Rugova (region)

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Rugova (Albanian: Rugova or Rugovë) is a mountain region located to the north-west of the city of Peja, in Kosovo. According to notes of Rugova it has been inhabited since before the 12th century. In 2013, it was designated a national park by the Parliament of Kosovo.

Rugova is an ethnographically diverse region, with great importance for the literary branches of lexicology, etymology and onomastics.^[1] Rugova is a suitable region for hiking, skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, and picnics.

It was ranked as the fourth most important center for winter sports by the International Ski Federation (ISF). Furthermore, in April 2013, Peja won the "Tourism for Tomorrow" award for the project, "Peaks of the Balkans".^[2]

Rugova is rich with many landform elements such as caves, waterfalls, glacial lakes, high peaks, and tunnels. The highest peak is Hajla at 2,403 m (7,884 ft). From Qafa e Qyqes (Cuchoo's Neck) it is possible to observe the whole city of Peja. Guri i Kuq, 1,522 m (4,993 ft), has views of Gjeravica, Trekufiri, Maja e Mariashit (Mariashi Peak), Maja e Hekurave (Iron Peak), Shkëlzeni and Lake Plav. Maja e Vjelakut is also a high peak at 2,014 m (6,608 ft).

A via ferrata (iron path) starts 4 km (2.5 mi) from Peja, and is the only one in the Balkans.

Rugova offers good living conditions even though the number of residents has dramatically decreased.