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Countries

North Macedonia

No. Stages

7 stages

Length & Elevation

548 km, 8.830 m

Paved

88%

Unpaved:

12%

Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia

One of Europe’s most complete adventure destinations, North Macedonia combines world-class national parks, UNESCO sites, mountains, lakes, and undoubtedly some of the best food in the region. Cyclists who are lucky enough to pedal here will enjoy the full power of the Balkans, where ancient cultures intersect in perched, remote, centuries-old, welcoming villages nestled under peaks.

Underrated as a cycling destination, every kilometer in North Macedonia is like a dream. Cyclists enter near the tri-border spot with Albania and Greece. Then they weave between world famous lakes. After, they roll along the foothills of mountain range after mountain range — drinking and eating as well as anywhere along the entire route. The Trans Dinarica makes stops in Lake Ohrid, Galičica National Park, Bitola, Mavrovo National Park, and the Šar (Sharr) Mountains, but there is much more to see than just the famous destinations. The towns and villages like the remote Galičnik and Kruševo, with its Ilinden monument called Makedonium, will amaze travelers at every turn.

 

Highlights along the Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia:

  1. Cycling around Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Take incredible photographs in the foothills around Galičica National Park.
  3. Eat incredible food and enjoy the old town in Bitola.
  4. Roll through the incredible culture-filled villages of Galičnik and Kruševo.
  5. Ride in awe as you pedal beneath the peaks of the Šar (Sharr) Mountains.

Map of Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia

Video about Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia

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Main Route of Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia

Stage 1: Ohrid - Sveti Naum

DistanceDistance: 31 km
DistanceElevation: 490 m
DistancePaved: 100%
DistanceUnpaved: 0%

The first full stage of North Macedonia’s section of the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route is also one of the most culture-filled of this entire Western Balkans bike trail and a highlight of bike touring in the Western Balkans. The bike trail starts on the eastern shores of the UNESCO-inscribed Lake Ohrid, and will go to Sveti Naum, which is an important sightseeing spot, before coming back about three kilometers to stay in the village of Lubaništa for accomodation.

A highlight on any journey to the region, the tectonic Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, is rare in the fact that it was inscribed as a UNESCO site for both natural and cultural reasons. Take the time to visit one of its many historic churches, eat some of the best fish you’ve tried in a while, and toast your fellow cyclists with a glass of wine to celebrate cycling into North Macedonia.

Though the length of kilometers makes this stage from Ohrid to the must-see lakeside monastery of Sveti Naum seemingly short, it will be a full day because of the time travelers will likely take to visit the site. From Ohrid the route hugs the lake’s eastern shore and along the western side of the magnificent and hilly National Park Galičica

The cycle path will make three real climbs and descents on the way to Sveti Naum Monastery, which dates to the 9th century and has been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. After visiting the monastery, have a meal and relax in one of the restaurants in and around the complex.


Stage 2: Sveti Naum - Bitola

DistanceDistance: 78 km
DistanceElevation: 1.290 m
DistancePaved: 98%
DistanceUnpaved: 2%

This stage along the Trans Dinarica from the Sveti Naum Monastery complex (or staying in the vilage of Lubaništa) will take cyclists to the road leading to the entrance of National Park Galičica. Then, the cycle route takes travelers to the beginning of a pleasant climb that covers more than 13 kilometers and ascends for approximately 700 meters of elevation gain to the top of the mountain. The grade will remain consistent and fairly gentle at about seven percent.

There are fantastic views throughout this second Trans Dinarica stage in North Macedonia. The 14-kilometer downhill portion to Lake Prespa provides both great and easy riding and more wonderful views. Located at the tri-border point between North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece, cycling to this magical corner of the Western Balkans puts travelers squarely in the middle of National Park Galičica, Prespa National Park, National Park Pelister, Lake Prespa, and Lake Ohrid.

The first half of the stage passes through the village of Pokrvenik near the edge of Prespa Lake in the southwest corner of North Macedonia. In Pokrvenik, there are accommodation possibilities for those wishing to stop a little earlier on this slightly longer stage. After, it continues on to its final destination: the city of Bitola, one of the oldest and largest cities in the country.

