Jezercë (Jezerca) is the highest peak in the Dinaric Alps, the second highest in Albania and the sixth highest in Southeast Europe, standing at 2694 m above sea level. It is the 28th most prominent mountain peak in Europe, and is regarded as one of the toughest and most dangerous climbs in the Albanian Alps.

Etymology

The toponym Jezerca derives from the Slavic word jezero 'lake', in reference to the cirque lakes in the lower part of the Buni i Jezercës on the northern side of the mountain. During communist rule, it was given the name Maja e Rinisë, which never stuck.

Geology

Jezercë is situated within the Accursed Mountains range, which is noted for several small glaciers - among the southernmost glacial masses in Europe after Snezhnika glacier (latitude of 41°46′09″ N) and Banski Suhodol Glacier in Pirin mountain in Bulgaria. Apart from certain areas north of the peak, the limestone mountain massif is part of the Alps of Albania National Park. It can be climbed from the north; most climbers come from Gusinje in Montenegro as well as from Theth. The summit is 5 km from the border with Montenegro, between the valleys of Valbonë to the east and the Shala to the west. In part, the whole floor between the valley of Valbonë, Shala, Ropojana and Maja e Roshit 2522 m is known as the Jezercë Block. Additionally, Jezercë borders other peaks such as Maja e Popllukës 2569 m and Maja e Alies 2471 m to the west, Maja a Rragamit 2478 m to the east, Maja Kolaj 2498 m, Maja e Malësores 2490 m, Maja e Bojës 2461 m in the northwest, Maja e Kokërdhakut 2508 m and Maja e Etheve 2393 m in the north. Jezerca is a large rocky peak of dolomitic limestone. There is almost no vegetation there. North, east and west of the mountain top is in great cirque from that in the glacial periods when glaciers were more extensive than today. Today the northern cirque is called Buni i Jezercës at a height of 1,980 m and 2,100 m in height around 400 m. Because it is located in the wettest region of Europe with around 6 m of rainfall equivalent believed to fall on the western slopes, snowfall is so great that only in dry years do even the less exposed sections melt away.