Trans Dinarica navigation packages: maps, GPS tracks, POIs, stage descriptions and more

For those of you ready to jump on the bike, let us briefly explain the form the Trans Dinarica GPS navigation packages — with GPS or GPX tracks and Points of Interest, or POIs — will take. We want to be clear about the tools available when cycling through the eight countries of the Western Balkans.

Cyclists navigating the Trans Dinarica cycle route with RWGPS App

You will be using the Ride with GPS mobile app for navigation on the Trans Dinarica cycling route.

1. The Trans Dinarica route exists in digital format only.

Trans Dinarica cycling route will only be available in digital format. This extensive Balkan cycling route will not be marked on-site. Can you imagine how many signs would be needed to physically mark approximately 5,000 kilometers of trails? So, don’t expect signs at crossroads.

2. The general Trans Dinarica map and data.

The general map of the entire Trans Dinarica route across all countries is available free of charge. Each stage is presented with an official pdf map available for free download, showing route track, vertical profile, and basic technical info about the length and elevation. This way, you are able to see where the route leads and use it to plan your own cycling trip and navigate through the Western Balkans with ease – with some ingenuity and more clicking, of course. But, to make the life of an adventurer easier … (see point 3)

3. Extensive Trans Dinarica GPS navigation packages.

Navigation packages for each of the individual countries are available for a small fee; for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. You can check the prices here: Navigation Pack. And there is a discount for everyone who chooses to buy the navigation package for the entire Trans Dinarica.

These fees associated with the Trans Dinarica bike tour navigation packages are for the route’s sustainability. The fees will be used to offset the cost of keeping the navigation packages and GPX tracks accurate and so that the trail is updated with local businesses that offer accommodations, food, and services. In short, we are committed to making a positive impact on communities across the region. You can find some idea about why we believe the cycle route has a positive effect on the local community in this story: Why do I believe in Trans Dinarica?

4. For the navigation, you’ll be using the Ride with GPS mobile app (or others).

After thorough research of the possibilities, we decided that the navigational package of the Trans Dinarica cycling route will be available on the Ride with GPS App, in the form of the so-called “RWGPS Experience”, the excellent performance of which we have already tested in practice. A free-to-use mobile app allows active turn-by-turn navigation without an internet connection after preloading the entire map. The process is fast, and easy, with plenty of display options and help along the way.

For those in favor of different mobile applications or special GPS navigational devices like Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, etc., the navigational package, once purchased, will offer the possibility of downloading GPS data for active navigation with those devices or apps, too. To be precise – you can manually download GPX files from the RWGPS App (just tracks, no POIs or any other Experience content).

Even without using the RWGPS mobile App for navigation, you can still use the RWGPS Experience on your mobile device as a secondary source of maps, POIs, and itinerary information, since all these are accessible offline. We’re sure you’ll enjoy it.

Cases of using a mobile app Ride with GPS for navigation on Trans Dinarica cycling route.

Cyclists can download GPS tracks for navigation through the RWGPS app, or use the packages with other mobile apps.

What does the country-specific Trans Dinarica navigation package contain?

GPS track for the whole country.
Surface data (paved, unpaved).
Information on the height difference (altitude/climbs).
Useful POIs (warnings about important route characteristics, accommodations, inns, shops, bicycle workshops, natural and cultural heritage, …).
Descriptions of individual stages (interesting sites along the way, difficulty of cycling, specifics regarding accommodation …).
Information about the so-called hubs that you can use for easier logistics (connecting routes to major cities with airports, bus, and rail connections).

In short, the navigation package is informative enough that you should have no problems planning a cycling trip and navigating through the Balkans. This still means that you will be cycling in a foreign country in a ‘self-guided’ way, i.e. on your own. Please do not count on someone from our team to help you look for a place to stay in the middle of the Bosnian mountains at 9 pm. If you’re getting curious and want to know more about planning a long-distance cycling trip, check out our other articles for tips on cycling holidays in the Western Balkans, recommended gear, and more.

Cyclists on a wooden bridge in Albania, riding the Trans Dinarica cycle route.

Using detailed Trans Dinarica GPX tracks and navigation packages provides cyclists with useful POIs, route information, and surface data.

What about guided Trans Dinarica cycling tours?

For organised guided and self-guided tours or bike rental contact one of the official Trans Dinarica tour operators.