Maja e Grebenit


Maja e Grebenit is a mountain peak in the Accursed Mountains of northern Albania, rising to an elevation of. It forms part of a structurally distinct alpine ridge located between the valleys of Cemi i Selcës and Vermosh, within the broader mountain system of the northern Albanian highlands.

Geography

Maja e Grebenit occupies the eastern continuation of a mountain ridge that arches between the valleys of Vermosh and Lepushë. East of the peak, the ridge branches into two directions: one extending toward Maja e Pjeshkës and the other descending to Qafa e Bordolecit. Within this eastern sector, Maja e Grebenit constitutes the highest and most prominent point.
Compared to other peaks of the Albanian Alps, the mountain displays relatively subdued relief, a characteristic largely attributed to prolonged erosion of its dominant rock formations. Its slopes descend gradually toward the Vermosh Valley, creating a transitional geomorphological zone between high alpine terrain and lower valley landscapes.

Geology

Maja e Grebenit is developed within an almost entirely flysch-dominated structural setting. It occupies a synclinal structure bounded by compressional tectonic faults. Intense erosion of flysch formations has produced smoother slopes and a generally softened relief. Karst features such as dolines and sinkholes occur locally near the peak.
The surrounding area contains several small glacial cirques situated above 1,500 meters, representing remnants of Pleistocene glaciation.
The mountain contributes to the headwaters of tributaries within the Vermosh River drainage system. Its slopes are dissected by a relatively dense network of short mountain streams, particularly on the northern and northeastern flanks, where cirque basins concentrate seasonal runoff.

Biodiversity

Lower and middle elevations are predominantly covered by dense beech and fir forests, characteristic of the northern Albanian Alps. Together they form part of the extensive woodland complexes of Vermosh, Lepushë and Skrobotushë, which are among the most ecologically significant forested areas in the region.
Above 1,800 meters, vegetation transitions into limited patches of alpine grassland, composed of sparse plant communities adapted to colder temperatures and increased wind exposure.