# Mitrovica

Mitrovica or Mitrovicë is a city in northern Kosovo, ethnically divided between a southern ethnic-Albanian part and a northern ethnic-Serbian part along the Ibër (Ibar) river. It is known for the Mitrovica Bridge which has become a symbol of the divide between Albanians and Serbs.

## Understand

The southern section is mainly populated by Albanians, with few Serbs. The northern section is mainly populated by Serbs, with some solely Albanian and mixed neighborhoods along the banks of the Ibër/Ibar River. The city was divided into two municipalities in 2008 by the so-called Ahtisaari Package which led to Kosovo independence, although in practice the city has been divided along ethnic lines since 1999 which was further entrenched in 2003 when many of the remaining ethnic Albanians in the northern part of Mitrovica were ethnically cleansed.
While there were violent protests by ethnic Serbs in 2023, the city has become more quiet and life has returned to normal, with Albanians being able to move more freely in the northern section as the so-called Bridge Watcher (a violent group of enforcers of the division having been arrested or ran away), and more Kosovo-wide businesses opening.
There are several bridges that connect the two parts of town. Much has been made of the main Mitrovica Bridge (now pedestrian only) running from the Albanian to the Serbian side which has become a symbol of the divide. It is completely safe to cross by daylight but may be less safe at night, depending on the general political climate.
Following the Kosovo War in 1999 and the city’s ethnic division, Mitrovica suffered economic collapse, turning from the economic centre of Kosovo before 1999 to the poorest region in Kosovo after. Unemployment is high.

## Get in

* By train. You can get to the north part of Mitrovica from Kraljevo (Serbia) by train twice per day. The ticket is 442 Serbian dinars. The trains are modern, often air conditioned. The railway "station" in Mitrovica is nondescript but does the job, and is a short walk from the city center. Onward travel by train (to Pristina) is not possible as of March 2019. Walk across the bridge and take a bus/van there.
* North Mitrovica bus station. Taking a bus from Belgrade (or Southern Serbia) you will arrive at the North Mitrovica improvised bus station. Daily one direct bus to Niš, two via Novi Pazar
* 42.878120.86531 South bus station (Stacioni i autobusëve), Ramadan Peci St (Opp. Motel Genti, a kilometer and a half south of the city center along Mbretresha Teutë St.). Coming from Pristina (~1 hour, €1.50, 3 times per hour) catch the bus go to the bus stop near the city's main mosque, with dueling minarets. To Peja (~2 hours, €3.50)
* A taxi from Pristina should not cost more than around €35, or there is a bus for much cheaper. When arriving from the Albanian side of the bridge, your taxi driver will often urge you not to cross the bridge for fear for your personal safety. While noble, this is a largely inaccurate impression is largely created by the international media. Smile politely, tell him you know what you are doing and he will take you to Mitrovica bridge.

## Get around

The usual combi system applies in the south, in the North you can walk anywhere you need to get to. If you want to travel on further to towns to the north of Mitrovica such as Zvecan or Zubin Potok, you will have no trouble finding a cheap taxi service.
If you are coming from Belgrade to North Mitrovica and planning on going on to Pristina you have two options:
* You can walk across the main bridge (about 400 m to the south of where the bus dropped you off) and then find a combi to Pristina for €1.50
* Get off the bus in Zvecan (before arriving in Mitrovica) where you can transfer onto UNMIK Railways. The trains run about every three hours. The train will take you to Fushë Kosovë where you can then take a combi to Prishtina
Taxis are as cheap as they are anywhere in Kosovo, but once again don't count on taking a taxi across the bridge.