Bitola is famous for its ancient culture and its wonderful food. It is also one of the most pleasant spots in the region and a wonderful place to rest for the night, have a great meal, visit the outdoor green market and take in one or more of the museums. The highlights in town include: Širok Sokak Street, the city’s walking and shopping avenue; the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, which was established by Philip II of Macedon; the Bitola Clock Tower; and the Bitola Museum.


Stage 3: Bitola - Kruševo

DistanceDistance: 51 km
DistanceElevation: 800 m
DistancePaved: 100%
DistanceUnpaved: 0%

This stage along North Macedonia’s section of the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route passes from one important city to an important town. From Bitola, you ride through the village of Buchin and then to the town of KruševoFor most of today’s ride the route is relatively — if not completely — flat. Don’t worry, you’ll make up for it at the end of the ride. The last 10 kilometers, approximately, combines steady climbing and, at times, quite steep terrain with a grade ranging from around four to 14 percent.

The reward for the final climb of today’s bike trip is Kruševo, which is one of the highest towns in the country (around 1,350 meters) and the region. Many associate the town with paragliding and a significant number of adventure travelers make the pilgrimage here every year to glide above the beautiful countryside. At the perched town’s center is a welcoming combination of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perhaps the most famous site in Kruševo is the Ilinden Monument: a science-fiction-like monument built in 1974 to honor the 1903 Ilinden Uprising.


Stage 4: Kruševo - Kičevo

DistanceDistance: 59 km
DistanceElevation: 780 m
DistancePaved: 85%
DistanceUnpaved: 15%

The Trans Dinarica leaves Kruševo and heads west to the city of Kičevo. With Mount Bistra and Mavrovo National Park further to the northwest, cyclists will find beautiful asphalt and a stage drawing them closer to the Šar (Sharr) Mountains along the border with Kosovo.

The stage begins with immediate climbing on quiet roads leading to a five-kilometer descent before another climb and descent. Along the way, cyclsits will ride on the only gravel area of the day — an approximately seven-kilometer stretch in the first third of the ride. The rolling hills continue until about 30 kilometers into the stage, which finishes on the stage’s second half (over the last 30 or so kilometers) with an easygoing downhill ride or on flat land.

In Kičevo, find a place to eat, restock on supplies and check out the cultural offerings. Among the sites worth a closer inspection: the Western Macedonian Museum, the Monastery of St. Bogorodica Prečista, and the city’s central bazaar.


Stage 5: Kičevo - Galičnik

DistanceDistance: 78 km
DistanceElevation: 1.780 m
DistancePaved: 99%
DistanceUnpaved: 1%

There are two options for cycling tours between Kičevo and the village of Galičnik. This one is part of the main backbone of the Trans Dinarica route. (The alternative follows as a separate stage itinerary which can be found below). The key difference between the two is the amount of gravel and the amount of climbing on gravel. This “main” stage is longer but easier and is almost entirely on asphalt so cyclists can avoid the rather lengthy, challenging off-road, and gravel section on the “alternative” suggestion.

In both cases, today’s stage continues to the north and west from the city of Kičevo to the mountain village of Galičnik, which sits in the foothills of the Bistra Massif and in Mavrovo National Park. This day is filled with beautiful sites, great riding, and loads of culture. The road will steadily and gently climb to the eastern coast of Mavrovo Lake. At this point, the route heads southwest along the lake’s shore. If one wants to end the day earlier, there are many restaurants and accommodations around Mavrovo.

Continuing past Mavrovo, the road tilts up with an exhilarating climb that is, at times, quite steep (more than 12 percent). In the village of Galičnik, which only has two year-round residents, cycle through the homes (many renovated) that sit on the edge of a canyon. Admire the church and the great views. If you are cycling in July, be sure to stay for the famous Galičnik wedding weekend in which two new people with ancestral connections to the village are married with all the traditional ceremonies.

