The Montenegrin part of the Trans Dinarica cycling route will be a real treat for all mountain-loving cyclists. While online maps can offer a preview, the reality of the terrain can sometimes surprise you, as we found during the planning of the Montenegro bike trail. It added a few extra kilometers and time to our journey, but the breathtaking landscapes and thrilling trails made it all worthwhile.

Scenic, mountainous trails of Montenegro’s section of the Trans Dinarica cycling route are perfect for mountain lovers.

To explore Montenegro, we planned the month of May, when the snow in the highest areas is gone. As we learned later from the locals, this year’s winter (as in many other places in this part of Europe) was quite mild and therefore there were no large remnants of snow. However, we noticed how nature wakes up later than in the valley from which we had just come. Montenegro was really wonderful at this time of the year.

Cycling in Montenegro: mountains, mountains, and some more mountains

On this part of the Trans Dinarica cycle route, as the name suggests, you will be dealing with a lot of mountains. On the other hand, the country also has a beautiful, rugged coastline on the Adriatic Sea. But Trans Dinarica will mainly cross Montenegro’s mountainous part. When entering from Bosnia and Herzegovina, you first face a climb, but once you reach the Durmitor National Park, you find yourself in pure cycling romance. Rolling ups and downs, endless pastures with cows and horses, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. In any of the places where you will spend the night, especially in Žabljak, it is worth taking a day or two for hikes to mountain lakes, for cycling around the entire Durmitor ring (with no luggage), or for some other outdoor activities (rafting, canyoning, horse riding…).

It should be mentioned that while connecting Montenegro’s bike route to the east, trying to avoid the busy roads, we came across quite a few bad sections, which are sometimes marked as cycle routes – while we believe that a fully loaded bike packer will not be very happy on them. In the end, we found a nice, yet still steep road, which, we believe, will be enjoyable for everyone.

The Trans Dinarica bike tour through Montenegro is a dream come true for cyclists who love mountains. It offers everything – the rolling hills of Durmitor National Park, quiet, scenic roads, and a truly authentic Balkan bicycle adventure. If you want to know more about this section of one of Europe’s best cycling routes, you can learn more about it here.

Gallery of Trans Dinarica’s Montenegro part:

What is the road-gravel ratio on Trans Dinarica? Does it run only on paved roads? How much gravel can I expect? This information also indirectly answers the question of what bike should you use to embark on (in our opinion) one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe. Let’s look at the data from our fieldwork.

Riders can enjoy diverse cycling terrains on the Trans Dinarica cycle route, with a varying road-gravel ratio across different stages.

When planning and researching the Trans Dinarica bike trail, we were guided by two main ideas: to ride away from established, busy routes and crowded tourist spots, and at the same time to make this unique Balkan route accessible to as many cyclists as possible. This perfect ratio is difficult to catch on every stage: sometimes you will not meet anyone for the whole day except for a surprised shepherd, and sometimes you will have to inhale some smelly exhaust from buses and trucks, which in the Balkans do not necessarily meet high ecological standards (it’s getting better… slowly). However, after two years of fieldwork we can offer you a fairly accurate answer regarding the surface under your wheels.

Expect about 80% road and 20% gravel

Roughly speaking, we can say that about 80% of the entire Trans Dinarica cycling route is asphalted, but of course, the ratio varies from stage to stage. So far, we have also recorded a stage with as much as 99% gravel (that’s in Croatian part of Trans Dinarica), while there’s quite a lot of stages that run on paved roads only. Let’s add a subjective opinion that you have the feeling that there is more gravel when cycling – which is logical since you ride slower on macadam (comment: with macadam, we mean gravel road).

When we talk about unpaved surfaces, this mostly means well-maintained, hard macadam roads, which can also be passable by a normal car. There are also a few stages that contain sections with poorer macadam with larger stones. These are marked and described in the Trans Dinarica navigation packages. Be especially careful if you are heading to a certain stage in the opposite direction from your original direction. Climbing up on loose gravel can be challenging.

The Trans Dinarica bike trail was designed to avoid busy routes and crowded spots for a more authentic Balkan travel experience.

Detailed info on the final map and in GPS navigation packages

In the Trans Dinarica map and GPS navigation packages, you can get all the data with detailed ratios for each stage of the route. Expect the longest gravel sections in Bosnia and Herzegovina (almost half), and the least in Montenegro and Kosovo (only two percent). After the two years of our terrain exploration, many areas of gravel road have been transformed into smooth asphalt (it happened in Albania and Serbia, for example). With the help of feedback from the terrain (thank you!), we are incorporating these changes into upgraded navigation packages. Now you can already plan to buy or prepare a bike for your next unforgettable cycling adventure.

Gallery with some photos of different roads

The Trans Dinarica cycling route is not only for brave people who are ready to face the road alone. This time briefly about the organization of GUIDED and SELF-GUIDED Trans Dinarica bike tours.

Guided Trans Dinarica cycling tours are available through local, sustainable tourist agencies.

