Zall-Gjoçaj National Park

Zall-Gjoçaj National Park is a protected area located in the Dibër County (AL-09) of northeastern Albania. Established as a national park in 1996, it was officially merged with the adjacent Lurë National Park in 2018 to form the expanded Lurë-Dejës Mountain National Park (cover area of 20,242 hectares). Zall-Gjoçaj is renowned for its exceptionally rugged topography, pristine pine forests, deep canyons, and abundant natural springs.

The park is situated on the eastern slopes of the Dejë mountain range, providing a crucial habitat for large European mammals such as brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild goats, and roe deer. Its isolation has preserved a virgin, untouched alpine landscape, making it a paradise for eco-tourism and wilderness exploration. The climate is continental alpine, featuring cool, brief summers and long, harsh winters with heavy snowfall. The best time to visit is from June to September.

By Plane

Specific transit routes are not detailed. Travelers typically arrive by road from nearby hubs.

By Train

Specific transit routes are not detailed. Travelers typically arrive by road from nearby hubs.

By Car / Road

Zall-Gjoçaj is highly isolated and can only be reached via rough, unpaved roads. The primary route goes from Tirana north to Milot, east along the A1 highway to Rrëshen, and then south via Burrel. From Burrel, a rough dirt track leads into the park. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is absolutely mandatory. Alternatively, the park can be approached from the north through the unpaved SH34 road connecting Rrëshen to Fushë-Lurë, followed by local dirt tracks. No permits or entry fees are required.

There are no paved roads or modern transport facilities inside the park. Navigation is done entirely via rough dirt tracks and hiking trails. A 4x4 vehicle is required to travel between trailheads. Within the park, visitors must get around on foot or by hiring local horses.

• Zall-Gjoçaj Gorge: A dramatic, deep limestone gorge carved by mountain torrents, featuring steep cliffs and lush vegetation.

• Dejë Mountain Slopes: High limestone peaks overlooking the park, offering challenging climbing routes and panoramic views of northeastern Albania.

• Ancient Pine and Beech Forests: Dense, old-growth forests of Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) and European beech, home to rich birdlife and wild mammals.

• Glacial Springs: Numerous cold, crystal-clear springs feeding local mountain streams, which are vital to the area's biodiversity.

• Wilderness Backpacking: Hike the unmarked or lightly marked trails linking Zall-Gjoçaj with the Lurë Lakes region.

• Wildlife Watching: Explore the quiet forest tracks to spot species like wild goats (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer, and golden eagles.

• Mountain Trekking: Climb toward the higher ridges of the Mali i Dejës range, which rises to 2,245 meters.

• Eco-Camping: Set up wilderness camps in designated clearings near natural water springs, following leave-no-trace principles.

No restaurants or commercial food vendors operate inside the park. Visitors must bring all their own food and cooking supplies. Shepherd families in the high pastures occasionally offer traditional hospitality, including fresh cheese, organic yogurt, and fli (a traditional layered pastry).

• Local Shepherd Hospitality: Simple, traditional meals of fresh corn bread, sheep's cheese, and mountain butter (budget).

The park is famous for its abundant, clean mountain springs, which provide excellent drinking water. Traditional herbal teas made from wild oregano and mountain tea (Çaj Mali) are popular non-alcoholic drinks.

There are no hotels, hostels, or official guesthouses within the former boundaries of Zall-Gjoçaj National Park.

• Budget:
  • Wilderness Camping: The primary accommodation option. Camping is permitted throughout the park; campers should pitch tents near water sources.
  • Local Homestays: Some local families in the surrounding villages of Gjoçaj and Derjan offer rustic homestays for hikers.

There are no commercial shops, markets, or visitor centers within Zall-Gjoçaj. Visitors can purchase organic honey, mountain teas, and dairy products directly from local shepherds in the nearby summer settlements (stans).

• Lurë Lakes: Reached via mountain trails or 4x4 tracks to the north, featuring twelve famous glacial lakes.
• Burrel (approx. 25 km southwest): The nearest major town, offering basic shops, hotels, and transport connections to Tirana.
• Mali i Dejës: The imposing mountain peak dominating the western skyline, offering excellent mountaineering routes.
• Macukull: A historic village located on the slopes of the Dejë mountain, known for its traditional stone houses (kulla).