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Kosovo

Kosovo

Capital city description

Priština is the capital and largest city in Kosovo. It is one of the most popular stops of Balkan tours with its long history. The capital is Kosovo's economic, financial, political, and trade center due to its location in the country's center. It is the seat of power of the Government of Kosovo, the residences for work of the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo, and the Parliament of Kosovo. Pristina is also Kosovo's most important transportation junction for air, rail, and roads. Pristina International Airport is the country's largest and most prominent region.

Pristina is Kosovo's primary tourist destination and central air gateway. It is a university center of students from neighboring countries like Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. It houses many luxury hotels, modern restaurants, bars, pubs, and large nightclubs. The city's most prominent hotels are the Swiss Diamond and the Grand Hotel Prishtina, situated in the heart of the town. Other significant hotels present in Pristina include the Emerald Hotel, Sirius Hotel, and Hotel Garden. 

Climate

Kosovo has a temperate climate with reasonably hot summers and relatively cool winters. The summers are sweltering with average temperatures of 20 °C (68 °F), sometimes up to 37 °C (99 °F). Medium temperatures during winter range from 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) to sometimes 22.8 °C (73.0 °F). The average annual precipitation of this climatic area is about 700 mm (28 in) per year. Heavy snowfalls characterize the winter.

Spring: March to May

Summer: June to August

Autumn: September to November

Winter: December to February

Languages spoken

In Kosovo, the official spoken languages are Albanian and Serbian; simultaneously, English and German are widely spoken foreign languages in the country.

Fun/Fascinating Facts

  1. Kosovo's terrain is mountainous, with the highest peak, Gjeravica rising 8,714 feet above sea level. It has two central plains and several notable rivers and lakes.
  2. Kosovo is a home of great wine, tasty food, and exceptional leather products. There's an enormous amount of products; wine from the vineyards of the south, exceptionally durable leather goods, a beer brewed from mountain waters, homemade honey and cheeses, and a sweet homemade brandy. 
  3. Limestone caves are abundant and are found in several parts of the country. The Marble Cave, a karst limestone cave in Kosovo, is a famous tourist destination.
  4. Kosovo is one of the youngest countries to have attained independence. The Newborn monument in downtown Prishtina is painted every year in different styles.
  5. About 40% of the country is covered by forest. The majority of the trees in the forest are oak and pines. And most of the forests are located in southwestern Kosovo.

Unique Customs/Traditions

  • Kosovo culture is characterized by its patriarchal tradition. For centuries, the ethnic Albanian villagers have lived in Kosovo with extensive families consisting of 70 to 100, a chosen patriarch ruled. Up to this date, the Kosovar society is still built on family units in the majority of the rural areas.
  • In Kosovo, hospitality is essential, and guests should be pampered with abundant food and drink. The local “rakia” is offered on festive occasions, but you are equally happy to spend over coffee or tea. Alcohol intake is relatively moderate.
  • The food is quite rustic and reminiscent of the cuisine of the other Balkans. Meat dishes are typical: fresh vegetables by season, peppers with varying heat, olives, and other pickles. Ajvar is a distinct flavoring made with pepper, oil, and garlic. Pork is not included in Albanian cuisine but instead appears abundant in Serbian. Yogurt is a regular table drink.

Popular universities

Name Description
University of Pristina (Universiteti i Prishtinës) The University of Pristina (Universiteti i Prishtinës) is a public university in Pristina, Kosovo. The University of Pristina has 17 faculties, of which 14 are academic faculties, and three are applied sciences. The University of Pristina offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
University of Prizren Ukshin Hoti (Universiteti i Prizrenit Ukshin Hoti) The University of Prizren Ukshin Hoti (Universiteti i Prizrenit Ukshin Hoti) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Prizren. University, with its six academic units, currently offers studies in the Bachelor and Master cycle, while based on the statute, the same can also organize doctoral studies. In addition to Studies in the Albanian language of instruction, the University also offers studies in the Turkish and Bosnian languages ​​of instruction.
University of Mitrovica Isa Boletini (Universiteti i Mitrovicёs "Isa Boletini") The University of Mitrovica Isa Boletini (Universiteti i Mitrovicёs "Isa Boletini") is a public university located in the city of Mitrovica, Kosovo. According to the Provisional Statute, approved by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, within the University of Mitrovica "Isa Boletini" (UMIB), there are six faculties: Faculty of Geosciences (FGJT), Faculty of Food Technology (FTU), Faculty of Mechanical and Computer Engineering (FIMK), Faculty of Law (FJ), Faculty of Economics (FE) and Faculty of Education (FE).
Haxhi Zeka University (Universiteti Haxhi Zeka) Haxhi Zeka University (Universiteti Haxhi Zeka) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Pec, Republic of Kosovo, established in 2012. Universiteti Haxhi Zeka (UHZ) is a coeducational Serbian higher education institution. Haxhi Zeka University (Universiteti Haxhi Zeka) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
University “Kadri Zeka” (Universiteti Kadri Zeka Gjilan) Established in 2013, University “Kadri Zeka” (Universiteti Kadri Zeka Gjilan) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Gjilan. The Public University of Gjilan consists of four academic units: Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Computer Science. The University faculties consist of departments as regards the teaching activity. All faculties offer full-time studies at the bachelor level in compliance with the provisions of the University Statutes.

Festivals & Events

Kosovo Independence Day

Date: 17th February

On 17th February 2008, Kosovo declared its independence, becoming Europe’s newest country so far. Kosovo celebrates the day with festivities every year, transforming Prishtina and the country into one big celebration, dressed in Kosovo’s flag colors: deep blue and sunny yellow.

