Mountain Peak

Gjeravica Peak

Kosovo’s highest summit, a challenging yet rewarding one‑day hike through glacial lakes and rugged alpine terrain near the Albanian border.

Getting There

Located near the town of Istog, about 30 km northwest of Peja. Accessible by car or bus; local taxis are available from the Istog center.

Location: Western Kosovo, within Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, accessible from Junik village (8.5 km northwest).

Access: No public transport – requires 4×4 or a guided tour from Junik.

Navigation: Trails are not always marked – a GPS or local guide is essential.

📍 Access point: Via the mountainous road from Junik or Deçan.

Loacally Know as

Maja e Gjeravicës

Alpine Expedition Guide & Wilderness Expert

Fisnik Kelmendi

Insider tips

The hike: Difficult, requires experience, and often a guide (8- 10 hours round trip).
Natural feature: Look for the heart-shaped glacial lake of Gjeravica.
Guide required? Not legally required, but highly recommended for safety (landmine legacy, route-finding).
Water: Bring at least 2‑3 litres; no reliable sources on the upper route.
Weather: Can change rapidly – pack a waterproof jacket and warm layers even in summer.
Season: July to September (snow‑free).

The Story

Gjeravica (also spelled Gjervica) rises to 2,656 m (8,714 ft) in the western part of the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna), within the national park of the same name. It is the highest peak entirely inside Kosovo (the taller Maja e Jezercit is shared with Albania). The mountain is famous for its two glacial lakes - the Great Gjeravica Lake and the smaller Heart‑shaped Lake - as well as several springs that feed the Erenik River.

A border marker at the summit overlooks Albania. Because the area was a conflict zone in the late 1990s, some flanks were mined; today, cleared trails exist, but hiring a local guide is strongly advised.