In the previous article on Trans Dinarica GPS navigation packages, we already hinted that the Trans Dinarica cycling route can also be explored in an organized way, i.e. with the help of local Tour Operators. We very much understand this repeatedly expressed wish – after all, not all of you can travel to the Balkans with your bicycle, and have time and will to research the possibilities of accommodation, food, luggage transport …

In addition, sometimes it is nice to travel in the company of a local who presents his country with love and rich knowledge about history, geography, and cuisine. This is precisely why we want guided Trans Dinarica bike tours (or supported bike tours) to be organized at a certain level. We don’t want the experience of traveling through some really beautiful country to be ruined by someone who only sees tourists as walking (riding in that case) cash machines.

Travel agencies that want to be presented on our Tour Operators website have to sign the ‘green pledge’ and commit to the sustainable operation and quality of their tours. After certification, they then get access to the route plan, which enables them to create a product – a cycling experience in their country.

Locals will shape the content of the Trans Dinarica guided bike tours

How exactly will they outline their product, how many days or stages will it consist of, whether it will offer bike/e-bike rental (these are the most common questions we receive in our email), a support van, one or two tourist guides; where their guest will eat, and which tourist attractions will they see on the way … This is left to the locals, who know their roads better than we do. But with the feedback from the locals, we will ensure that the basic Trans Dinarica route receives corrections and improvements, which means a better cycling experience even for those who will embark on the journey in a self-guided way.

Traveling through the Balkans, you will find cozy cabins like this one along the Trans Dinarica cycling route for a well-deserved rest.

Local travel agencies, please get in touch with us

Representatives of travel agencies who would like to be part of this story can contact us via e-mail info@transdinarica.com. We will provide you with further information about how you can collaborate with us and offer guided bike tours along the Trans Dinarica cycling route. Those of you who are waiting for their offer will have to wait a little.

On a few occasions, we’ve received the following question: “Does the Trans Dinarica cycle route come close to former minefields? Where?” This is a valid concern for cyclists who are planning to cycle the Balkans, especially across regions like Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where remnants from the 1990s war may still exist. 

All the roads on our Balkan bike route have been in frequent use for many years, ensuring a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.

Let us be clear about this: if you stay on the Trans Dinarica route, there is no chance of danger from mines. This, however, doesn’t mean that a few areas crossed by the Trans Dinarica haven’t suffered from the war of the 1990s. In some parts of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will come across red signs reading “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 below).

All roads on our Balkan bike route have been in frequent use for many years, so 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 wander 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 Trans Dinarica 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.

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.

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.

FULL and BASIC 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.

If you don’t think you need extensive navigation information, choose the BASIC package, which only contains a GPS route map and POI points.

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?

FULL Navigation Pack:

• Accurate GPS tracks,
• 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),
• sustainability tips.

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.

BASIC Navigation Pack:

• Accurate GPS tracks in the form of GPX files,
• numerous Points of Interest (POIs) from various categories, displayed as general waypoints,
• sustainability tips.

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.

Cycling the Trans Dinarica bike trail with an electric bike is a thrilling adventure through the diverse landscapes of the Balkans. Contrary to perceptions of a rugged wilderness, our scouting expeditions have revealed ample modern amenities, ensuring the feasibility of e-biking across this scenic trail. While the region may not have the polished reputation of Switzerland, our scouting expeditions have shown that every village is equipped with electricity, ensuring a smooth experience for e-bikers. This revelation was particularly reassuring as we easily charged our computers and cameras, essential tools for documenting our journey, despite not using e-bikes ourselves.

With modern e-bikes, you can easily cover two 50 km stages of the Trans Dinarica cycling route.

We often mention how wild – in the good sense of the word – the Balkans countries are. Which, when compared to, let’s say, Western Europe, is very true. But on the other hand, you must understand that the journey through the Balkans is not a journey into prehistoric times. So far, on our scouting expeditions of the Trans Dinarica bike trail, we have only slept once in a small hotel where the main source of electricity was a diesel generator.

220-volt sockets are always available. If not at the tent, maybe in a nearby bar

We had no experience with electric bikes (we use gravel bikes for scouting), but we charged four laptops and four smartphones, two GPS devices, a video camera, a photo camera, a drone, an action camera, a smartwatch and some extra portable batteries every single night. Therefore, we can say with a fairly high degree of certainty that an electric bicycle could also be charged on your bicycle adventure along the Balkans. Two-hole 230-volt sockets are used in the countries along the way, the same as in most of the rest of Europe.

Considering the capabilities of modern e-bikes, which can easily cover two 50 km stages, we can say: yes, you can also cycle the Trans Dinarica with an e-bike. Of course, each e-bike owner must keep in mind what his legs and battery pack can do. When navigation packages are available with information on length, elevation, and the road/gravel ratio, you will estimate how long an electric cable you will need on the way (or which e-bike mode you will use, ECO, TOURING or TURBO). Ah, you have a spare battery? Then there should be no problem at all.

At least two ‘e-cyclists’ have already completed one of the most demanding stages

Despite the challenging terrain, e-bikers have conquered some of the toughest parts of the Trans Dinarica.

