Vau i Dejës Lake
Lezhë
Vau i Dejës Lake is an expansive artificial lake formed by the construction of the Vau i Dejës hydroelectric dam on the Drin River, located near the town of Vau i Dejës in northwestern Albania. The lake covers an area of approximately 25 square kilometers and holds a maximum volume of around 580 million cubic meters of water. It was created as part of a hydroelectric project initiated in the late 1960s and completed in the mid-1970s, which included three main dams: the Qyrsaqi Dam, Zadeja Dam, and Rragami Dam. This reservoir is the lowest in the cascade of dams on the Drin River and is crucial not only for electricity generation but also for regulating water flow in the surrounding lowlands, influencing flood control in the Lezhë and Shkodër regions. The lake extends about 27 kilometers upstream along the Drin valley, reaching near the Koman hydroelectric power plant. The surrounding area is characterized by mountainous woodlands and dry hills due to the local geology. The lake and dam complex are integral to the local economy and infrastructure, supporting energy needs and shaping the landscape of the Zadrima region.
Plan your trip to Albania with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Vau i Dejës Lake is during the warmer months when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Visitors interested in exploring the hydroelectric dam and the natural surroundings should consider arranging guided tours where available. It is advisable to check opening hours and availability of tours in advance, as well as to inquire about any visitor facilities. While there are no specific ticket prices for the lake itself, some parts of the dam infrastructure may require prior reservation or permission to access. Visitors should be prepared for limited amenities in the immediate vicinity and plan accordingly.
Interesting facts
- •Vau i Dejës hydroelectric dam was the first dam constructed on the Drin River, Albania's longest river.
- •The lake formed by the dam has a maximum volume of approximately 580 million cubic meters and covers about 25 square kilometers.
- •The dam complex includes three dams: Qyrsaqi, Zadeja, and Rragami, each with distinct structural characteristics.
- •The lake's water discharge significantly influences flooding patterns in the lowlands of Lezhë and Shkodër.
- •The town of Vau i Dejës was developed to house workers and displaced families during and after the dam's construction.
History
The history of Vau i Dejës Lake is closely tied to the construction of the Vau i Dejës hydroelectric dam, which began in 1967 and was commissioned between 1970 and 1975.
This dam was the first hydroelectric power plant built on the Drin River and marked a significant development in Albania's energy infrastructure.
The creation of the reservoir led to the displacement of families who were relocated to the newly developed town of Vau i Dejës, built to accommodate workers and residents affected by the flooding.
The dam complex, consisting of three separate dams, transformed the region's landscape and economy, playing a vital role in flood control and electricity production for decades.
Place Guide
Qyrsaqi Dam1967-1975
A partially concrete gravity and earth-fill dam standing 46.4 meters tall and 440 meters long, featuring four surface spillways with radial gates and intake works feeding water to the hydroelectric turbines.
Zadeja Dam1967-1975
An earth-fill dam 60 meters in height and 390 meters long, equipped with a tunnel spillway and segment gates capable of discharging 3200 cubic meters per second.
Rragami Dam1967-1975
An earth-fill dam 34 meters high and 320 meters long, serving primarily as a water barrier without hydroelectric facilities.
