Peja

Peja lies at the foot of the Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo. You can walk through the medieval Patriarchate monastery complex, explore the narrow streets of the old Turkish quarter, or hike in the Rugova Canyon. The city has preserved its 15th-century water fountains in the center, maintains an active cinema at Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla, and connects to the ski slopes of nearby Bogë.

Getting to Peja

You can reach Peja by bus from Pristina International Airport, located 70 kilometers east. Buses run every 20 minutes between Pristina and Peja, with the journey costing €5 one way. Regular bus connections also link Peja with Mitrovica, Gjakova, and Prizren, departing every 30 minutes. The city center is compact enough to explore on foot, though you'll need a vehicle to access the mountain areas and canyon.

Exploring Rugova Canyon

The 23-kilometer Rugova Canyon begins at the western edge of Peja. As you follow the Lumebardhi River westward, you'll see three karstic rivers flowing out from the rock faces. The White Drin Waterfall in Radavc village drops 30 meters. The canyon walls have four Via Ferrata routes with fixed steel cables and ladders, letting you climb the rock faces safely at different difficulty levels.

Mountain Activities

The Accursed Mountains around Peja include sections of the Peak of the Balkans trail connecting Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. In winter, you can ski and snowboard at the Bogë ski center. From December, you can go snowshoeing on the Leqinat Lake trail through the mountain passes. Local guides can take you on these routes and provide equipment.

Places to Visit

The Patriarchate of Peć monastery complex contains four churches with medieval frescoes from the 13th century, plus a library and treasury. In the city center, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum in the 18th-century mansion of Tahir Beg to see traditional costumes, tools, and household items. The Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla, built in 1955, shows films and hosts concerts throughout the year.

Local Events

Each August, the Anibar animation film festival brings international animators to Peja. For one week, you can watch animated films from around the world at outdoor screenings, in the cinema, and in converted spaces throughout the city. Local cafes and restaurants extend their hours during the festival.

Climate and Timing

Peja experiences warm summers and cold winters, with August averaging 19.7°C (67.5°F) and January dropping to -1.9°C (28.6°F). Summer months are ideal for hiking and canyon exploration, while the winter season from December to March suits skiing and snowshoeing activities. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures well-suited for exploring both the city and its surrounding natural areas.