And one more anecdote from the field: on the most remote part of the Trans Dinarica route so far, in the valley of the Lumi i Thethit river, Albania, we helped ourselves along the way with an off-road Toyota Hilux, as our van could not handle this part of the journey. On the way we met two young cyclists on e-bikes, seemingly rather poorly equipped; you could see from far that these were not world bike packers. Later, we met again and found out that they had rented e-bikes in Shkodra and had done four of ‘our’ stages in two days. On this stretch, they were moving on the Albanian cycling routes faster than we did in Toyota! Youth is madness. Thumb up!

Discover more cycling stories about the adventures and traveling the Western Balkans on the Trans Dinarica bike route, and get inspired for your trip.

Here, two proofs that electricity in the Balkans DOES exist 🙂

Work, desire, and passion are needed to create a cycling route across the Western Balkans.

Our team reviewed every kilometer of the Trans Dinarica bike trail, ensuring the route is suitable for intermediate riders.

It is easy to say that 2024 is the year of Trans Dinarica cycle route. The first cycling route connecting the entire Western Balkans Region is set to be completed, with a Trans Dinarica trail map and POI info for every stage, in July 2024. But as we prepare to get out on the road and finish up the fieldwork in the coming months — finalizing the bike trail linking Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia — it’s important to look back on the progress made, the unseen work performed, and the lessons learned that brought us to this point. Everyone remembers a ribbon-cutting or the launch of a route when it opens. Few remember the late hours, the creative tension, the challenges, the solutions, the lows, and the many highs that happened to seemingly make a route “an immediate success.”

From the idea to the full navigational pack

The work on any bike trail starts, romantically, with an idea and hope. Practically, a long-distance bike route like Trans Dinarica can only be completed after enough encouragement and funding come together so that the creation of a product as vast and far-reaching as the Trans Dinarica bike trail, traversing eight Balkan countries, can begin to take form. For that, our crew of development specialists got lucky.

The initial and main support came from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its “Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth in Europe and Eurasia,” or EDGE, project. From the beginning, EDGE saw the potential of a cycling route that focuses on communities and promotes sustainability across the region. Last fall, the Albanian office of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) provided assistance and investment for the stages crossing Albania. Their knowledge of cycling and how it can act as a catalyst in their country was key. Finally, RECONOMY, a regional program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by Helvetas, saw the value of the route and has provided valuable support.

What has this encouragement and funding meant for the success of the Trans Dinarica trail? 

First, it meant we could start virtually planning the cycling route. Then it meant we could take the time needed to communicate with experts in each of the countries to make sure our version of the Trans Dinarica was moving in a logical direction according to the judgment of those who know best: local cyclists. After we created a proper plan — and before we set out on the trail to guarantee every kilometer of its course — the support from organizations like those above meant we could afford to host educational workshops focused on residents within the Western Balkans and all along the bike paths of the itinerary. 

These workshops — held virtually — are among the most important work we do. The sessions provide information about the route and help inspire local operators, business owners, government officials, journalists, storytellers, and tourism professionals to make use of this itinerary. The workshops also act as a networking thread between thousands of villages, parks, nature reserves, cafes, hotels, restaurants, tour guides, bike shops, and enterprises we can’t even imagine yet. (In total, there will be more than two dozen workshops by the fall of 2024.)

The Trans Dinarica cycling route will be more than a bike path; it will be a unique journey through the heart of the Balkans.

Checking the roads on the field

After creating a virtual plan and then communicating with locals along the route, our team geared up to head into the fieldwork to check every kilometer of the trail. We searched the proposed bike paths to make sure the ascents and descents were doable for intermediate cyclists. We made sure there were places to sleep and eat on every stage, providing essential services for bikepacking travelers. And, we found the most logical course that included the best possible points of interest so cyclists could truly experience the heritage of the Western Balkans. We ensured that the Trans Dinarica cycling route was not just a bike path, but a journey through the heart of the Balkans, offering an immersive experience in the region’s rich heritage.

At every point along the way, the crew did everything they could to promote the Trans Dinarica, believing in its potential to become one of the best cycling routes in Europe … without making the endeavor seem too desperate. We believed — and believe — in the route and wanted others to as well. We knew it was a good “story” and trusted that the right journalists, editors, and publications would find their way to us. What we couldn’t have known was that several of them would list the bike trail as one of 2024’s best experiences.

Attracting the media’s attention

First, Lonely Planet put the Trans Dinarica cycling trail on its Best in Travel list. Then, Time Out, the Daily Mail, and Outside magazine proclaimed the new bicycle trail one of the year’s most important destinations and adventures. Finally, CNN, one the world’s largest news organizations, named the route to its “Where to go in 2024: The best places to visit” list. According to the famous media outlet: “Riders can enjoy Albania’s and Croatia’s spectacular coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains and lush woodland and sparkling rivers throughout Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia.”

