Istog

Istog (Albanian: Istog, Istogu, Serbian:Исток, Istok) is a town and municipality in the north-western part of Kosovo, in the Dukagjini Plain, with an altitude of up to 2155 m. Istog has an area of 453.84 km2.

Understand
Istog municipality, located in the northern part of Dukagjini, offers a promising destination for tourism. Surrounded by breathtaking high mountains with altitudes surpassing 2,000 meters, Istog boasts a convenient geographical position and excellent road infrastructure, facilitating easy access and communication with other areas of Kosovo. The municipality covers an area of 453.84 km2 and is bordered by Montenegro, Serbia, Zubin Potok, Skenderaj, Kline, and Peja.

This region, known as Podguri, holds significant geographical and ethno-cultural value. It is characterized by the convergence of the rivers Drin, Istog, and Gujavç, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Istog itself is situated at the heart of Podguri and has been inhabited since ancient times. The municipality preserves traces of prehistoric settlements and showcases the rich heritage of the Illyrian-Albanian space.

From a tourism perspective, visitors to Istog can explore the historical significance of the region. There are remnants of a Roman colony and evidence of Slavic occupation in the 14th century. The Turkish rule left its mark, with the presence of grain milling mills and wool processing workshops. Istog became a district center in 1912 and later underwent administrative reorganization in 1960. Today, it serves as a vibrant city with a range of administrative, educational, and cultural offerings.

With its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage, Istog municipality is an enticing destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Kosovo's history and landscapes.

Get around
The town is small and walk-able.

Do
Istog offers easy access to nature with mountains peaks exceeding 2,000 m with several types of activities being organized year round: hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, camping, mountain running and paragliding.



Connect
Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city, although it's a good idea to ask if one is available before you sit down. Free public Wi-Fi is also available around the city through PTK (username: ptk, password: telekomi). Internet cafés are also available at a cost of €0.60/hour with drinks served.

Several private phone calling shops with long-distance calling are available. You may also use the state telco company PTK Istog branch downtown or several of its kiosks around the city to buy calling credit and use phone cabins.

Mobile telephony providers Vala and Ipko provide 3G and 4G internet telephony.

Go next
Nearby
 * Peja/Istog Baths - The bath is a highlight of the region offering mineral water which erupt from the group through marble stones.

Further away
 * Peja - closest town to Istog with access to Rugova Mountains.
 * Pristina - the capital of Kosovo.
 * Prizren - Jump in a bus (around 2-hour bus ride) and have a day off