Kosovo / Republika e Kosovës / Република Косово / Republika Kosovo – Let’s explore here
Kosovo is a small, disputed, landlocked country in the Balkans in Southern Europe. Serbia does not officially recognise it as a sovereign state, nor do about half of the UN member countries.
There are fewer than two million citizens, mostly consisting of Albanians and Serbians. It’s about the size of North Yorkshire in England or about half the size of Wales. Its neighbours are Serbia, Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
For the most part the country consists of a central plain, with the Accursed Mountains in the South and South West and the Šar Mountains in the South East. Mount Đeravica is the highest point, at 8,714 ft (2,656 m) above sea level.
Current travels
On our current road trip we travelled from Skopje in North Macedonia clockwise around the circumference of the country towards the capital Pristina, before heading south again through North Macedonia and on to Bulgaria.
Our route through Kosovo took us via Strpce – Prizren – Gjakove – Rugova canyon – Pristina
Our best places in Kosovo
Rugova canyon
Pristina, capital of Kosovo
Gjakove
What currency do they use in Kosovo?
In Kosovo they use the euro, and in majority Serb areas to the North they also use the Serbian dinar. The use of credit / debit cards is now widespread, although not guaranteed – have some cash just in case, particularly in café’s and restaurants. Traveller’s cheques are accepted in the main tourist areas. There are lots of ATMs in the cities.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Kosovo?
They speak Albanian and Serbian in Kosovo, although English and German are also both spoken in tourist areas.
What time zone is Kosovo in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Kosovo?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
What’s it like to drive in Kosovo?
Kosovo is a very small country with far too many cars in it, and as such is one massive traffic jam! At least that’s how it often feels. Moving from city to city can often involve being in a steady stream of traffic that creeps along at the minimum speeds between the cities, or slowed even further by the large amounts of agricultural traffic.
At peak times during the summer, it’s almost better to avoid using a car at all within cities, as most are at a complete standstill.
All of this can, of course, raise tensions, especially in the heat, leading to lots of beeping of horns and aggressive driving.
Car insurance is readily available and quick to obtain at the main Elez Han [Hani i Elezit] border for €15. There is a small office right after the passport and customs check.
We’ve also created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which you might find helpful 🙂
Is wild camping legal in Kosovo?
No, wild camping is illegal in Kosovo, although it is well tolerated. Remember – leave no trace!
Is it safe to drink water in Kosovo?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Kosovo. Bottled water is readily available across the country.
If you’ve got some awesome pictures, or some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!