Which leads us to now, the beginning of 2024: the year of Trans Dinarica. In the spring, our crew will head back into the field to finish the bike route. As we do so, we will share our progress and make sure adventurers around the world know how special the Balkan region truly is. Our most sincere hope is that the Trans Dinarica bike route will become a catalyst for sustainable travel and community-based tourism through the Western Balkans.

Keep an eye on this space and the Trans Dinarica website for updates, merchandise, GPX files, and navigation information. Send us your thoughts and questions at trail@goodplace.si or drop us a DM on our social channels. We would love to stay in touch and help you plan your next bicycle adventure.

This is another question that fills our e-mail boxes: “Which animals might we meet while cycling in the Balkans and can they be dangerous?” Put simply, there are a lot of wild animals on the Balkan Peninsula, including brown bears, wolves, foxes, deer, and wild boars. The Trans Dinarica cycling route runs most of its route through mountainous and less populated areas with exceptional biodiversity.

Meeting stray dogs while cycling in the Balkans is normal. You can expect a lot of food begging from them, too.

It is also true that many shepherds in these lands help protect their animals in an old-fashioned but effective way – with dogs. ‘Tornjaks’, ‘sharplanins’, and ‘Karst shepherds’ are wonderful, big, and brave animals, but in principle, they are not dangerous to humans. However, they are carrying out their mission – guarding their ‘family’ (and the shepherd) – so caution and common sense apply. They might not understand you well if you ride your bike at full speed among the sheep …

Bears, wolves? We haven’t met any … yet

What can we say from our experience on the Trans Dinarica cycling route? On our research journey, we never once met a bear or a wolf, at most a roe deer (in Serbia), a rabbit (in Albania) and a deer (in Slovenia). But that doesn’t mean bears and wolves haven’t met (seen or at least smelled) us. Wolves are considered not to be dangerous to humans, but bears are dangerous if surprised or frightened, especially a female bear with cubs. If you meet a bear, do not run, or climb a tree (bears are better at running and climbing), but leave his territory as calmly as possible. In the case of bikepacking and camping in the wilderness, do not leave leftover food around the tent, the bear will smell it kilometers away.

You are much more likely to meet a shepherd with his sheepdogs (off-leash of course) on this Balkan travel route. This happened to us several times while exploring the Trans Dinarica, especially in Albania. Greet the shepherd nicely by raising your hands from a distance, get off your bike, and somehow agree if you can continue your journey in the direction (which may cross his flock). Do not try to pet the dogs, because these are not some spoiled city poodles, but beasts capable of warding off bears and wolves. In principle, these are calm, unobtrusive dogs.

However, we received information from a female cyclist who traveled solo through the Balkans and had several unpleasant encounters with dogs, fortunately without physical contact. Those of you who are afraid of dogs may be better traveling in a group. It’s also worth saying that the worst thing is to run away from the dogs, as this makes them even more emboldened. We recommend that you stop and place the bike between you and the dogs, and if necessary throw a rock towards them (not into them).

You are likely to meet shepherds with his sheepdogs while exploring the Trans Dinarica cycling route.

Feeding a stray dog can have consequences

Yes, it is also very likely that you will also meet a stray dog, especially in cities, but sometimes also somewhere in the middle of nowhere. From what we’ve seen, they’ll (terrified) move away on their own, or maybe at the most, they’ll come begging for their bite while you’re dining on your burek. But you can expect that if you give them food, they will follow you for kilometers (yes, it happened to us). In this case, expect a heartbreaking goodbye sooner or later.

So: enjoy cycling in the Balkans without fear and with common sense. You are far more likely to bring home a scratch from your own clumsiness than from an animal. And yes, first aid should be in the bag in any case. Check out our bikepacking tips and learn everything you need to know about cycling in the Balkans. Good luck and happy riding!

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The furriest gallery of Trans Dinarica:

The Trans Dinarica — the first and only cycle route linking all eight countries of the Western Balkans — has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel experiences for 2024. The renowned travel media company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will release the 2024 edition of their much-anticipated annual book spotlighting the planet’s most exciting destinations on October 24, 2023.

The Trans Dinarica route averages about 50 kilometers per stage, follows quiet asphalt roads, forest trails, and bike paths.

The Trans Dinarica bike trail makes the dream of cycling across the Balkans, one of the most adventure-travel-rich corners of Southeastern Europe, a reality for the first time. The route, which is more than 4,000 kilometers, rolls across and connects Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. Riders will now be able to tackle around 100 stages that prioritize responsible travel, culture, national parks, and UNESCO sites while bringing a sustainable economic engine to communities across the western half of the Balkan Peninsula.

Cycling across the Balkans on a  5,500-kilometer adventure

“From the beginning of the Trans Dinarica’s development until today, the idea is to give travelers a way to enjoy the region while moving safely and at their own speed,” says Jan Klavora, one of the route’s designers and a co-director at GoodPlace: a Slovenia-based, sustainability-travel-focused NGO that works with destinations to develop tourism products and strategies. “This region is perfect to discover by bicycle because of its hospitality and richness of heritage. We are proud and honored that Lonely Planet acknowledges this and has also made a priority of responsible travel.”

