Bike travel enthusiasts should take note of the inclusion of a route that will soon be popular in Eastern Europe and has just been named one of Lonely Planet’s Best Travel Experiences for 2024. A captivating 2,000 km (1,242 mile) route known as Trans Dinarica.
This ambitious journey, connecting eight Balkan countries, offers riders a unique journey through the diverse landscapes of southeastern Europe, from the lush forests of Slovenia to the rugged mountains of Montenegro and North Macedonia, along the rivers of crystal clear waters of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, and across the magnificent coasts of Croatia and Albania. The route then winds through Kosovo’s national parks, giving cyclists a truly comprehensive experience of the region’s natural diversity.
The Trans Dinarica aims to combine adventure travel and cultural exploration, deliberately bypassing major cities to spread sustainable tourism in the region. According to Alex Crevar of GoodTrail, one of the trail’s organizers, the intention is to benefit rural and neglected communities by avoiding typical tourist hotspots and promoting sustainable tourism. Crevar emphasizes the importance of ensuring all communities benefit from tourism in a healthy way.
In Albania (photo: TransDinarica.com)
As a comprehensive route development project, Trans Dinarica goes beyond simply publishing a map. The project includes creating GPS datasets, working with local guesthouse owners, connecting with cycling guides familiar with the routes, and preparing possible trail signage to make navigation easier without resorting to to cell phones.
Potential cyclists are advised to prepare for a mix of road conditions, including rough pavement and dirt roads. Tobi Gessler, founder and guide of Ride Albania, notes that while new asphalt roads have been built in recent years, many are not designed for cyclists. However, the trail’s dirt roads provide access to less-visited destinations, contributing to the decentralization of tourism and introducing cyclists to the untapped beauty of rural Albania.
Photo: TransDinarica.com
Completing the entire course in one go can be a challenge for most cyclists due to the winding circuits in each country. However, this design allows for the creation of shorter loops or custom routes based on individual preferences. The international design of the trail is expected to attract foreign cyclists and encourage them to explore the lesser-known countries of the Western Balkans.
Cyclists keen to be among the first to experience the Trans Dinarica can plan their route for 2024, when the final maps will be published. For those looking for assistance or a guided experience, reaching out to local cycling teams is recommended. The trail promises not only a physically demanding adventure, but also the opportunity to leave a piece of your heart on the edge of a canyon, overlooking one of the wildest and least explored regions in Europe.