LAC DE KOMAN
Often compared to a Norwegian fjord, this beautiful artificial lake can be discovered by small ferry between the villages of Koman and Fierza.
This 13 km2 lake (Liqeni i Komanit) is one of the main tourist attractions in northern Albania. And with good reason: the scenery here is truly breathtaking. It is an artificial lake formed between 1979 and 1988 in the Drin, Shala and Valbona valleys, when a dam was built to supply one of the country's major power stations. Situated at an altitude of around 170 m, it stretches for 34 km between the hamlets of Koman (to the south) and Fierza (to the north). The lake's width ranges from 400 m to 50 m at its narrowest point. As you approach Fierza, it takes on the appearance of a Norwegian fjord, with sheer cliffs, forested mountains dotted with isolated farms and the sandy islet of Paqe (Ishulli i Paqes). Boats crossing the lake pass through hamlets where you can stop for the night. The agency that runs these mini-ferries also offers kayak excursions on Lake Koman, home-stay accommodation, and minibus and boat transfers between Shkodra and the village of Valbona. Lake Koman gives access to the Albanian Alps and the Valbona valley in the Tropoja district, a very mountainous and isolated region bordering Kosovo. It is possible to bypass the lake by road via Puka (3h30 between Vau i Dejës and Fierza). But to be honest, this route is of little interest. Above all, it would be a shame to pass through here without seeing Albania's "fjord".
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