## See

* 42.89125620.8660021 The Mitrovica Bridge. An interesting symbol of the division of the population in Kosovo. This bridge was a dividing line between Serbs and Albanians in Mitrovica. (updated Jun 2017)
* Miner's hill42.8960320.860072 Miner's hill (Monument to Fallen Miners). the Monument to the Serbian and Albanian Partisans (also known as the Monument to the Partisans and Miners and the Monument to the Heroes of the National Liberation War) honors the Albanian and Serbian partisans from the Republic of Kosovo who died in World War II in Yugoslavia from 1941–1945. The monument is on a promontory named Miner’s Hill, where its located above Mitrovica. Free.
* 42.890320.87213 Catholic Church (Kisha Katolike), Marin Barleti St..
* Church of Saint Sava
* 42.888520.87394 Orthodox Church (Kisha Ortodokse), Shemsi Ahmeti St..
* Mosque Isa Beg
* 42.93919520.9185455 National Museum of Crystals and Minerals (Muzeu i Kristaleve), Stantërg village (from the city head 9 km toward Shala of Bajgora), ☏ +383 49 900 136, shaip.blakqori@rks-gov.net. M-F 08:00-16:00. this museum is a treasure trove of crystals and minerals extracted from the depths of Kosovo. Its history dates back to 1964, when it was established with over 1,300 exhibits of various types of crystals, transforming the museum into an important national institution for Kosovo, both in terms of its value and its tourism appeal. 1-2 €. (updated Feb 2025)
For those with an interest in ruined communist industrial architecture, there is a wealth of it on display in and around Mitrovica, particularly around the Trepca complex.
At the center of the south (Albanian) side, there are a number of cafes, pizzerias, restaurants, and shops, as well as a mall. There is also outdoor, public market just south of the mall. Internet cafes abound in Mitrovica. If you take a walk around various parts of town, you can still see a part of town marked by destruction (toward the west on the Albanian side - the gypsy quarter), craftsmen and artists, rolling hills, etc. Bread, pizza, and doners are available all over town for a good, inexpensive meal.
Sights on the south side include a market square with mosque, historic building (spared during 1990s fighting). People watching and relaxing along southern bank of Ibar River, near Mitrovica Bridge.
* Isa Beg Mosque42.8867120.867456 Isa Beg Mosque (Bajram Pasha), Luan Haredinaj St. (from the city centre or the bridge head south). Bajram Pasha Mosque was donated by the municipality of Bayrampasha in Istanbul. The mosque is built in the center of the city on the site of the old Isa Beg Mosque, which was in very poor condition after the last war. It is the biggest and the most modern mosque in Kosovo. It has 2500 square meters of usable space, including spaces for religious learning. Free. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.9401120.652137 Ujman Lake (Gazivoda Lake) (take the M-2 highway north towards Zubin Potok and follow the signs that lead you to the lake). always open. Ujman Lake (Albanian: Liqeni i Ujmanit, Serbian:Gazivoda Lake), is an artificial lake. The lake is formed by the damming of the Iber River, which flows into the lake. No cost. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8777220.806038 Catholic Church of Vinarc, Vinarc i Epërm (from the city centre, go to the M-2 highway towards the Vinarc i Ulët, and after 5 km, you will take a road that leads to the church, approximately 10 minutes). In the village of Vinarc i Epërm, just 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) to 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) from Mitrovica, a Catholic church was built by the locals in the 18th century. It was used for burials and its churchyard is now part of the local cemetery. The one-sided church includes an apse with a stone arch. (updated Feb 2025)

