Kosovo
The Rugova Gorge, Prizren and the mountains of the Balkans.
Introduction
To Kosovo with the family
Kosovo is small and often left out, but is practically between Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia. The Rugova Gorge at Peja is an impressive route to drive through, and Prizren is an atmospheric town with a stone bridge and a castle.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 4–6 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,350 km to Pristina (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 4 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- Check before you leave (see source) (Details and source)
- Paying
- euro
- EU member
- no
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
Kosovo uses the euro even though it is not an EU member. Cash is convenient, especially outside of Pristina and Prizren (our experience).
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Mirëdita: good day
- Faleminderit: thank you
- Ju lutem: please
- Mirupafshim: goodbye
Documents and border
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country.
Health and safety
This country is not an EU member, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here. Ask your health insurer before you leave what your cover is, and take out travel insurance with medical cover. Read the current travel advice of the Dutch government just before you leave; it also lists entry rules and emergency numbers.
Traffic rules that matter
In Kosovo, there is practically an absolute ban on alcohol (officially 0.1 per mille). You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. From November 15th to March 15th winter tyres are mandatory, unless you have at least 4 mm profile and snow chains. Mandatory in the car: safety triangle, safety vest, dressing box, fire extinguisher and tow rope. Children up to 12 years and under 150 cm are not allowed to sit in front.
Source: ANWB
Best time to travel
June to September. In the mountains of Rugova it is pleasantly cool in summer (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorways | current price: see source | Check before you leave | Travel advice Kosovo price checked Oct 2026 |
Buy vignettes only through the official channels: other sites often charge extra. A caravan or camper van may fall into a different class; check this with the source.
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Kosovo
Prizren
A small town with an Ottoman bridge, mosques and a fortress on the hill.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Prizren
The most beautiful town in the country, with a stone bridge, mosques, churches and a fortress on the hill. Nice to walk along the river in the evening.
Source: beinkosovo.com
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Rugova and Peja
At Peja begins the Rugova Gorge, a narrow canyon into the mountains. Here you can hike, and there is a climbing walk and a suspension bridge for the brave.
Source: beinkosovo.com
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Pristina
The young capital, with cafes, the NEWBORN monument and museums. Half a day is enough (our assessment).
Source: beinkosovo.com
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
Kosovo is small: 4 to 6 days are enough, often as part of a round trip with Albania, Montenegro or North Macedonia (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-2: Peja and the Rugova Gorge.
- Day 3: Mirusha Waterfalls on the way.
- Days 4-5: Prizren.
- Optional: Pristina.
Camping
Where do you camp?
Small campsites and guesthouses
There are few campsites; You will find mainly small squares and guest houses around Peja, Rugova and Prizren (our experience). Reserve or call beforehand.
Source: beinkosovo.com
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Stay on the paths
There may still be landmines or explosive devices in remote areas. Camp not wild and stay on the paths.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Rugova Gorge
Walking along the river between high rock walls; Older children can make an easy climbing route with guides.
Source: beinkosovo.com
Prizren Fortress
A short climb to the fortress above the city, with a wide view. Go late in the afternoon when it is cooler.
Source: beinkosovo.com
Mirusha Waterfalls
A series of waterfalls and small lakes in a canyon, with a hiking path.
Source: beinkosovo.com
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
For this country we have found so far only a few excursions with their own, reliable website. We add to that as soon as we can look at more.
Our favourites
Prishtina Park
The first theme park in Kosovo, with roller coaster, Ferris wheel and carousels; open all year round, in winter with ice skating. Note: The website was temporarily unavailable during our audit.
HyperActive
Large indoor leisure center in Prishtina Mall on Pristina–Ferizaj Street, with kart, bowling, laser tag, VR, escape rooms and arcade games. Ideal in the rain or if the children have to move after a long day of driving. According to the website, reservations are recommended.
BO Bowling Prishtina
Bowling center with 24 lanes, plus billiards, darts, table tennis and restaurants. Same chain as BO Bowling in Tirana, practical if you are visiting both countries.
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Flija
A layered cake of thin dough with cream, baked for hours under a lid with embers.
Pite
A savoury pie of filo pastry with cheese, spinach or meat.
Qebapa
Grilled minced-meat rolls, just like ćevapi in the neighbouring countries.
Macchiato
Coffee is a ritual in Kosovo. Parents drink a macchiato, children often an ice cream or a soda.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (2)
Festival: Dokufest in Prizren
Every summer, Prizren hosts the Dokufest, an international festival for documentaries and short films with open-air screenings. Check the dates on the official page.
Source: dokufest.com
Medieval monasteries
The Serbian Orthodox monasteries of Dečani and Peć and the church in Prizren are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Check the travel advice and the current visit rules beforehand.
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Travel advice: green
The Dutch travel advice for Kosovo has colour code green (checked on 14 October 2026). Check it again just before you leave. Source: Travel advice Kosovo (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Passport or ID card
Kosovo is not an EU member. You need a valid passport or ID card that is valid for at least 3 months upon departure. Read the current travel advice before departure. Source: Travel advice Kosovo (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Landmines in remote areas
Especially in remote and uninhabited areas are still mines and unexploded ordnance, for example on the border with Albania and in the mountainous country in the west. Stay on roads and marked paths. Source: Travel advice Kosovo (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- Travel advice Kosovo (NederlandWereldwijd)
- Travel advice Kosovo (NederlandWereldwijd)
- Travel advice Kosovo (NederlandWereldwijd)
- beinkosovo.com
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- dokufest.com
- UNESCO: Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Kosovo?
Check before departure (see source). Prices, points of sale and the official source are in the block 'Toll and Vignette' on this page. To tolls and vignettes
What is the best time to travel to Kosovo?
June to September. In the mountains of Rugova it is pleasantly cool in summer (our assessment).
How far is Kosovo from London?
From London to Pristina it is about 2,350 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 4 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Kosovo?
Mandatory in the car: safety triangle, safety vest, dressing box, fire extinguisher and tow rope. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Kosovo?
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country. Read the current travel advice just before you leave.