Alternative suggestion:

Kičevo – Galičnik

  • Distance: 52 km
  • Elevation: 680 m
  • Paved: 34 %, Unpaved: 66 %

The cycling trail continues to the north and west from the city of Kičevo to the mountain village of Galičnik, which sits in the foothills of the Bistra Massif and in Mavrovo National Park. Much of the day will be spent climbing and on gravel. For the most part, the cycling here is steady. There are, however, a few spots steep enough to potentially require pushing your bike for a few hundred meters. Not to worry. The descents are smooth and allow you to recover and watch as the landscape unfolds across one of the most interesting parts of the region: where Mount Bistra, the Sharr Mountains, Korab all converge around Mavrovo National Park.

When you reach asphalt again, with approximately 10 kilometers to go, you’ll reach a junction connecting the town of Galičnik and Mavrovo. (Both are 10 kilometers away — in case some cyclists want to ride directly to Mavrovo.) Take the left heading to Galičnik. This new road winds around with beautiful climbs and sweeping descents all the way to the end of the stage.


Stage 6: Galičnik - Tetovo

DistanceDistance: 72 km
DistanceElevation: 710 m
DistancePaved: 84%
DistanceUnpaved: 16%

This stage, from Galičnik to Tetovo, takes cyclists alongside some of the most iconic scenery in the entire Western Balkans Region. From Galičnik, the Trans Dinarica climbs and descends as it heads north to Mavrovo Lake. The route then hugs Mavrovo’s western shore. While riding, cyclists will have views of the 2,764-meter Mount Korab, on the Albanian border and the highest mountain in this immediate region of the Western Balkans. 

Rolling north, riders will soon be engulfed by the Šar (Sharr) Mountains. Villages will be continual — as well as cafes, restaurants and places to stop for drinks, supplies, and food. Approximately halfway along the stage, the route largely flattens out. At around the 60-kilometer mark, the Trans Dinarica will run along the edge of National Park Šar Mountain before ending in the city of Tetovo.


Stage 7: Tetovo - Brezovica (Kosovo)

DistanceDistance: 70 km
DistanceElevation: 1.300 m
DistancePaved: 100%
DistanceUnpaved: 0%

The last day of cycling the Trans Dinarica stage in North Macedonia leaves from the city of Tetovo and travels north to Kosovo and the town of Brezovica, one of the best-known ski resorts in the region.

Before leaving Tetovo, take some time to enjoy this city in the foothills of the Šar (Sharr) Mountains. Famous as a place to start adventures in the mountains and just 20 kilometers from the ski resort village of Popova Šapka, it is also filled with cafes, restaurants, and points of interest such as the Painted Mosque (Sharena Dzamija), the “dervish monastery of Arabati Baba Tekke, and the Tetovo Fortress.

From Tetovo, the ride (completely on asphalt) climbs easily, but steadily, for almost 40 kilometers to an elevation of around 1,100 meters. Along the way, you’ll cross the border into Kosovo (at approximately kilometer 28), cycle past the perfectly pointy, 2,498-meter Mount Ljuboten, and ride through the Kosovo mountain village of Brod. After reaching the top of this gradual climb, the road tilts down for about 10 kilometers of relaxed descent. You will, however, ascend again — this time even more gradually — for the remainder of the ride into Brezovica.


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Useful information about logistics in North Macedonia

Transportation tips:

Planning to get around North Macedonia is relatively straightforward. International air connections to North Macedonia are primarily through Skopje International Airport, which offers flights to many European destinations. Low-cost carriers operate frequently, making air travel economical.

Buses and cars are common modes of local transport for travelers but also for regional connection to neighboring countries Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece.

There are limited international train services to North Macedonia, primarily from Serbia and Greece. Train travel can be slower compared to buses and cars but offers a scenic route.

While planning your travel in North Macedonia, it’s good to keep in mind that public transport schedules may vary, and it’s advisable to check in advance or be flexible with your plans.

Taxis are widely available in cities and towns, are not expensive and you can contact them via phone, most of the call center personnel speak English. If you catch a taxi on the street, it’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey or ensure the meter is running. A list of Taxi Companies can be approached here.

In the Trans Dianrica North Macedonia navigation package, we included one connector route: Skopje – Tetovo.

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This web page was produced by Good Place and is developed with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the regional Economic Development, Governance and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project.
The contents are responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.