Junik Voyage Tips and guide

Juniku (Serbian: Јуник, Junik) is a municipality and small town in western Kosovo, located in the Gjakova region. It lies in the western part of Kosovo. According to the 2024 census, Junik has 3,943 inhabitants.

Junik is connected mainly through Gjakova, the nearest urban center (about 12 km away). Buses to Gjakova run frequently from major cities, and from Gjakova you can take a local bus or taxi to Junik.

From Pristina – Buses to Gjakova depart every 30 minutes (€4–5, about 1.5 hours). From Gjakova, local buses to Junik run several times a day, taking around 20–25 minutes.

From Prizren – Frequent buses to Gjakova (€5, about 1 hour), with onward local connections to Junik.

From Peja – Buses to Gjakova run every 15 minutes (€2.5–3, 40 minutes). From Gjakova, continue to Junik by local bus.

Junik is easily reached via the regional road Gjakova–Deçan.

• From Pristina – About 100 km, partially on highway. Follow signs to Gjakova and then continue 12 km south to Junik.
• From Montenegro – The road brings you first to Peja; from there it is 36 km to Gjakova and another 12 km to Junik.
• From Albania – The easiest route is via the Durres–Kukes–Prizren highway, then take the Gjakova exit and continue about 25 km on the Prizren–Gjakova regional road before turning toward Junik.

Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari” (PRN) is about 85 km from Junik. From the airport you can take a taxi, or walk to the main road in Fushë Kosovë to catch buses heading toward Gjakova, then transfer to a local bus for Junik.

On foot

Junik is compact and easy to explore on foot. The town is calm, walkable, and most points of interest are located close to each other.

By bicycle

Cycling is a great way to get around Junik. The roads are quiet and distances are short, making it convenient for everyday biking. In addition, the surrounding mountains offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking, with scenic trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

By ATV rental

For those looking for a bit more adventure, Junik offers the possibility to rent ATV (quad) vehicles. These are ideal for exploring the rugged terrain and enjoying off-road experiences around the Accursed Mountains. The cost for quad rentals is typically around €100 per day, depending on the provider and the duration.

By taxi

Taxis are affordable, and rides within the town usually cost around €2–4 depending on the distance.

Junik offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic local life. Visitors can enjoy peaceful streets, traditional neighborhoods, and welcoming community spaces. The surrounding mountains provide breathtaking views and untouched nature, perfect for hiking, exploring, or simply relaxing in the fresh air. Throughout the town, you’ll find historical landmarks, traditional architecture, and small local cafés where you can experience the true spirit of Junik. Whether you're drawn to nature, culture, or quiet discovery, Junik offers plenty to see for every type of traveler

• Oda E Junikut: The Junik Oda continues the tradition of the historic assembly and justice system based on the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini. Dating back to the 17th century, this traditional stone tower has long served as a gathering place for important community decisions. According to historian Hoxha, the Oda of Junik was the leadership center of the national movement and the place where the decisions of the 1912 Junik Assembly,were prepared. Many regional and national gatherings—such as those in Llapushnik and Llausha—agreed that Junik should host the general national assembly. Inside this historic tower, the 14 key decisions were written before being taken by Hasan Prishtina, as the building could not accommodate all 250 delegates. For that reason, the final assembly was held at Verrat e Gjocajve, where a memorial plaque stands today. There, beneath an old tree, Hasan Prishtina climbed onto its trunk to publicly read all 14 decisions. The Assembly of Junik was the last major gathering of its kind in Albanian territories before the Albanian Uprising of 191, which led to the liberation of Skopje and later paved the way toward the Assembly of Vlora and the Declaration of Independence.
• The Tower of Brahim Hoxha: Now a museum. Dating from the 17th century, the Tower of Brahim Hoxha has been transformed into a museum, preserving Junik’s cultural and historical heritage. It offers visitors a glimpse into traditional architecture and the way of life that shaped the region for centuries. Also originating from the 17th century, the Hoxha Tower was an important judicial and administrative center for implementing the Kanun. Architecturally remarkable and culturally significant, it unfortunately was burned down during the last war by Serbian forces, along with all the documents it safeguarded. This loss was deeply felt by Mr. Sc. Avdyl Hoxha, who preserved within the tower nearly a century’s worth of family and historical memory.
• Kulla e Isufajve: Built in the 19th century, the Isufaj Kulla is a typical Dukagjini Kulla bearing the residential dwelling and fortification function. This type of Kulla are scattered all over Dukagjini Plain (in the western Kosovo) and north-eastern part of Albania. With minor variations, it is encountered also in other parts of Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. It is rather prevalent in rural and mountainous areas, but often reveal in the cities, as in Pejë and Gjakovë
• Xhamia e Çokut: The Çoku Mosque in Junik is said to have been built around five centuries ago, making it one of the town’s oldest and most treasured cultural heritage landmarks. Historical records indicate that the mosque was constructed in 1570–1571, during the Ottoman period.Junik is known as one of the regions with the highest number of ancient cultural heritage sites, yet the Çoku Mosque stands out as one of the most significant.
• Kraki Family House School, built in 1966, played an important role in Junik’s local education. During the closure of formal schools in 1990–1991, part of the Kraki family home was used as a temporary school, where children continued their learning in a home-based environment. Visitors can learn about the informal teaching methods and the resilience of the community during this period, making it an important symbol of Junik’s educational and cultural heritage.