## Do

Walking around the town on foot is the best way to explore it. Evenings are full of young people going up and down the main thoroughfares. So expect to meet the same faces many times around.
* Visit Trepça, ☏ +383 38 748 861, info@visittrepca.com. a highly recommended cultural and industry legacy group tour of Mitrovica. The tour provides a comprehensive look at the history and current state of mining in Mitrovica, as well as an opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life. Visit starts with the Trepça Industrial Park, now largely passive. That follows with a visit to the National Museum of Crystals and Minerals, where you can see a wide variety of minerals from Trepça and other international mines. Tour continues to Stantërg, a small neighborhood located near the Trepça mine, showing local life when the mine was thriving. This one-day tour offers an exceptional chance to gain insights into the historical aspects of Kosovo, while also observing firsthand how the legacy of mining has affected the local communities across various facets such as the economy, society, and culture. €10. (updated Sep 2024)
* 42.8839420.853731 Aqua Park Mitrovica, Adem Voca St. (from Isa Beg Mosque head to Gorrimahalla and then straight until the Ukshin Kovaqica St., and then turn right and go straight), ☏ +383 49 888 692. Daily 10:00-19:00. Aqua Park Mitrovica is a popular leisure destination. The facility features a variety of water attractions suitable for all ages, including multiple swimming pools and water slides. In addition to the aquatic amenities, the complex houses a restaurant, offering guests a comprehensive dining and entertainment experience. €5-10. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8914120.865992 Main Bridge over Iber in Mitrovica (Ura e Ibrit), Mbretëresha Teutë St. (from the centre, head north). 24 hours. Iber (Ibar) Bridge spans the Iber River. It is one of the most significant and symbolic locations in Kosovo due to its role in the ethnic and political divisions between the Albanian-majority south and Serb-majority north of the city. Free. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8874720.868633 City Museum of Mitrovica, Shemsi Ahmeti (near the Isa Beg Mosque on the right near the traffic lights), muzeuimitrovices@gmail.com. M-F 08:00-16:00. Museum of Mitrovica is a cultural, historical and regional museum located in Mitrovica, Kosovo. It serves as a key institution for preserving and showcasing the city's rich history, archaeology, ethnography, and cultural heritage. Free. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8882820.870624 Old City Hammam in Mitrovica (Hamami i Mitrovicës), Shemsi Ahmeti St. (from the city centre, head east, Hammam is near Missini Restaurant), ☏ +383 49 541 133. M-F 07:00-23:00, Sa Su 08:00-23:00. Hamam of Mitrovica is an Ottoman-era bathhouse located in Mitrovica, Kosovo. It is one of the city's most significant cultural and historical monuments, reflecting the Ottoman architectural influence in the region, which now has turned into a great restaurant. Free. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.9406820.945935 Mazhiq Mosque (Xhamia e Mazhiqit), Mazhiq Village (from the centre of Mitrovica head north for 9 km). 24 hours. Mazhiq (Mazhqit) Mosque is a historic mosque near Mazhiq village, in the Mitrovica region. It is one of the significant Islamic heritage sites in the area, reflecting Ottoman-era religious architecture. Free. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8867820.867466 Isa Beg Moque (Xhamia e Isa Begut), Luan Haredinaj (at the centre of the round-about). Open 24/7. Isa Beg Mosque is a historic mosque located in Mitrovica, Kosovo. It is one of the oldest and most significant Islamic religious sites in the city, reflecting Ottoman-era architecture and serving as an important place of worship for the local Muslim community. Free. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8902420.863937 Green Festival, City Park, ☏ +383 49 211 771, info@7-arte.org. Held annually during a week in August, the Green Fest strives to use the medium of the arts and culture to educate and inspire individuals, communities, and societies to take action to combat climate change and work towards a more sustainable future. €5-20. (updated Feb 2025)
* Hiking (Kosovo Tourist Guides Association), guidesinkosovo@gmail.com, ☏ +383 49372639, guidesinkosovo@gmail.com. An umbrella organization of tourist guides in Kosovo. They will put you in touch with a local guide suitable for your activity. (updated May 2022)

## Buy

In North Mitrovica near the main bridge you can purchase post cards with a picture of an F-117 Stealth fighter with a target on it and the text 'Sorry, we didn't know it was invisible.' A wealth of such memorabilia is available for purchase.
In South Mitrovica you will find American and Albanian flags for sale. Local crafts found in stalls and department stores. Also look out for local and national football (soccer) clothing.

### Currencies

In most of Kosovo the euro is used, so ATMs will dispense euros. However in North Mitrovica the Serbian dinar is expected by most cafes and shops. Some taxis will accept both dinars and euros.

