Once a little-known destination even among locals, the village of Fushë-Studën has now become one of the most visited locations in Albania for 2024. Situated in the heart of the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, the area welcomed 140,000 visitors this year, drawn by its untouched natural beauty.

“It’s a park with immense natural and cultural value. The park spans altitudes from 300 meters up to 1,800 meters above sea level. Throughout the summer, tourists come from all over—some say this place has nothing less than Switzerland. And it’s true—visitors even come from Switzerland and Austria. It has everything: clean air, greenery, and accessible roads,” said Zabit Biçaku, director of the local high school.

The area is especially popular among young people seeking picnics and relaxation, far from noise, technology, and daily routines.

“We come here often, not just with family but also with friends. It’s a beautiful area—we really enjoy the Fushë-Studën lake. We do all kinds of picnics, we play games. Even though picnics are kind of out of style, we still do them and enjoy them a lot,” said Griselda Qoshi.

Foreign tourists are a relatively new presence in the area, but their numbers are growing rapidly.

“I often meet tourists from all over—England, Germany, Spain,” added Qoshi.

With tourism expanding, guesthouses and visitor centers are beginning to appear, and former residents who left due to a lack of infrastructure are starting to return.
Located just 30 kilometers from Librazhd and home to around 700 residents, Fushë-Studën is becoming a year-round destination, as snowfall in winter adds to its appeal for visitors seeking seasonal variety.