• Parku Moronica- Moronica is a defining part of Junik’s forested mountain landscape and forms the entrance to the Junik Mountains in southwestern Kosovo. Stretching along the banks of the Erenik River, this green area creates a natural boundary between the town and the highlands. In the 1960s, large sections of Moronica were planted with pine trees as a protective measure to stabilize the terrain and reduce the risk of landslides.
• The Erenik River flows through Junik, carving a scenic valley along the edge of the Junik Mountains. Originating in the Accursed Mountains, it provides a natural boundary for the town and a peaceful setting for walking, photography, and nature exploration. Its clear waters and riverside landscapes make it a key feature of Junik’s natural heritage, offering both beauty and a glimpse into the region’s ecology and history.
• The Junik Canyon is a hidden natural gem carved by the Erenik River, nestled in the mountainous terrain of western Kosovo. This canyon features dramatic rock formations and steep cliffs, creating a rugged, wild landscape that attracts hikers and nature lovers. According to a popular trail on Wikiloc, the route to the canyon involves scenic descents along rocky paths where adventurers need courage and, ideally, some rope to explore deeper sections. Rising to elevations around 1,400 meters, the canyon lies within the broader Junik Mountains, a part of the Accursed Mountains.
• The Gjeravica Lakes, located just below Kosovo’s highest peak Gjeravica (2,656 m), are some of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the Accursed Mountains. Gjeravica Lake (Liqeni i Gjeravicës): This lake sits at around 2,200 m above sea level, measuring approximately 240 m in length and 120 m in width. It is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 3.8 m, and is considered the source of the Erenik River.
• Liqeni i Zemrës (Heart Lake), is a small alpine lake near Kosovo’s highest peak, Gjeravica. Named for its distinctive heart-like shape, the lake sits at high altitude in the Accursed Mountains, surrounded by rugged rocky terrain. Formed during the last ice age, it is part of a series of glacial lakes in the area and offers a serene, scenic spot for hikers and nature lovers. Its crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and unique shape make it a memorable stop for anyone exploring the Gjeravica region.
• Tropoja Lake, is a small mountain lake located in the Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo, just about 180 m from the Albanian border.
• Gjeravica Peak, at 2,656 meters, is the highest peak in Kosovo’s Albanian Alps (Accursed Mountains) and lies on the border between Junik municipality and Albania. Nearby is Gusani Peak, rising to 2,639 meters. The region features stunning alpine landscapes, including glacial lakes like Gjeravica Lake and Heart Lake, and rugged mountain ridges perfect for hiking. The Erenik River flows through the valleys, carving scenic paths and canyons such as Junik Canyon. Together, these natural landmarks make Junik a remarkable destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Rrasa e Zogut is a mountain peak in the Accursed Mountains, located in the Junik area of Kosovo, about 1 km from the Albanian border. It rises to an elevation of around 2,309 meters. Known for its dramatic landscape and panoramic views, it's a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Historically and symbolically significant, Rrasa e Zogut is also being developed as a memorial site to honor the 40 fighters who fell there on July 17, 1998

• Hiking and Trekking

Climb Gjeravica Peak (2,656 m), the highest in Kosovo.

Explore Gusani Peak and surrounding alpine trails.

• Visit Glacial Lakes
  • Gjeravica Lake, Heart Lake (Liqeni i Zemrës), and Tropoja Lake.
  • Enjoy photography, picnics, and nature observation.
• Explore Junik Canyon
  • Hike along the Erenik River through dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
• Nature Walks in Moronica
  • Stroll through the pine forests and enjoy scenic views along the river.
• Historical & Cultural Visits
  • Junik Oda (Council Room) – traditional Kanun assembly site.
  • Tower of Brahim Hoxha – museum preserving local history.
  • Kraki Family “House School” – learn about informal education during 1990–1991.
• Religious & Heritage Sites
  • Çoku Mosque (built 1570–1571), one of Junik’s oldest cultural landmarks.
• Adventure Activities
  • Mountain biking and mountain trails in Junik Mountains.
  • ATV/quad rentals for off-road exploration (€100/day).
• Photography & Nature Observation
  • Capture panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and valleys.
  • Observe local flora and fauna in alpine and forested areas.
• Local Experiences
  • Walk through Junik town to see traditional neighborhoods.
  • Gjocaj Village for natural sites and walking in the countryside.
  • Interact with locals and enjoy small cafés and local food.
• Mountain Guide: Shpetim Jasiqi, [email protected] ☏ +383 49 10 10 58

• Restaurant Oda e Junikut- you can enjoy traditional food combined with the modern cuisine. Web. odaejunikut.com [odaejunikut.com Restaurant Oda e Junikut], ☏ +383 49 628 600. 07:00. €7. (updated Nov 2025)

• Restaurant Moronica e Junikut, Moronicë, Junik, ☏ +383 44 874 334. M-Sa 08:00-23:30. (updated Nov 2025)

Restorant & Hotel Oda e Junikut, St. "Agim Ramadani" Junik, Kosovo. €30 per night. (updated Nov 2025)