## Eat

* Ibri (in South Mitrovica on the road to Zubin Potok). This outdoor (and indoor) restaurant serves fresh fish from a fish pond located in the restaurant complex itself and their specialty is open grilled or fried trout fish. Very pleasant in summer evenings. It has open space for kids to play around. (updated Jun 2017)
* 42.88843820.8691831 Bell Ami, Adem Jashari Boulevard (City Center), ☏ +383 49 220 099. M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-19:00. Enjoy the best roasted beef with family at Bell Ami's steakhouse. They serve kebap and pleskavica with a variation of drinks and toppings to go with your food. €1-5. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88988320.8662842 Restaurant Koha, Mbretëresha Teutë St. (City Center), ☏ +383 49 616 369. Daily 08:00-23:00. A beautiful place to dine in or take out a big variety of different foods and drinks. Enjoy your food with a view of the city center. €1-15. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88856920.8678223 One Bistro, Rruga e Spitalit, Mitrovicë 40000 (City Center), ☏ +383 49 628 435. Daily 07:00-23:30. A range of many fast foods, from fries to pizzas and burgers. 50c - €16. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8903520.8660424 Potto, Mall of Mitrovica (City Center), ☏ +383 45 505 888. Daily 08:00-23:00. A menu of various types of foods. €1-15. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88170320.8473425 Sinia, Liqeni Akumulues, Mitrovicë 40000 (Artificial Lake), ☏ +383 45 555 059. Daily 07:00-23:00. Eat inside or take out any of the specialties like the breakfast dishes. A beautiful site of the lake and greenery around. It's a beautiful place where your younger kids can enjoy playtime at Sinia's mini playground. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88400720.8473896 Pelasgians, Suhodoll i Poshtëm. Daily 08:00-23:00. Eat the best type of food with the most amazing view where every bite will be delicious and beautiful. It has a lovely luxurious ambient that makes you feel welcomed. If you want to eat the most special meals, then Pelasgians are the best. (updated Feb 2025)

## Drink

* 42.88839820.8700291 Missini Sweets, Adem Jashari Boulevard (City Center), ☏ +383 49 252 524, info@missinisweets.com. Daily 07:00-23:00. Missini provides wide a range of sweets. Missini produces high quality desserts, confections and food. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88981620.868082 Ballkan Special 1968, Isa Boletini St. and Agim Hajrizi St. (City Center), ☏ +383 49 865 666, ballkanspecial@gmail.com. Daily 08:00-23:30. Enjoy various types of drinks and desserts. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88832320.8708733 Restaurant Museum Pub, Shemsi Ahmeti St (City Center), ☏ +383 49 541 133. Daily 08:00-22:00. Has a beautiful bar inside and a lovely layout outside to enjoy the weather during all seasons. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.88874720.8653244 Bara Bar, Rr. Bedri Gjinaj (behind the Municipality of Mitrovica). Daily 08:00-23:00. Enjoy a drink in a youthful place. Bara=Bar is a mini bar where people go to have fun with their friends. (updated Feb 2025)
* 42.8903520.8660395 Milky Mania, Agim Hajrizi Sq. (in the Mall of Mitrovica). Excellent waffles. (updated Feb 2025)

## Sleep

You have a number of motels and hotels in and around Mitrovica where to have accommodation where you can rest and sleep.
* Hotel Palace. Popular with international organizations for holding their conferences.
* 42.888620.86871 Hotel Mitrovica, Rruga e Spitalit (centre).
* 42.888120.86982 Hotel Adriatik, Shemsi Ahmeti St..
* Motel Seadi-Petrol
* NorthCity Hotel, Čika Jovina St. 3, info@northcity.rs. Price includes the breakfast. Twin room: €37/night.
* 42.87201820.892763 Hotel Dardani, Shupkovcë, ☏ +38349708827, hoteldardanimitrovica@hotmail.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 15:00. Hotel Dardani is approximately 2 km from the city center. They offer 26 rooms, a wedding hall and a conference hall. €38. (updated Feb 2025)

## Connect

* 42.889320.87522 Post Office (Posta), Bul. Shemsi Ahmeti.

## Go next

* Vushtrri - small town with Roman and Ottoman heritage
* Pristina - Kosovo's capital city.
* Istog - a rural town in northern Kosovo.
* Peja - town with much Ottoman as well as Orthodox (Serb) heritage. A hub for outdoor sports in the spectacular surrounding mountains: the nearby Rugova Canyon is one of the outstanding areas of the country and a ski site in the winter.
* Novi Pazar daily bus connection. A multicultural area of Muslims and Orthodox Christians, many monuments of both communities like the Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul and the Altun-Alem mosque are found in the region.
* Nis is the largest city of southern Serbia.