Catch a Mountain View in Prizren

One of the Few Preserved Historical Towns in Kosovo

Prizren is considered the historical capital of Kosovo - in addition to its cultural capital and one of its prettiest towns. As one of the areas not significantly impacted by the Kosovo War, it is one of the few places you can see historical neighborhoods and sites in the country. A bit like Gjirokaster, Berat, or Ohrid, the city is an example of traditional Balkan houses - rising up a hill with picturesque windows lining the front - and Ottoman architecture - such as its Old Stone Bridge and mosques. Located at the base of the Sar Mountains, it also offers stunning mountain views pretty much everywhere you look - and opportunities for hiking.

Explore Old Town

Centered around Shadervan Square, you’ll find a charming old-town with cobbled streets and historic houses. It will only take you about thirty minutes to see the main historical sites - the Old Stone Bridge and Sinan Pasha Mosque - but it’s easy to get lost in the local stores and restaurants. While you’re there, you can cross the bridge and head to the Albanian League of Prizren Museum - which is about the political party that has traditionally advocated for ethnic Albanian rights in Kosovo - or the Archaeological Museum - which has a watchtower with some nice views of Prizren.

Catch the Sunset at Prizren Fortress

At the top of Prizren, there’s an 11th century fortress on land that has been occupied since the Bronze Age. It offers some panoramic views of Old Town - and is a great spot to catch the sunset at the end of the day.

Go for a Hike

Behind the fortress, you’ll find the starting points for two hiking routes. The rightward branch leads up a couple of mountains to some stunning view points, and the leftward branch wraps back around the mountain to town along the river. I took the rightward route and wrapped back along a driving road that has a Prizren viewpoint. My favorite spots were actually small nooks alongside the road, with my absolute favorite being right here.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can head to Sharr Mountains National Park and hike there instead.