Kosovo

The Trans Dinarica Cycle Route’s first full stage in Kosovo starts from the town of Brezovica, one of the best known ski resorts in the region. The route will then take cyclists to one of the area’s most interesting cultural destinations, the magnetic Prizren, Kosovo’s second biggest city.

Take in the resort town of Brezovica with a coffee and breakfast in the mountains. As well, this is a good place to resupply as needed with the nearby shops and facilities. Then head south and then west through the foothills of the Šar (Sharr) Mountains. Over the first, approximately, 11 kilometers, the route steadily climbs from an elevation of about 900 meters to just over 1,500 meters. The ascent is gradual, but continual. The stage will take cyclists through the towns and villages of Prevalla, Sredska, and Reçan and past the Monastery of the Holy Archangels — all while riding along the Lumbardhi River (or Prizren Bistrica).

The route passes the Prizren Fortress as it enters the city on a well-kept gravel path. Stop for a moment, take a breath, enjoy the views, and take a photo of the beautiful and ancient place that was settled centuries before the Roman era.

This stage of the Kosovo cycling tour is an important one as it takes cyclists between two mountain ranges: the Šar (Sharr) Mountains and the Dinaric Alps. The day begins in one of the region’s most iconic cultural destinations: Prizren. In the southwest corner of Kosovo and equidistant to the Albanian and North Macedonian borders, Prizren, bisected by the Lumbardhi River (or Prizren Bistrica), is a place to consider taking the day off to relax and take in the sights. Points of interest include the Prizren Fortress, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and the Stone Bridge crossing the Lumbardhi River.

Leaving Prizren, the route — all asphalt today — descends for 11 kilometers before flattening out and then crossing the Drin River Bridge, at which point the road turns north and parallels the White Drin River. Cyclists will follow the waterway through the town of Rugova (about the 28-kilometer mark). About four kilometers later, the route leaves the river and heads west to Gjakova, the seventh largest city in Kosovo. Gjakova, and its beautiful old town, will provide a wonderful place to relax for the evening, refuel, and get ready for the next stage. Key points of interest include the old Bazaar, Saint Paul and Saint Peter Church, and the Hadum Mosque. Also of note: Gjakova is a Trans Dinarica connector point to Albania’s Valbona Valley National Park.

This beautiful stage of Kosovo’s section of the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route starts in the city of Gjakova and ends in Peja, the country’s fourth biggest city.

The day will begin with a steady climb for approximately the first 32 kilometers before leveling off for most of the rest of the day. Along the way — heading due north — cyclists will pass the village of Junik, which is the jumping off point for hikers to climb Mount Gjeravica, the secondest highest peak in the Dinaric Alps at 2,656 meters. At around 35 kilometers, cyclists will be within easy distance of the Dečani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The day ends in Peja, one of the country’s most important cities and arguably the country’s most important adventure center for the Dinaric Alps. Situated near the Rugova Valley, there is world-class hiking and cycling  in every direction. While here, visit the Rugava Gorge, the Peja Bazaar, the Peja Museum, one or more of the excellent restaurants, and the Bajrakli Mosque.

The last stage in Kosovo starts in the city of Peja and firmly back in the Dinaric Alps. The Trans Dinarica bike route will then leave Kosovo and head to the mountain town of Rožaje, which is lodged in the easternmost corner of Montenegro.

Today’s bike ride, which is entirely asphalt, is characterized by three sections. The first section, approximately 12 kilometers, is flat and takes cyclists beyond the outskirts of Peja. The second section, which is about 20 kilometers in length, is a steady climb into the Dinaric Alps that will pass several photo-worthy points to look across the landscape below and the border crossing (at around 23 kilometers). Make sure to stop at the beautiful White Drin Waterfall.

At around the 32-kilometer point, the road starts its descent. Over the next 18 kilometers cyclists, now in Montenegro will wind down on the other side of the mountains that had framed Peja. The final stop is the pretty town of Rožaje, which has a pedestrian walking zone with shops, cafes, and restaurants.