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Velika Rudoka is the highest peak in Kosovo right on the border between North Macedonia and only a 5 hour roadtrip from northern Greece and the town of Thessaloniki which is how this trip starts.
The peak is also known as Rudoka e Madhe or Maja e Njeriut depending on which side of the border you’re on and it took the highest peak spot from Deravica only recently (2,658m).
We did the hike in late October with a short stop in the capital in between. The hike is not popular at all, at least not when we were there and it took a lot longer than anticipated.
If you like remote hikes and don’t mind a bit of preparation to get to one of Europe’s most remote peaks, then read on.
Where is Velika Rudoka?
You’ll find it on the southern border of Kosovo with Northern Macedonia in the range of mountains called Shar Mountains. It is near the town of Brod in the Dragash municipality and also close enough to Prizren a quite nice city where we also stayed.
I found Prizren a very nice and relaxing base.
Where to base yourself to start the hike
We based ourselves in Prizren but some people we saw were in nearby Brod and yet others prefer to be right on the start of the track at Arxhena ski resort. The hotel gets mixed reviews but still I would have prefered close access to food and a bathroom after finishing the hike.
This will depend on your budget of course, but it does seem a bit expensive and the amenities felt very run down. They were kind enough to let us use the bathroom before we started the hike though. This is also where we parked the car early in the morning and set off for the mountain.
Hiking Velika Rudoka: experience
This was not the easiest mountain for me personally, and I was glad to have more experienced hikers with me.
This wasn’t so much due to the terrain itself, but the lack of signposting combined with bad weather. We wouldn’t have found our way back down without a GPS phone, which is now permanently on my packing list.
The steepest part is right at the beginning (and end) where the ski slope starts — basically a gravel road going straight up. Unfortunately, my knees are not the best in general and as it usually happens I needed significant help to walk down the steep part at the end. (foreshadowing of an ACL surgery I’ve since had).
In terms of the hike itself, I would just emphasize that it is very easy to get lost along the way.
After following trail markers for a while, the path naturally curves through a valley and leads to a small farmhouse and a lake/river, which is where the harsh section really starts.
There had been a lot of rain when we visited, which turned the whole area into a mushy bog of mud, making everything harder and slower as well.
From that point on, GPS navigation is absolutely essential. We did get lost — and were thankfully saved by two hikers who had a GPS.
The final stretch is a steep elevation gain — not technically difficult, but the wind, rain, and fog made it slow and intense.
We pushed through with some effort, and at one point I was, once again, the weakest link, having to hold on to my partner so I wouldn’t literally blow away. That might sound dramatic but there is photographic evidence to back it up.
How long does the hike take?
The distance is 10,8km one way for a total time of 12h on the hike, but with good weather and good skill (plus not getting lost) I’ve seen it listed in 7-9 hours.
Which means about 5-6hours to go up and about 4-5 hours to go down. I’m notoriously bad at going downhill though.
Do you need special gear?
Yes and no! If you are a seasoned hiker to remote areas then the one thing not to forget is GPS with maps loaded of course. The rest of the equipment outside of winter time is pretty standard, good raincoat, hiking shoes and supplies in terms of water and snacks.
It’s definitely not an intro hike though that can be done easy during the day. I would recommend saving it for a day when you can relax after.
Is it safe?
We only saw two more hikers on the path in late October, which was two more than we expected, considering how remote it was and the weather that turned.
In terms of the mountain, there are no sharp drops or climbing required, but guard dogs always pose a bit of a threat if you find yourself scared or react badly.
The rest of the conditions are manageable with good preparation and proper hiking gear. Worst-case scenario, we had the farmhouse marked, so we could go and seek cover there.
What’s the best route to hike to Velika Rudoka?
To my knowledge this is the one and only route from Kosovo side to get to the peak. You start at the hotel and follow some signs first, before reaching the farmhouse and then it’s up to the GPS to navigate you.
Where to stay in Prizren
Prizren has the general budget and small hotel accommodation options that you can expect. Most times of the year, you can expect to find something under 100 euro but closer to 50 or 30 is also possible if you go with a more budget option.
One thing to note if you are a hiker, is to make sure to bring snacks and other food from one of the bigger cities as supermarkets don’t carry lots of international brands or specialty products.
If you are coming with a rental car on a road trip, make sure to park in designated spots (you’ll have to pay by the hour).
We grabbed food at a few small restaurants near the river — mostly grilled meats and local dishes like pite (burek-style pie). It’s cheap, filling, and hits the spot after a long hike.
I would not recommend the place we stayed… but keep in mind that the Airbnbs are usually houses that the locals move out of, meaning cleanliness and private space are both questionable. However, you can’t complain much for the price.
What else to do in the area?
The village of Prizren was a great spot, even though the 40 minute drive from the mountain when we were so tired, did push the limits.
We enjoyed a few strolls around the river at night and also the following morning, with a walk up to castle and getting lost in the narrow alleyways.
You can also grab coffee near the water or go around for souvenir shopping and general sightseeing.
In recent years, Prizren is getting a lot of attention so you’ll find a lot of historical and walking tour options as well like this one.
From there it is also an under 2 hour drive to Pristina, which deserves a quick stop.
We have visited a few times on our way to other destinations further north like Montenegro and it never fails to amaze. Plus all the stray dogs are chipped and color coded (and cared for) contrary to Greece which still lags behind on that front.
The main thing to see in Pristina for me is the beautiful university library with its impressive brutalist architecture.
Then head a bit out of the city towards the Bear Sanctuary.
Bear Sanctuary Near Pristina
If you’re already heading toward Pristina, definitely stop by the Bear Sanctuary nearby. It’s only about half an hour out of the city and houses around 18–20 bears that were rescued from circuses, illegal private ownership, or poor captivity conditions. They now live in large outdoor enclosures across 16 hectares.
It’s just €3 to enter, and there’s a short trail around the site with info from staff along the way. Plus there’s a short tunnel experience to show what captivity feels like. Worth it, even if just for the walk.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Kosovo
- Emergency: Dial 112 for general emergencies, 193 for fire, 194 for ambulance, and 192 for police. English may not be guaranteed — having a local SIM or offline translator can help.
- Language: Albanian is the main language in Kosovo, with Serbian also spoken, especially in the north. English is surprisingly common among younger people and those working in tourism or cafes, especially in Pristina. But don’t count on it everywhere.
- Currency: Kosovo uses the Euro (€) even though it’s not an EU member. Card payments are widely accepted in cities, but you’ll need cash for small shops, mountain villages, or hiking regions like Brod.
- Navigation: Google Maps works well for cities and driving. But if you’re hiking (especially in Shar Mountains), you need offline GPS maps like Komoot. Don’t rely on trail signs.
- Transport: There are no Ubers. Taxis exist in cities but often don’t use meters, so agree on a price before you get in. Intercity buses are decent and very cheap. You can also rent a car easily from Pristina Airport — just double-check your insurance if crossing borders. If you rent, check out Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses which are affordable. Prizren and Pristina have a wider range of options.
- Safety: Kosovo is generally very safe for travelers. Petty theft is rare, and people are very welcoming. That said, some areas in the north near Serbia can be tense, so avoid political protests or demonstrations. Solo travelers will likely feel fine in most towns.
- Tours & Activities: For hikes, cultural sites, and animal experiences (like the Bear Sanctuary), GetYourGuide has solid options with local guides. Prices are usually way cheaper than Western Europe and often include transport or meals.