Trans Dinarica is designed for all cycling enthusiasts

The route, which averages about 50 kilometers per stage (day), follows quiet asphalt roads, forest trails, and scenic Balkan bike paths. The Trans Dinarica — supported by USAID’s Economic Development, Governance and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project and GIZ’s Sustainable Rural Development in Albania — was created to make it easy for cyclists of all abilities to discover the region on two wheels. To that end, visitors to the route’s website will receive basic information about the trail for free and then pay a nominal fee for all the Trans Dinarica GPX tracks and information about accommodations and services across the entire Trans Dinarica.

“We hope travelers take advantage of the Trans Dinarica cycle route so they can better enjoy themselves on bicycles,” continues Klavora. “But, more than anything, we hope people will feel the magic that we have felt while traveling in this way across the region.”

Trans Dinarica isn’t just a cycling route, it’s an invitation to explore the rich landscapes, cultures, and heritage of the Western Balkans. The route offers something for everyone, blending adventure with meaningful connections to the Balkan people and places. Ready to experience it for yourself? Download the Trans Dinarica GPX tracks, explore accommodation options, and find out more about the route.

Another Trans Dinarica field exploration is behind us. There were a lot of questions before visiting Albania. For two reasons: although all of us from the team had been to Albania before, it is the least familiar country to all of us. Secondly: even the Albanians themselves don’t know which road is still dirt and barely passable, which is under construction, and which may have already been paved – this is the speed at which a country that was very isolated from the rest of the world until the 1990s is changing.

Albania, a rapidly developing country with diverse roads and stunning landscapes, offers cyclists an ideal mix of unspoiled nature and new infrastructure along the Trans Dinarica cycling route.

Today, Albania, Trans Dinarica’s country no. 5, is developing at the speed of light, and if you were in Tirana, the capital with half a million inhabitants, a decade ago, you would hardly recognize it today. Progress can also be seen in the countryside, especially with many new roads and other infrastructure projects, and on the coast, where tourism is booming. But we at Trans Dinarica hold the red thread – the Dinaric Mountains and the less populated mountain regions, which means that we cycled to many less-visited places, making the bike route a prime spot for bike tours and a fantastic opportunity to cycle Albania. This also meant a bit more research work for us; we even had to swap our support van for an off-road pick-up truck for a few days.

Albania is perfect for cycling, and cyclists are perfect for Albania

This intertwining of unspoiled nature, living the old-fashioned life and on the other hand development (roads!) and openness of the country for tourism leads us to the conclusion: Albania is a perfect country for cycling, and cyclists are perfect guests for Albania. If you’re planning an Albania bike tour or exploring cross-border routes like the Trans Dinarica cycling route, you will be warmly welcomed by the locals. Everywhere we went, we were met with hospitality and genuine enthusiasm about the idea of a cross-border cycling route. Another interesting fact: unlike other Balkan countries, there is less meat on the menu, a lot of fresh and pickled vegetables, homemade cheese, eggs, and fish. And language shouldn’t be an obstacle either: young people speak English perfectly, older people… Well, if necessary, you will use pantomime. On the road, we met three ladies on gravel bikes from England, and they confirmed just that: that neither language nor vegetarianism is a problem.

Roads? Be prepared for everything

The roads… Hmm, the roads will be very diverse: from perfect, new asphalt through a mountain pass to macadam, on which you’ll be forced to push the bike uphill, while the traffic in cities like Tirana or Shkoder might be a little bit chaotic. The final decision on the route will be made after a complete analysis and in a way that makes connections with Montenegro and North Macedonia logical and simple. Albania, we are already looking forward to meeting again!

Curious about what makes cycling in Albania so special? Find all the details on the country’s scenic cycling routes, insider tips, and explore more about Albania on the Trans Dinarica cycling route here.

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Trans Dinarica – Albania photo gallery

Traveling through the Balkans, especially off-the-beaten-path areas like the Trans Dinarica cycling route, offers a wild and unparalleled bike tour experience. While these Balkan countries might seem daunting for solo travelers, the locals, in our experience, are incredibly welcoming and always ready to assist. Even if they don’t speak your language. To give you a glimpse of what awaits, we’ve prepared some essential tips for those eager to ride this beautiful journey.

If you come across a shepherd with a herd of sheep or cows, stop and, at least with a facial expression, ask if you can continue, showing respect for their animals and way of life.

1. Languages

In most of the countries along the Trans Dinarica cycle route, the primary languages are of Slavic origin (the exceptions are Albania and Kosovo). Knowing Croatian allows you to communicate in Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia. However, it is important to note that Macedonian is slightly different from the other ex-Yugoslavian languages.

Some useful words:

Hvala = Thank you
Dobar dan = Hello / Good day
Doviđenja = Goodbye
Molim = Please
Oprostite = Sorry / Excuse me
Voda = Water
Pivo = Beer
Vino = Wine
Hrana = Food

The good thing about traveling to the Western Balkans is that almost all young people speak English, especially in the cities. In more remote villages, gestures might be your best friend, but modern tools like Google Translate can bridge any communication gaps.

