Kukës Arena

"Kukësi speaks to you...." This sound signal that spread on October 16, 1959, from four loudspeakers, which hung in the trees of the old town of Kukës, opened the way for a radio, which in its long life would become a legend of information in the Albanian language. The same sound signal still accompanies the mornings of thousands of listeners, for more than 60 years. This radio affirmed the values ​​of preserving the national sense of language, culture and history, especially among the Albanians outside the borders, in Kosovo and Macedonia, for whom this radio station was established, which would later be identified with the city of Kukës. In the small town, people who had never listened to the radio before were surprised when the wave of Radio Kukës came from the speakers in their hearths, which became an inseparable part of their lives. The beginning was quite natural. An improvised program, a tribune where ex-president Haxhi Lleshi climbs, to cut the ribbon was the day of the launch of this radio, which was the second in the country, in terms of importance and number of listeners, after Radio Tirana. The city and the district of Kukës have had their life on this radio since 1959.

Positioned in the centre of the city, it is a modest building. In it, you will find comprehensive information about history, ethnography and biodiversity. The museum is divided into three pavilions: Biodiversity, Archeology and Ethnography.

This memorial commemorates the Kosovo Albanian refugees who came to Kukës during the Kosovo War of 1998-1999. The monument recalls the town’s role in sheltering refugees and the humanitarian importance of Kukës during that period. Its kulla-style design reflects Albanian traditions of hospitality and remembrance, making it one of the most meaningful modern historical sights in the city.

Described as one of the most beautiful tourist facilities in the country, the former hotel "Turizmi i ri" has been completely destroyed. Abandoned and left to the mercy of fate for years, this building, day by day, is going to the last limit of its existence. This place was once frequented by the citizens of Kukës, who remember it and feel sorry for the destruction of this property. The former hotel was built in 1988, on a hill dominating the city and is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Fierza. By citizens and tourists, the hotel was used for only 6 years to give way, then, to total destruction.

Kukës has two bridges crossing the Drini River. A concrete one built during communism and a modern metal bridge finished in 2025. Along with the hotel and reservoirs, they offer imposing views.

Fewer people may have heard about the underground city. This one was constructed under the foundations of the new city as a shelter from potential attacks during the communist period in Albania. Designed to be a full-fledged city, the underground Kukës was meant to include a hospital, government offices, army quarters and residential areas. The tunnels that run through this underground space have several entryways, located in different neighbourhoods scattered throughout the town. Constructed by the state during the Communist regime, the city is 30 m below ground level, accessed by spiralled staircases. Entry is possible only through organized tours, offered on arrangement by Afrim Cenaj.