From the Pindus to the Adriatic
The river Vjosa runs from the Pindus range in Greece, where it is called the Aoös, to the Adriatic Sea in Albania. Këlcyrë sits in a strategic position between the Trebeshinë and Nemërçkë mountains, near the river. The National Tourism Agency describes the Vjosa as “one of the last wild rivers in Europe”.
The river flows through Këlcyrë Gorge before continuing towards the coast. For the natural context of the gorge, see the Këlcyrë Gorge article and the rafting guide.
Status and area
Declared on 15 March 2023, it is Europe’s first Wild River National Park. It is protected under IUCN Protected Area Management Category II and safeguards over 400 kilometres of free-flowing river.
Phase I covers 12,727 hectares and became operational by early 2024. Phase II will add further tributaries.
Species and partners
The river and its surroundings host over 1,100 species of animals. Of those, 13 animal species and 2 plant species are assessed as globally threatened on the IUCN Red List.
The park was created by the Albanian Government, IUCN, and Patagonia, alongside the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign NGOs and more than 30 specialists.