakes?

Yes, an off-road vehicle is mandatory, as the roads are extremely poor and often unpaved.

What is the symbol of Lura National Park?

The park is known for its magnificent Balkan pines and the white water lilies on the 'Great Lake'.

Can you stay overnight in the national park?

There are simple guesthouses in the village of Fushë-Lura, but the infrastructure is still very basic.

When do the water lilies bloom on the lakes?

The white water lilies usually bloom in mid-summer, between July and August.

Lura Lakes: where is it located?

Lura Lakes is located in Albania.

Lura Lakes: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lura Lakes: why is it worth visiting?

The Lura Lakes are a cluster of twelve glacial lakes situated within the Lura National Park in northeastern Albania.

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