2. Currencies

Money is quite varied in the area. Slovenia and Croatia use euros because they are in the European Union (EU). Montenegro and Kosovo are not members of EU, but you can still use euros there. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need to provide convertible marks (many times it is also possible to pay with euros, 1 EUR is 1.95 KM), in Serbia Serbian dinars, in Macedonia Macedonian denar, and in Albania Albanian lek. For those planning long-distance bike trails in Europe or participating in self-guided bike tours, it’s essential to be aware of these currency differences while cycling through the region.

Don’t count on being able to pay with credit cards everywhere (especially not in bars, restaurants, or small hotels/accommodations). When withdrawing cash, stick to ATMs of verified banks and avoid ‘tourist ATMs’ (bad exchange rates, high fees, high pre-set withdrawal amounts.) In general, it is recommended that you choose to charge in local currency at ATMs, which means that the conversion will be done by the bank that issued your card. In more remote areas, don’t expect an ATM around every corner, so carry enough cash for two or three days.

3. Meeting locals (farmers, shepherds …)

As you explore Balkan travel routes, you may come across a shepherd with a herd of sheep or cows. In this occasion stop and if necessary, get off your bike and, at least with a facial expression, ask if you can continue. Bicycles are not as big as cars, and not as loud as motorcycles, but still: let the locals know that you respect their animals, their work, and their way of life.

In the end, this kindness may lead you to an interesting conversation, coffee, rakija, or maybe even an unplanned overnight stay. If shepherd dogs are guarding the herd, do not try to pet them – these are not pets, but guardians (also from wolves and bears). This rule applies when traveling in any part of the world, but such interactions will be slightly more common in the Western Balkans. Read more about meeting animals here: Cycling on Trans Dinarica: What about stray and shepherd dogs and wild animals?

As you travel through the Balkans, you’ll encounter friendly locals known for their warm hospitality. These interactions often lead to engaging conversations, and sometimes spontaneous invitations for a meal or even an overnight stay.

4. Bicycle services, parts

Do not expect specialized shops for bicycles and sports equipment, except in larger cities (Sarajevo, Podgorica, Split, …). That’s why it’s important to always have the essential cycling gear and basic tools like an air pump, set for patching tires, spare tubes, and at least one tire – with you on your bike. People in the Western Balkans are masters of improvisation but don’t expect a perfect part match for your new carbon gravel bike. Good thing: we included several bike shops as POIs in the navigation pack.

5. Theft

While theft isn’t a major concern on the Trans Dinarica cycling trail, the advice to take care of your belongings is the same as anywhere else in the world. The good thing about bicycles is that you can always put them in a garage, stairwell, or woodshed overnight. Lock the bikes and take the bags with you to the room. You know the saying: Opportunity makes a thief.

6. Alcohol

In some Muslim-majority Balkan regions, you won’t get alcohol in restaurants. Don’t be surprised if you must drink yogurt or Coca-Cola with your burek (by the way, the ‘Yugoslav Coca-Cola’ is called Cockta – it’s caffeine-free but tastes great). Are you curious about what will be on your plates? Read more here: Food on Trans Dinarica: strong, meaty, but also fresh and local.

Cycling the Trans Dinarica, you’ll discover the rich flavors of traditional Balkan cuisine, with hearty meals like burek, fresh grilled meats, and local cheeses.

7. Wild camping

The Trans Dinarica bike trail spans diverse territories, each with its own camping regulations on wild camping, so we won’t speculate on what is right and what is not. In short: we know that wild camping is strictly prohibited in Slovenia and Croatia, while the rules are somewhat ‘softer’ further south. The Trans Dinarica also crosses several national parks, so make sure you spend overnight in accordance with local rules – and the rules of caring for nature.

But we will note two things:

#1

The prices for overnight stays/camps are moderate, sometimes even ridiculously cheap on most of the Trans Dinarica, especially in the southern part.

#2

If you are already thinking of spreading the sleeping bag somewhere in the bush, try to find the owner and ask him first. Maybe he will allow you (or maybe he won’t), maybe he will even invite you to his house to stay warm.

#3

Don’t go off the road into the forest in areas where you see red signs about mines. Read more about mines here: What’s the situation with mines along the Trans Dinarica cycle route?

Regulations on wild camping vary along the Trans Dinarica bike route, so it’s best to ask local landowners for permission before setting up camp.

8. Garbage

Certainly, the blackest stain along the Trans Dinarica cycling route is litter. Some people simply have not yet accepted that this is not right and that it is ugly and inappropriate for Mother Nature. This should not surprise a traveler, and even less should it be the reason that we litter ourselves! As responsible cyclists and adventurers exploring the beauty of the Balkan trails, it is our duty to keep the path clean and leave no trace behind. If we catch you throwing away a piece of chocolate paper into nature, we’ll puncture your tires with our own hands.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a smooth and enriching experience traveling the Balkans on Trans Dinarica. No matter which country you choose to cycle through, the hospitality and rugged beauty of the Balkans will surely leave an impression. For now, that wraps up our tips for navigating the Trans Dinarica bike tour. We will be happy if you contact us with additional questions so that we can complete this article.

