Location
“Bjeshket e Nemuna” makes west suburb of Kosovo, descending almost vertically to the east and northeast along the end of Dukagjini valley and the valley of the Ibar River. In the West it closes the mountainous border with Albania and Montenegro. This mountain range extends to the northeast, in the length of 50 km and the width of 26 km.
The National Park includes the territories of five municipalities: Peja with 32,311 ha, or 52%, Decani 16,881 ha or 27%, Istok 4973 ha, or 8%, Junik 5,300 ha, or 8%, and Djakovica 3032 ha or 5%. The total area of the Park covers an area of 62,488 ha, or 5.7% of the territory of Kosovo.
History
Because of its characteristic geographical location, geological structure and hydrological values this area has a very interesting biological and landscape diversity. It was declared the National park in January 2013.
Nature
“Bjeshket e Nemuna” for its geography, geomorphology, flora and fauna is an important natural range in Kosovo, but also in the entire Balkan Peninsula. In that regard, this area is among the most typical mountain massifs in the Balkans, with more than 1,000 plant species researched so far.
The vegetation of the Park has seen significant changes during the evolutionary development. All plant species that had survived the Ice Age, along with new species that were created during the time, today create different plant communities (phytocenoses), and some of them are endemic species. According to available data, in the “Bjeshket e Nemuna” there are 33 endemic species.
In addition to rich flora, this area is characterized by the richness of fauna as well. Based on previous research, the structure of fauna can be divided into: 8 fish protected natural areas of 56 species, 13 species of terraqueous, 10 species of reptiles, 178 species of birds, 129 species of butterflies, 37 species of mammals. Among mammals, the most representative are: the lynx (Lynx lynx), brown bear (Ursus arctos), European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild goats (Rupicapra rupicapra), imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), Mountain Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), etc., which have national and international status.
Sights
“Bjeshket e Nemuna” is not only a biodiversity center, with a large number of rare, endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna, but also an example of the cultural and ethnographic heritage in the region, and traditional ways of life in the mountains.
Tourism
The National Park “Bjeshket e Nemuna” provides good conditions for active recreation and a healthy lifestyle. Walking, hiking, biking, are only some of the activities that visitors can enjoy.
Connection
The National Park is situated near five cities: from Dečani 33 km, from Junik 45 km, from Peja 47 km away, from Đakovica 55 km, from Istok 72 km. From the capital of Kosovo, Priština, it is 120 km away.
Contact
Address
Directorate for Management of the National Park “Bjeshket e Nemuna”
Ardian Krasniqi 44
Pristina, Kosovo
