Kukës is a town situated beneath the slopes of the about 2500 m high Gjallicë mountain and at the meeting point of the Black and White Drin. Its convenient transport location is what makes it attractive rather than its sights. You may occur in this place on your trip to Kosovo, the Albanian Alps, the Korab mountain or Tropojë and Mirditë regions. Take a detour to the charming mountain village of Shishtavec and pay a visit to extensive bunker below Kukës.
3 things not to be missed in Kukës
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The city of 17,000 inhabitants is only a few decades old. In the 1970s, the inhabitants of the old Kukës, located lower down in the valley, were moved here. The reason for this was the construction of the Fierzë Reservoir, one of the largest on the Drin Cascade. Its waters now surround the new Kukës on three sides.
The climate in this area is unusually harsh. In winter, bitter frosts and two metres of snow are no exception.
The city gained international attention during the Kosovo War (1998-1999) when it hosted masses of Kosovo-Albanian refugees who were expelled from their homes by Serbian forces. They found temporary refuge in several refugee camps hastily set up around the city. This earned Kukës a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2000.
Transport to Kukës
Kukës is Albania’s gateway to Kosovo – it is only a few kilometres from here to Europe’s youngest country. The fastest way is along the highway towards Prizren. There are many buses on this route, stopping at the bridge over the Drin River below the town.
Buses to Bajram Curri run through Kosovo (Gjakovë) at least five times daily, also making a stop by the bridge.
Buses to Tirana run at roughly two-hour intervals. They leave from the centre of the town, the journey takes over two hours. There is also a bus from Kukës to Peshkopi once daily (7:00 am). Minibuses operate between Kukës and Rrëshen in the region of Mirditë.
Taxi drivers usually offer a ride to the Valbona Valley, one of which (+355696440113, speaks some English) charges 80 euros.
WARNING: In 2021, the International Airport opened in Kukës, attracting several low-cost airlines. However, all lines has been cancelled by the end of 2023. Now the airport appears to be out of service.
Useful Links
Accommodation
Use Booking.com to find the best places to stay in Kukës.
Flights
Find the cheapest flight to Albania on Kiwi.com. It combines various airlines into a single itinerary.
Car Rental
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Mobile data
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