Team Out of Town
Most Beautiful Places to Explore in Kosovo
What was once a highly disputed territory between the Byzantine and Ottoman empire has now become a story waiting to be told. While Kosovo is not a completely modernized country, it has a rich history, which is told through classical architecture, some of which were recognized as UNESCO World heritage sites.
Sunset view of the old stone bridge and old Ottoman Sinan Pasha Mosque photo via Depositphotos
As territories begin to modernize, the beauty of nature becomes a rare asset, which is why Kosovo is a sight to behold. Thus, here are the places you can visit for your Kosovo adventure:
Pristina
As the country’s capital, Pristina is the most vibrant city, the center of entertainment, healthcare, and commerce. It also has a rich culture through its historical sites, such as mosques and monuments.
This city also has a lively environment, with plenty of shopping malls, coffee shops, and pubs. Pristina is an excellent place to stay if you want a good blend of traditional and modern culture.
Gracanica Monastery
As you roam around Pristina, the Gracanica Monastery is a UNESCO heritage site that you cannot miss. Externally, this site, inspired by Serbian architecture, is complemented by tomb-shaped structures.
Internally, original paintings, treasures, and Byzantine decorations are used. Tragically, the original paintings and treasures were destroyed by a fire but were soon compensated with similar versions.
Kosovo Museum
The Kosovo Museum is inspired by Austro-Hungarian architecture, which focuses on archaeology, ethnography, and natural science.
The gallery features paintings and relics from the Dardanian, Romanian, and Illyrian eras. Later on, the museum displayed artifacts from the Kosovan liberation war.
Newborn Monument
If one symbol can synthesize what Kosovo went through, then the Newborn Monument is the perfect representation. Unveiled in 2008, this monument reminds Kosovo’s independence from Serbia.
This 10-foot tall, 79-foot long monument is spelled out as “NEWBORN” to signify the country’s rebirth. In fact, the monument is repainted annually to celebrate years of freedom.
Germia Park
Germia Park is a nice getaway from the crowds of Pristina. This park is filled with forests that contain multiple pine trees, faunas, and other floral species.
The scenery makes a great place for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and playing on the basketball court or playground. You can also go skiing, provided it is winter and you have equipment.
Bear Sanctuary
In the Bear Sanctuary, you finally have a chance to witness these creatures other than seeing them on TV. This 16-hectare area serves as a lifetime habitat for bears previously kept as pets and restaurant bears.
In fact, Kosovo banned the private ownership of bears since they were trapped in poor traps and used as restaurant attractions. As of now, there are 20 bears and counting in this sanctuary.
Prizren
If you’re looking for a more traditional Kosovo lifestyle, then Prizren is definitely the right spot. Known as the second-largest city, Prizren is filled with traditional homes and landmarks such as the Pasha Mosque and The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis, a UNESCO heritage site.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. Other traditional aspects of Prizren are the Serbian-Kosovan dishes and the Dokufest film festival.
Rugova
Rugova is a haven for snow and mountain lovers. This breathtaking valley is filled with mountain villages, peaks, and canyons.
In regular seasons, hiking and mountain climbing are some of your best activities. Rugova is a great place to go snowboarding and skiing during the snowy season.
Peja
After exhausting outdoor activities in Rugova, the city of Peja is right around the corner. Peja has its fair share of tourist sites like other cities, such as the Zenel Beg Tower, the City Center, and the Patriarchate Monastery, another UNESCO heritage site.
Souvenir shops and local restaurants also feature the city’s signature Peja cheese.
Ethnological Museum
Another vital part of Peja is the Ethnological Museum. This museum features artifacts from Kosovo’s historical events, such as the Kosovo War, Serbian Civilization, and the Ottoman Empire.
Some relics you can find are weapons, royal dresses, utensils, and folk musical instruments.
Sinan Pasha Mosque
Constructed with chiseled stones, the Sinan Pasha Mosque was built by the Ottoman Empire to spread Islam. This structure has a rectangular design layout with a stone-carved staircase.
Meanwhile, the mosque contains paintings of Arabic verses from the Al-Quran, the holy book of Islam.
Bjeshket E Nemuna National Park
This park definitely hits the mark if you’re looking for a natural and refreshing atmosphere. The location’s geological structure, geographical location, and hydrological components create a natural experience unlike any other.
Some of the things you can admire here are the flora, fauna, mountains, streams, and a river. Given that the park has a lot to offer, you can go climbing, hiking, and even fish catching.
Gazivoda Lake
Gazivoda Lake is a unique body of water shared by Kosovo and Serbia. It was actually formed by the dams of the Ibar river.
This lake is filled with plenty of fish and fauna. The scenery is complemented by hills near the lake.
Mirusha Waterfalls
Mirusha Waterfalls is a sight to behold for nature lovers. It is filled with 13 river lakes and 12 waterfalls, surrounded by a 10 km canyon.
In fact, the tallest waterfall in this area is 22 meters. You can also see caves and cliffs that complement the background of waterfalls.
Traditional Bazaars
Bazaars are common in the cities of Kosovo. The bazaars can cater to your needs if you need anything, even if you’re saving money.
Unlike in other countries, bazaars offer various products that aren’t limited to only certain items. Affordable products such as food, hairdryers, and even a deck of cards are accessible in bazaars.
Kosovo Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan your visit to Kosovo, we listed the best places and other amazing tourist attractions in Kosovo. We also listed some of the best Kosovo travel and tour packages, excellent flight deals, and accommodation.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Kosovo hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about other beautiful tourist attractions in Kosovo? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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