This new, fully updated fourth edition of Bradt's Kosovo remains the only full-length, English-language guidebook to this Balkan land rich in cultural heritage and contemporary arts, and oozing generous hospitality and stunning scenery. This new edition offers contacts and information not easily accessible online, insider knowledge of one of Europe's last unspoiled destinations, and comprehensive detail on attractions.
Ringed by high mountains and overcoming a turbulent past, increasingly serviced by low-cost flights and benefitting from investment in travel infrastructure, Kosovo is enjoying a tourism renaissance. What was once a hub for adventurous backpackers and international organisations, Europe's youngest country has become a leading outdoors destination in its own right. On mega-hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and the Peaks of the Balkans, you can hike up saw-toothed mountains, with 20 peaks exceeding 8,200 feet. This edition features new via ferratas - climbing routes - plus thrilling new opportunities for off-piste skiing, zip lining, and paragliding.
Prishtina's ever-changing café and restaurant scene remains a must, while fresh for this edition include new tourist attractions, such as Germia's adventure park and the Kosovo War Museum. Enthusiasts of Brutalist architecture have plenty to admire, notably Prishtina's National Library, while recently restored archaeological sites, such as Ulpiana and Novo Brdo, offer a haven for history buffs. Gjakova has complemented its flourishing café and shopping scene with new nature-tourism offerings. Kosovo has become a leading venue for international DJs, while Grammy-winning popstar Dua Lipa's Sunny Hill Festival has put the country on the map, doing for music what Dokufest (Kosovo's documentary and short-film festival) did for film.
Most Kosovars love Americans, with Stars and Stripes flags displayed prominently countrywide, while Prishtina marks recent historic connections with roads and a statue dedicated to Bill Clinton and George Bush. Whether you enjoy a traditional meal in a well-preserved kulla (stone tower-house), relax by sampling vineyard raki, or rejuvenate through the dynamic vibe of a country where half the population is under 25, Kosovo will surprise and excite. This fourth edition of Bradt's Kosovo contains all the up-to-date information critical to a smooth visit, making it an indispensable travelling companion.
Verena Knaus studied modern history at the University of Oxford, and international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins University. She first came to Kosovo in 2001 to set up a 'lessons learned and analysis unit', a joint project of the European Stability Initiative (ESI), a non-profit think tank, and the UN administration in Kosovo. During subsequent years, she researched and published extensively on Kosovo's post-war economy, international governance, minorities and migration. After working in Turkey and enjoying a short stint at Yale University as a 'world fellow', she returned to Kosovo in January 2007, just in time for independence. She has led academic and biking tours across Europe for many years and is a co-author of Bradt's Kosovo guide (now in its fourth edition). Knaus now works in a senior capacity for UNICEF, overseeing the organisation's relationships with several European countries.
Gail Warrander was a lawyer in the City of London and then for Reuters. On a commuter train she was drawn by an advert in The Economist and left 'the big smoke' to help with the EU-funded economic reconstruction effort in Kosovo. After three years working on infrastructure and privatisation projects she switched to working directly for the business community of Kosovo, running her own commercial law firm in Kosovo, and working extensively with foreign and local investors. She then returned to the UK to attend London Business School's Sloan Fellowship programme. A keen mountain biker and snowboarder, she speaks fluent German, French and Albanian and basic Serbian. She has travelled extensively throughout the Balkans and co-authored Bradt's Kosovo guide (now in its fourth edition). She currently lives in South Africa, working as an economic development professional for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
