Geography of Kosovo
Kosovo: A Land of Mountains, Valleys, and Rich Natural Beauty
Kosovo, a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Conveniently located, Kosovo is less than a four-hour drive from Greece. The country is renowned for its stunning mountain ranges, with the Sharr Mountains in the southeast near North Macedonia and the Kopaonik Mountains in the north. The southwest borders Albania and Montenegro, featuring rugged, mountainous landscapes, including Gjeravica—Kosovo’s highest peak at 2,656 meters (8,714 feet).
Geography & Terrain
Kosovo’s central region consists of rolling hills and two major plains:
- Fusha e Kosovës (Kosovo Plain) – Located in the east
- Rrafshi i Dukagjinit (Dukagjini Plain) – Located in the west
Kosovo’s capital, Prishtina, is the largest city and the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub. Other important cities include Prizren, Peja, Gjakova, Mitrovica, Gjilan, and Ferizaj. The Dukagjini region, known for its mountainous terrain and valleys, is drained by the Southern Morava River. Other significant rivers include the Erenik, Ibër, Drin, and Sitnica Rivers.
Location & Geographic Facts
- Geographic Coordinates: 42° 35′ N, 21° 00′ E
- Total Area: 10,908 sq km (4,211 sq miles)
- Land Boundaries: 714 km
- Albania: 112 km
- North Macedonia: 160 km
- Montenegro: 76 km
- Serbia: 366 km
- Terrain:
- A flat fluvial basin (400-700 meters above sea level)
- Surrounded by high mountain ranges (2,000-2,600 meters in elevation)
Elevation Extremes
- Lowest Point: Drini i Bardhë River – 297 meters (near Albania)
- Highest Point: Gjeravica – 2,656 meters
Natural Resources
Kosovo is rich in natural resources, including:
- Nickel
- Lead
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Lignite
- Kaolin
- Chrome
- Bauxite
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Kosovo has a continental climate with cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers. Mountain regions are notably cooler, with summer temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F) and up to 120 days of snowfall annually. Around 40% of Kosovo’s mountainous areas are forested, with oak, pine, and beech trees. Wildlife includes deer, bears, wild boars, wolves, and foxes.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal months to explore Kosovo’s stunning nature and outdoor adventures are May and September, offering pleasant temperatures and breathtaking landscapes