Lakes & Rivers

Lakes & Rivers

The astounding and powerful canyons of the Komani Lake are the ‘flagship’ of this area, but why would anyone miss the refreshing shores of Vau Dejës lake, the steep descent on Fierza Lake or the pristine waters of the Gomina and Gomsiqe rivers? The answer is straightforward: for no reason!

Komani Lake

The artificial lake of Koman, which takes its name from the village on its banks of the same name, is one of the unique beauties in northern Albania. Narrow canyons between sharp mountains and wooded slopes offer travelers a majestic and breathtaking landscape. Located on the original bed of the Drini river, between the tributaries of this lake there are the rivers Shala and Valbona, known for their pure and crystalline waters. In total, Lake Koman covers an area of 12 km² and reaches a depth of 170 meters.

Vau Dejës Lake

Vau Dejës Lake is located just a few kilometers from the city center of Shkodra and was built using the reservoir of the Drini river in 1971, with the construction of a hydroelectric plant next to the town of Vau Dejës. The result is a lake with an area of 24.7 km² and a maximum depth of 52 meters. Its charm derives from flowing between mountains covered by pine forests and a luxuriant Mediterranean scrub. Initially devoted exclusively to energy production, transport, and fishing, Lake Vau Dejës has recently been rediscovered as a tourist resource by visitors and operators in the sector. In addition to bathing in the cool and clear waters, the lake offers opportunities for excursions and refreshments in the agritourisms on its banks. A site not to be missed is the island of Shurdhah, on which are the remains of the medieval town of “Sarda”, a meeting point between the local cultures of Mirdita, Malësia, and Zadrima.

Fierza Lake

Lake Fierza is the largest artificial lake in Albania, also built on the bed of the Drini river and operational since 1978, whose hydroelectric power station is located upstream of the two already mentioned Koman and Vau Dejës. It has an aquatic surface of 72.5 km², a maximum depth of 128 meters, and a capacity of 3.4 billion cubic meters of water. The lake offers spectacular views during all seasons, thanks to the coastal alternation of gentle meadows and steep slopes. It also connects various villages in the regions of Kukës, Fushë Arrëz, and Tropoja.

Fan i Madhë River

Fan i Madh originates in Kryezi, collects the waters of the area around Fushë Arrëz, and then flows through the alpine town and reaches the villages of Gojan and Gjegjan before joining Fan i Vogël south of Rreshen and merging into the Mat River to the east of Milot. Its course opens up a valley at the foot of the Munella massif, known since the dawn of time as an area of quality for fruit production, thanks to a mild microclimate and abundance of water.

Gomina Creek

The Gomina creek is a fascinating waterway for excursions and walks in the municipality of Puka. It originates between the villages of Blinisht and Buhot at the foot of Mount Krrab and collects a good part of the waters of Mount Tërbun before passing through the villages of Kabash and Qelëz and finally flowing into the Koman Lake. In the valley carved by the creek, there is also one of the most popular attractions in the area, named the “Kaurr Cave,” which can be visited with the support of local guides.

Gomsiqe River

The Gomsiqe River has its spring in the pastures of Mount Tërbun in Pukë and flows through the villages of Gomsiqe high and Gomsiqe low, from which it takes its name, before reaching the lake of Vau Dejës. Known by the locals for the impetus of its waters during floods, the river traces a valley that is easily walkable and with spectacular views, just a few kilometers from Shkodra. Along the banks of the Gomsiqe, attentive visitors can still see the few remains of the ancient road that connected Prizren to Shkodra, passing through the nearby town of Sarda.