Peja turned into a vibrant mountain hub from 15 – 17 August 2025, as the first-ever Via Dinarica Kosovo Festival brought together hikers, runners, artists, local communities, partners, and nature lovers from all over the country. Organized to mark the completion of a three-year project dedicated to mountain tourism development in Pejë, Deçan, and Junik, the festival became a true celebration of nature, culture, community spirit — and the magic of the Via Dinarica trail.
Held at Sheshi i Akademikëve in Pejë, the festival offered a three-day program full of outdoor adventures, music, creativity, local craftsmanship, and meaningful conversations. And the best part? Every activity was completely free and open to all.
Day 1 — A Warm Hearted Start in Peja
The festival kicked off in the most heartwarming way:
Children and youth from HANDIKOS Peja experienced virtual mountain climbing through an immersive Virtual Tour. For many, it was their first time stepping into the world of high peaks — through VR — and their smiles set the tone for the festival. For the first time, the mountains and their majestic stages were brought into the heart of the city, creating a way for those who cannot physically hike the trails to still feel the thrill, beauty, and joy of the journey — often expressing that joy with a depth and enthusiasm that rivals even the most passionate hikers.
As the sun went down, Peja city center filled with color thanks to the Local Products Fair, showcasing local flavors, handmade crafts, and the essence of the region’s creativity.
Special thanks went to our honored guests — representatives from Utalaya Foundation, the Embassy of Italy, municipal leaders of Pejë, Deçan, and Junik, plus many more who enriched the opening day with their presence and words of support.
And then… the square lit up.
🎶 La Fazani closed the evening with an energetic performance full of humor, talent, and personality. Children danced with grandparents, strangers became friends, and the night turned into a memory carved in the heart of Peja.
Day 2 — Trail Adventures in Peja & Hiking Magic in Deçan
The second day of the festival unfolded in two different corners of the mountains, each carrying its own charm and energy. In Deçan, hikers set out toward the majestic Bjeshka e Madhe, following a trail that revealed the raw beauty of the Via Dinarica. Surrounded by dense forests and crisp mountain air, they reconnected with nature step by step. On these rugged paths, balance sharpens, endurance grows, and the simple act of walking becomes a reminder of what it means to move together. The trail was alive not only because of the hikers but thanks to the incredible community that maintains it — volunteers marking the route, locals offering encouragement, and mountain lovers ensuring the environment stays clean and cared for.
Meanwhile, Peja was buzzing with adrenaline as trail runners gathered to test their strength on challenging terrain. The atmosphere was electric as the runners crossed the finish line, and the cheers grew louder when the top three were announced: Behar Ferati in first place, followed by Ardian Veliu and Liridon Ballata. Their determination, grit, and spirit embodied exactly what the Via Dinarica stands for. Champions indeed — bravo to them all.
As the sun began to set, the energy shifted from the trails to the heart of the festival. The fair came alive once again with local product sales, filling the air with aromas and handmade treasures. Bloggers and vloggers joined the crowd, sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and adding their creative spark to the evening. One of the most anticipated moments arrived with the premiere of the Via Dinarica Kosovo Documentary — a piece of work destined to become part of the project’s legacy. And when Durim Tahirukaj and Drenica Zogaj took the stage, the square erupted into music, dance, and joy. It became a night where community, creativity, and celebration blended perfectly under the Peja sky.
Day 3 — Deçan & Junik: A Meaningful Closing
The final day carried a quieter, more reflective spirit — a day centered on sustainability and the future. In Visit Deçan, the Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service (SHKSHMK) led an educational session, sharing essential knowledge as one of the core components of the NaturKosovo project. Afterward, participants gathered to listen to inspiring speeches from Mayor Bashkim Ramosaj, Director of Economic Development Isuf Demhasaj, RTM representative Filippo, and Uta Ibrahimi, the force behind the festival and founder of Utalaya Foundation. Each speaker emphasized a shared vision: protecting the mountains, empowering local communities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Via Dinarica route in Kosovo.
The festival’s final chapter unfolded in Junik, at the mountaineers’ house Rrasa e Zogut, nestled beautifully in nature. Here, the Via Dinarica Photo Contest came to life in the open air. The winning photographs, collected through social media, were displayed among the trees and mountain breeze, transforming the landscape into an art gallery. Turning them into postcards added a magical touch — little pieces of Kosovo’s natural beauty ready to travel the world.
The closing moments were filled with gratitude. The presence of Mayor Ruzhdi Shehu, the traditional culinary delights prepared by OJQ Qershiza, and the support of partners like Utalaya Foundation, RTM, CELIM Milano, CNSAS, CAI, and AICS Tirana helped elevate the occasion. The Tourist Information teams from Peja, Deçan, and Junik, the Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service, and countless volunteers contributed heart and effort to make the festival unforgettable.
In the quiet of Junik’s mountains, surrounded by friends, collaborators, and nature lovers, the festival came to a meaningful and inspiring close. The passion of everyone involved lit the path forward — a reminder that the Via Dinarica is not just a trail, but a community, a commitment, and a shared journey that continues long after the festival ends.
💚 A Festival That Leaves a Trail Behind
The Via Dinarica Kosovo Festival wasn’t just an event — it was a three-day celebration of nature, community, collaboration, and the shared love for our mountains. It brought together municipalities, international partners, local businesses, artists, hikers, runners, and families.
It showed that when we walk together — literally or metaphorically — we build something meaningful, sustainable, and long-lasting.
The mountains united us.
The community inspired us.
And the trail continues to thrive.