“Which month is the best to cycle the Trans Dinarica?” is one of the most common questions we receive from cyclists. We are glad that you are showing such interest in the new Balkan long-distance cycling route. While the answer isn’t simple—much like the region’s ever-changing weather—we’ll try to at least roughly indicate when you should take time to plan your next bicycle adventure.

Bike trails in Montenegro, such as those in Durmitor, are perfect for cyclists looking to escape the summer heat and enjoy the cooler, forested areas of the Balkans.

If you want a short answer to ‘When to cycle the Trans Dinarica?’ (and at the same time cover the whole route), the answer would be: from May to September. But since the route stretches for 5,000 kilometers along the Balkan Peninsula, where mountains rise over 2,000 meters not far from the coast of the Adriatic Sea (with a mild Mediterranean climate), the answer is not so simple. In Montenegro, on the extraordinary mountain plateau Durmitor, we were caught by snow already at the beginning of May, the same can happen in the mountainous part of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Albania.

On the other hand, parts of the route in the south of Slovenia, through most of Croatia, in the west of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and parts of Albania and Macedonia are perfectly fine even in March or November, while we don’t imagine cycling in these places in July or August when temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius. Then it is better to tackle the mountainous, forested part of the Balkans, where you can refresh yourself in streams, rivers, and lakes along the Trans Dinarica trail.

Meanwhile, you can find a beautiful reel on our Instagram (see ‘your TD II’) showing cycling in late October and early November. “Absolutely fabulous time to be there, though the nights are a bit chilly,” the cyclist commented.

The weather on the Trans Dinarica cycling route is diverse, ranging from snow in the mountains in early May to intense summer heat in lower areas, offering a unique experience across the Balkan trails.

The weather on the Trans Dinarica bike trail can be unpredictable and changes from year to year. For example, in Slovenia, 2022 was hot and dry, and a year later we had a lot, even too much rain. Not to mention the fact that cyclists have different criteria for what is (too) cold, what is (too) hot, and how many rainy kilometers we are prepared to cover.

We recommend checking the average temperatures of each area before your trip and then monitoring the weather forecast daily. In any case, pack both – a swimsuit and a rain jacket. It’s all part of the adventure. Good news: for anyone who will be using the navigation package, the weather forecast for the location is already included in the Ride With GPS app. We recommend that you monitor the forecast for at least three days ahead and adjust your cycling adventure if necessary. Check out our detailed route plan and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more cycling tips to make the most of your Balkan cycling trip.

One of the most exciting parts of cycling the Trans Dinarica cycling route is tasting local specialties. The Balkan peninsula offers a vibrant mix of Eastern, Central European, and Mediterranean cuisine, making each stop on this long-distance cycling adventure a culinary journey. The diverse and authentic dishes you’ll encounter vary depending on where you are on the peninsula and are as much a part of the experience as the stunning landscapes.

Enjoy the fresh, authentic ingredients that reflect each country’s strong food culture and traditions along the Trans Dinarica cycling route.

Vegetarian and vegan options along the Trans Dinarica

On the mainland, there is a lot of meat and freshwater fish, with various stews on the menu, while closer to the coast of the Adriatic Sea, of course, there will be more seafood next to the meat. The good thing about the food offering is that it’s very authentic – the locals just don’t accept Western fast food (because they have their own, although, of course, you’ll find a ‘happy clown’ in the bigger cities). Downside… Well, there isn’t a downside really, except … for vegans. Honestly: vegetarians will be fine, although the lost calories will have to be replaced mainly with cheese, spinach, or potato ‘burek’ (pie), while vegans, will have to be creative. You can always order a ‘shopska salad’ without grated cheese, a ‘lepinja’ bread (which it shouldn’t be heated up on a plate next to the roast meat) and fresh vegetables and fruit. Don’t even try, they probably don’t know tofu and seitan. Although we were also positively surprised in Sarajevo, more precisely in the Bosnian restaurant Žara iz Duvara, where the owner tries to get the guests to try something other than cevapcici and burek. In our experience, more vegetable-based, meatless dishes are offered in Albania and North Macedonia.

Experience authentic Balkan cuisine

Another good thing is that the ingredients for the food are often fresh, even so fresh that you may see from the terrace of the restaurant how the chef went to the tank to catch fresh trout, or that the owner of a family stay will gather most of the ingredients for dinner right in her garden.

When we explore the terrain, we usually have a hearty breakfast (it’s usually classic eggs, salami, cheese, bread, and some other fries, maybe peppers and tomatoes), then we spend the day with some yogurt, burek, preferably baked under the bell, and fresh fruit. For dinner we treat ourselves to something stronger; grilled meat, trout, and various soups are excellent, for example ‘pasulj’ (bean soup) or ‘begova čorba’ (chicken soup).

