Fir of Hotova National Park (Albanian: Parku Kombetar “Bredhi i Hotoves-Dangelli”) is near Permet in Southeastern Albania of Albania (40° 18′ 13″ N, 20° 24′ 40″ E).

Understand

History

With a coverage area of 34,361 hectares consisting mainly of Bulgarian Firs, the area was declared a national park by the Albanian Government on January 15, 1996 under the jurisdiction of the Permet District Forest Service, and National Agency of Protected Areas of Albana (AKZM). The area is by far the most protected forest massif in Albania, successfully resisting any damage or deforestation by man.

Landscape

The impressive view of the park can be seen from Lumica Valley entrance up to Kokojka Mt summit. At the height of 800-1000 meters, there are vast meadows surrounded by centuries-old large trees forming an impressive greenbelt. There are no food facilities in the park, though food can be brought or ordered at nearby villages. Water can be secured from fresh water fountains located on the roadside along the way.

Flora and fauna

Fir of Hotova contains the largest area of Bulgarian Fir in the Balkans. Other species include maple, black horn-beam, ilex, red and black juniper, and raspberry.

Some of the park’s fauna includes the brown bear, wolf, fox, wild boar, hare, squirrel, and wild goat. Deer can also be seen on the pastures deep inside the forest.

Get in

The road leading to the park from SH75 in Piskova is in rough shape and requires a 4x4.

Fees and permits

There are no entry fees. For assistance, please contact :

• Pro Permet Tourist Info Center, Qendra Kulturore Multifunksionale, shëtitorja Odise Paskali, kati II, Përmet, ☏ +355 813 23725. There you can request info and buy local products (updated Jun 2015)
• The park is administered by the Albanian National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM) through local ADZM Gjirokaster Protected Areas Administration

See

• Frasheri Brothers Tower House and Museum in Frasher. Reconstructed in the 1970s by the Albanian government, the tower house features documents, photographs, and sculptures on the Frasheri Brothers origins, and their contribution to the Albanian Renaissance in the form of a museum.
• Katiu Ottoman Bridge and Benja Thermal Waters

Do

• Hiking in the mountains. Trails are marked and can be found HERE. In the winter, visitors can appreciate the snow blankets covering the firs, and in the summer the abundance of fresh air away from the Albanian summer heat.
• Rafting on Langarica Canyon
• Bathing at Benja Thermal Waters
• Visit Permet

Eat

• Traditional dishes, Gliko (preserves)

Drink

• Fresh water from the roadside water fountains, local wine and raki

Sleep

• Hotel Alvero, Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri, Permet, Albania, ☏ +355 813 23514, +355 68 23 39 508, +355 68 20 81 334, vnikolla@yahoo.fr. (updated Jun 2015)
• Hotel Permeti, Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri, Permet, Albania, ☏ +355 813 23687, +355 69 21 13 551, +355 69 40 58 218, hotelpermet@yahoo.com. (updated Jun 2015)