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View of the city from above. In the foreground, green lawns, trees, and several paved areas can be seen. Closest to the viewer is a large, jagged, grey structure with numerous dome-shaped towers, behind which rise many multi-storey houses. A chain of hills can be seen in the background.
View of the city from above. In the foreground, green lawns, trees, and several paved areas can be seen. Closest to the viewer is a large, jagged, grey structure with numerous dome-shaped towers, behind which rise many multi-storey houses. A chain of hills can be seen in the background.

Pristina

Published: 18 June 2025, 16:30

The Balkans' Best-Kept Secret

In Pristina, history and modernity merge in a unique way. The capital of Kosovo surprises visitors with its mix of striking architecture and modern art. Landmarks such as the futuristic National Library and the Newborn Monument reflect the country's youthful self-confidence. At the same time, cultural landmarks such as the Emin Gjiku Complex and the old bazaar bear witness to its turbulent history. Nestled in a lively cultural and café scene, the creative pulse of the city can be felt in a special way.

Away from the capital, Kosovo offers impressive natural diversity and historical sights. The town of Prizren invites visitors to take a trip back in time with its picturesque old town and ancient fortress. The Visoki Dečani monastery complex showcases medieval architecture and religious art in beautiful surroundings. The Rugova Gorge and the area around the Mirusha waterfalls offer spectacular opportunities for hiking and exploring nature, while the Albanian Alps are a true paradise for adventure seekers. Kosovo is still largely undeveloped as a tourist destination, making it an ideal destination for explorers and nature lovers.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 199,000
  • Official language: Albanian, Serbian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

A vibrant capital city with character

An imposing brick church with a large, round main dome with a cross and several smaller domes can be seen. A narrow, square tower with a dome and open arched windows rises in the foreground of the picture. Green lawns, several scattered trees, and bushes are visible around the church. Houses stand behind the church.
Christ the Savior Cathedral is an unfinished Orthodox church known for its controversial history and imposing architecture. © rkuljovska/stock.adobe.com
A large concrete building made up of many individual blocks, each covered by a white dome. The parts of the building are enclosed by metal grids with geometric shapes. The tall windows have black metal frames.
The National Library of Kosovo is a landmark in Pristina and stands out with its futuristic concrete structure. © Anja/stock.adobe.com
Large, bright church with a pointed roof and a high, arched entrance, which is accessed via a wide staircase. To the left of the nave is a large, square church tower with several arched windows and a clock. There is a statue in front of the church. To the left of it stands a large tree, while on the right side there are several houses lined up in a row.
The Mother Teresa Cathedral is one of Pristina's most famous landmarks. It was built in honour of the famous nun. © Robson90/stock.adobe.com
Large paved square with a sculpture made up of individual letters spelling out the word NEWBORN. The letters are painted in bright colours. Behind the sculpture stands a futuristic building.
The Newborn Monument symbolises the moment Kosovo became independent. It is redesigned every year on Independence Day. © Marius Karp/stock.adobe.com
Old living room with several chairs around a round table on a brick floor. Behind it, an open fireplace is visible. Numerous cast-iron pans and pots can be seen on the table and on a shelf on the wall.
The Ethnological Museum in Pristina offers fascinating insights into the traditional culture and way of life of the people of Kosovo. © Sailingstone Travel/stock.adobe.com

Kosovo – Unexplored Opportunities

View from above of a city with numerous red tiled roofs and a mosque with a large dome and minaret in the centre. Green branches protrude into the picture in the foreground. The sun is shining on the horizon just before sunset, illuminating the city with warm light.
Prizren is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in the country. It is known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and rich history. © Curioso.Photography/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a mountain landscape with a gorge running through it. On the mountain on the right-hand side of the picture, there is a path secured by a wall on the steep slope.
The impressive Rugova Gorge in the Prokletije Mountains is ideal for hiking and climbing. © Anne Czichos/stock.adobe.com
A large brick church with tall, arched windows that glow red in the evening light. The church is made up of numerous rounds, domed building elements. A cross is mounted on each of the two highest domed towers. The building is surrounded by a lawn and a small paved square, with a few leafless trees standing around it.
The Orthodox Gračanica Monastery is one of the most outstanding examples of Byzantine architecture in the Balkans and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © Toma/stock.adobe.com
View of a high mountain on the horizon. Several green mountains stretch out in front of it. Dark green conifers stand in the foreground of the picture.
At just under 2,700 meters, Kosovo's Gjeravica mountain is a paradise for hikers. © hot_pixel/stock.adobe.com
Lush, green, steep rocky landscape through which a high, narrow waterfall leads into a small, green lake.
The Drini Bardhë waterfall is nestled amid lush vegetation. Numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area make this a popular destination for day trips. © Remy/stock.adobe.com

Pristina from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

easyJet

Pristina Airport (PRN)

Five tips for ...

  1. Flija – a dish made from several thin layers of dough with cheese
  2. Burek – filo pastry filled with meat, cheese or potatoes
  3. Tavë Prizreni – stew in a clay pot made from lamb or beef and vegetables
  4. Sarma – vine or cabbage leaves filled with minced meat and rice
  5. Sutliash – sweet rice pudding with cinnamon

  1. Explore the spectacular Rugova Gorge on numerous hiking trails
  2. Discover alpine landscapes and wild nature in the Sharri Mountains
  3. Hike along forest trails to the source of the White Drin
  4. Climb the highest mountain, Gjeravica, and enjoy fantastic views
  5. Explore unspoiled landscapes on the Via Dinarica long-distance hiking trail

  1. Gračanica Monastery: UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Byzantine frescoes
  2. Prizren Fortress: testimony to the Ottoman and Byzantine past
  3. Tailors' Bridge near Gjakova: an example of traditional Ottoman architecture
  4. Hadum Mosque in Gjakova: important mosque from the 16th century
  5. Ulpiana Ruins: Remains of an ancient Roman city near Pristina

Picture Source title:
© dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

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