Tips for eating along the route

• Hint no. 1: Take time and don’t complicate too much.
• Hint no. 2: Don’t let them get you full to their standards. If there are four at the table, there will probably be enough soup for a starter and then a mixed meat plate for two. You can still make up for it with dessert.
• Hint no. 3: When the house offers it, eat something other than grilled meat, otherwise you may return from the Balkans, even after a cycling tour, with a few kilos more.

Dobar tek! (Bon Appetit)

“Can I explore the Trans Dinarica cycling route through the Western Balkans with a loaded touring bike? Or do I need something more off-road oriented?” is another common question that you were curious about. Here’s the short answer:

The diverse paths of the Trans Dinarica cycling route wind through terrain that invites all types of riders.

Trekking or touring bikes, some call them hybrid or fitness bikes, will be very useful, and an enduro or cross-country bike can also be an excellent choice. We would only advise against folding bikes, downhill bikes, and road racing bikes. Although, you know, where there’s a will, there’s a way 🙂

We used gravel bikes for exploring the route because they are fast on the road and relatively good on macadams. Above all, they are an excellent compromise because we don’t need a lot of luggage for our research work – a support van helps us with that.

Packing for the Trans Dinarica

When cycling a long-distance bike route, as far as luggage (and weight) is concerned, we advise you to take only the most essential things with you, as you will pass by the market or store almost every day (every other day for sure). What is necessary and how many extra kilograms should be carried on bicycles, opinions differ so much that it is difficult to draw a line between what is an acceptable weight and what is decidedly too much. Just be aware that sometimes roads like this await you:

Cycling through the Balkans, riders will encounter a mix of gravel roads and natural landscapes, making it a unique exploration of the Balkan Peninsula’s diverse terrain.

How much asphalt and gravel is there on the way?

Roughly 80% of the Trans Dinarica cycling route is asphalted, but the ratio of asphalt to gravel varies by stage. In some sections, like the Croatian part of the route, we’ve recorded stages with up to 99% macadam. Though most of the unpaved roads are well-maintained and easily passable, the experience of cycling on gravel often feels more significant since the slower pace on macadam makes it more noticeable.

When it comes to unpaved surfaces, cyclists can expect mostly well-maintained, hard macadam roads, which are accessible even by standard cars. However, some stages feature rougher terrain with larger stones, which are marked in the Trans Dinarica navigation packages for better route planning and preparation. Read more here: How many paved roads and how many gravel roads can I expect on the Trans Dinarica cycling route?

Discover what kind of terrain you can expect as you travel through each Western Balkan country on this adventurous cycling route.

The Serbian stages of the Trans Dinarica cycle route have been researched and mapped, and are now ready for cyclists to discover more about this beautiful Western Balkan country. This section offers an unforgettable journey through Serbia’s stunning landscapes and is perfect for those looking to experience the country’s natural beauty and rich culture while cycling the Trans Dinarica.

Uvac Canyon is a must-see when traveling to Serbia.

What can cyclists expect on the Trans Dinarica in Serbia

The Serbian part of the Trans Dinarica includes seven main stages (with several alternate possibilities) and nearly 350 kilometers with around 800 meters of daily elevation change. The route travels across both paved and unpaved stretches — providing both seasoned and new cyclists diversity and access to communities throughout the region.

Starting near the town of Tutin, in the far south of Serbia, the route pedals through the mountainous Sandžak Region and then continues north and west past UNESCO sites and protected areas such as the Tara National Park along the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From Tutin, Serbia’s Trans Dinarica heads to Novi Pazar before heading northwest to Sjenica and the Special Nature Reserve Uvac. The trail then rolls toward the resort town of Zlatibor and the beautiful, ethno-architecture tourism center in and around Mokra Gora, perched in the Dinaric Alps. The route finishes its Serbian section along the banks of the Drina River in the town of Bajina Bašta.

A cultural corridor through the Western Balkans

The Trans Dinarica bike trail is the first and only cycle route to connect all eight countries of the Western Balkans. The route — linking Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia — visits national parks, UNESCO sites, villages, and diverse points of interest. A cultural corridor as well as a bicycle itinerary, the Trans Dinarica provides a way to discover the region and its traditions with a slow-travel intention. The route creates a main backbone bicycle trail for the entire Western Balkans and encourages local travel operators to utilize the Trans Dinarica as a responsible tourism engine.

The process of the Trans Dinarica’s creation in Serbia actually began in early 2022 when the GoodPlace team, a Slovenia-based NGO that creates sustainably minded trails and routes, began working with country experts to create a virtual blueprint. The next step was to test this blueprint “on the ground” to make sure, among other considerations, that all the stages — surfaces, inclines, distances — met the team’s high expectations of safety and navigation ease. After traveling to Serbia in May and June 2023, the route is now fully prepared and available for those looking to cycle Serbia and experience a Serbia bike tour like no other.

Learn more about cycling the Trans Dinarica in Serbia here.

Dear cyclists, adventure lovers … and Western Balkans devotees:

Gallery from the last few days: