What’s the situation with mines along the Trans Dinarica cycle route?

On a few occasions, we’ve received the following question: “Does the Trans Dinarica come close to former minefields? Where?”

 

Let us be clear about this: if you stay on the route, there is no chance for danger from mines. This, however, doesn’t mean that a few areas crossed by the Trans Dinarica have recently suffered from the war of the 1990s. In some parts of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina you will come across red signs “Mine! Zabranjen prolaz!” (Mines! Do not pass!) on the side of the road. In other places there are also signs with maps where mined areas are specially marked (see the two photos bellow).

 

All the roads on our route have been in frequent use for many years, and there is no fear of encountering a mine. But, also, to reiterate: in places where you see such signs, keep to the route. These are not the places to wonder into the woods to pitch a tent.

Although we are strongly aware of this situation, we encourage cyclists not to focus on or emphasize the Balkan wars when communicating about the region or the cycling route. We encourage you to facilitate peace and focus on the nature and the people. We want to focus on the love of life, not the fear.