International Festival of Young Musicians – DAM

Date: November

The International Festival of Young Musicians – DAM Festival Pristina is one of the most famous cultural events in the Republic of Kosovo, Pristina. Founded in 2006, DAM Festival is an annual music festival that gathers young and talented national and international musicians worldwide.

The festival hosts roundtable discussions with knowledgeable panels sharing experiences and case studies from world-leading organizations facing the challenge of managing their digital media assets. 

Hazu Jehon

Date: First week of May

Hazu Jehon is a folklore festival held annually, from May 2nd - 4th in Gjonaj village, 15km northwest Prizren. About 20 cultural ensembles from all over the country gather to celebrate traditional music and dance.

Traditional Hasi costumes and crafts are on display, attracting thousands of international and local visitors. The event occurs in the open environment at "Reconcile Hill." 

Prishtina International Film Festival

Date: July

Prishtina International Film Festival is an important film event held annually every July in Kosovo. The festival consists of four competition programs: the European film competition program, the Balkan film competition program also known as Honey and Blood Cinema, the Middle-length competition program (comprised of 25-60 min length films), and the Documentary film program.

There are special screenings outside of the competitions, including a program dedicated to the LGBT community, a focus on Turkish cinema, and many Kosovar premieres of Albanian movies.

Kosovo Architecture Festival

Date: July to October

Kosovo Architecture Festival is an annual event held from July until October; it is the most famous architectural event with an extensive program, including exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and workshops.

Most events, such as lectures at the Kosovo Museum or architectural tours of Pristina, occur in the capital city. However, the program also spreads across the country, with a series of events in Prizren, Peja, and Gjakova.

Beerfest Kosova

Date: July

Beerfest Kosova is one of the biggest festivals in Kosovo. It started in 2011 and has been growing bigger and bigger every year.

Each year Beerfest represents the most extensive collection of beers ever tasted in public. Beerfest Kosova brings together people who enjoy good music, the best beers, and fantastic food. The Festival takes place in the city of Prishtina.

Sunny Hill Festival

Date: August

A massive celebration of international and Kosovo music and culture, held every August, the Sunny Hill Festival is a product of the Sunny Hill Foundation, founded by Dua Lipa and her family.

The festival is organized to raise money for the local community and support Kosovo youth in creative arts and the profile of Kosovo worldwide while delivering one of the most fun and musically diverse line-ups in the region. Famous singers perform at the festival and local and international artists. 

Attractions / Top Sights

Brezovica ski resort

When to visit: April to September

Šar Mountains offer Alpine-style accommodation and new slopes to explore. Located in the northeast of the mountains is the stunning Brezovica ski resort or Brezovica ski center, a mountain resort and the most prominent winter tourism center in Kosovo; it is mainly a destination for skiing and snowboarding.

The mountain offers many exciting activities in the summer, including hiking, mountain biking, golf, and other outdoor recreational activities. 

Pristina

When to visit: May, July and August

The largest capital city of Kosovo, Pristina, is home to luxury hotels and many important contemporary art centers such as the National Theatre of Kosovo, National Archaeology, Ethnography, and Natural science Museum, National Art Gallery and the Ethnological Museum.

Beyond the congested city center, with its international restaurants and smart cafes, experience the quaint Turkic hillside neighborhoods that have defined the city for centuries, where the call to prayer still sounds from minarets overlooking the city's terracotta roofs and where the bustling bazaar remains the focal point of daily life.

Rugova Canyon

When to visit: May to October

Rugova Canyon is one of the most impressive canyons in Europe, with its length of 25 km (15.5 miles) and depth of up to 1,000m (3,300 feet). The waters of the Peć Bistrica river have cut their way through the mountains in a breathtaking way.

Rugova Canyon offers excellent opportunities for hikers, rock-climbers, and cave explorers. On this canyon recently was built “Via Ferrata” or the “Iron Trail,” the first and the only in the Balkans, which enables climbing rocks for each curious passersby.

Marble Cave

When to visit: May to October

Found in 1966, the Marble Cave or the Gadime Cave is a karstic limestone cave in Kosovo. Vastly unexplored, the Marble Cave is just 20 km south of Pristina, in Donje Gadimlje. Falling under the Pec council area, the prehistoric cave rests in the eastern extremities of the Kosovo Valley. 

The cave covers three galleries featuring a myriad of vibrant colors lending themselves to your eyes. Blue, red, white, and yellow features are abundant along with the cave ceilings, walls, and floors. Though unexplored, the cave is open for tourists.

Patriarchate of Peć Monastery

When to visit: May to October

Located near Peja, Kosovo, The stunning medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery, Patriarchate of Peć Monastery, or the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć, was built in the 13th century.

The Patriarchate of Peć Monastery is situated at the entrance of the Rugova Canyon. Due to its unique architectural medieval structure, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Prizren

When to visit: Late spring, summer or early autumn

Prizren is a scenic old-time town famous for its fashionable jewelry, bridal fashion boutiques, and various restaurants offering mouth-watering local cuisines.

Surrounded by beautiful nature, Prizren is a stunning city, home to many remarkable ancient buildings, mosques, and monasteries. The impressive town also houses a beautiful historical open-air museum.

BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina

When to visit: May to November or October to March

When to visit: https://www.bearsanctuary-prishtina.org/our-bears

BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina has located 20 km from the capital of Kosovo near the village of Mramor. BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina was established to create a haven for these lovely wild animals. The large enclosures provide enough space for the animals to roam freely and withdraw, and all have trees or wooden structures to climb on and ponds to bathe in.

At the sanctuary, the bears have the chance to finally show natural behaviors in a lifelong home while still getting the necessary professional care.