The incredible Trans Dinarica cycling trail is the place to pedal in 2024

Bicycle travel enthusiasts should take note of the inclusion of a soon-to-be popular route in Eastern Europe that just made Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel experiences for 2024. A captivating 2000-km (1242-mile) route known as the Trans Dinarica.

This ambitious trail, linking eight Balkan countries, offers riders a unique journey through Southeastern Europe’s diverse landscapes, spanning from Slovenia’s lush forests to the rugged mountains of Montenegro and North Macedonia, along crystal-clear rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, and through the stunning coastlines of Croatia and Albania. The route further winds through the national parks of Kosovo, providing cyclists with a truly comprehensive experience of the region’s natural diversity.

The Trans Dinarica aims to blend adventure travel with cultural exploration, deliberately bypassing major cities to spread sustainable tourism across the region. According to Alex Crevar from GoodTrail, one of the trail’s organizers, the intention is to benefit rural and overlooked communities by avoiding the typical tourist hotspots and fostering sustainable tourism. Crevar emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all communities benefit from tourism in a healthy way.

In Albania (photo: TransDinarica.com)

As a comprehensive route-development project, the Trans Dinarica goes beyond simply issuing a map. The project includes creating GPS data sets, engaging with local guest house owners, connecting with cycling guides familiar with the roads, and preparing for eventual trail signage to facilitate navigation without reliance on mobile phones.

Potential cyclists are advised to prepare for a mix of road conditions, including rough pavement and dirt routes. Tobi Gessler, founder and guide at Ride Albania, notes that while new asphalt roads have been built in recent years, many are not designed with cyclists in mind. 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 trail in one go may be challenging for most cyclists due to its winding circuits in each country. However, this design allows for the creation of shorter loops or customized routes based on individual preferences. The international design of the trail is expected to attract foreign cyclists, encouraging them to explore lesser-known countries in the Western Balkans.

Cyclists eager to be among the first to experience the Trans Dinarica can plan their ride for 2024, when final maps will be released. For those seeking assistance or a guided experience, reaching out to local cycling outfits is recommended. The trail promises not only a physically challenging adventure but also an opportunity to leave a piece of one’s heart at the edge of a canyon, overlooking one of Europe’s wilder and lesser-explored regions.