Ride the Newly Opened Trans Dinarica Route Through the Western Balkans

Thinking bicycle trails evolved in the United States is an easy mistake. The truth is that cycling trails are in place worldwide but are especially prevalent in bicycle-crazy Europe. Most of us, because we don’t know specific roads and routes in a country we want to visit, just choose to work with a bicycle travel company.

A bicycle travel or general travel company will, after all, take care of everything from accommodations to food, to sightseeing, and other elements. All you have to do is pay that large price. But if you are craving a more independent way to bike through Europe, especially countries in the western Balkans, then you should set out on the Trans Dinarica Route.

What is The Trans Dinarica Trail/ Route?

Just recently completed and opened for use on July 31, 2024, the Trans Dinarica route traverses countries in the western Balkans of Europe. According to an article on the TimeOut website, it is the first route to link together seven countries:  Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Slovenia.

The whole route covers 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) and is a mix of gravel and road surfaces. Along the route, cyclists will experience “national parks, forests, inland villages, quiet roads, existing bike paths and the Adriatic coast.” But this isn’t a regular old bike trail, it was built for those who like to use their bikes to partake in sustainable travel.

How the Trans Dinarica Route is Laid Out

The route is broken into 50 kilometer sections (30 miles) with places to eat, points of interest, and hotels. Of course, you might be able to ride further than that in a day, which all depends on your fitness, where you want to go, and what you want to see.

This is cycling without restrictions or defined parameters. You can ride as much or as little of the route as you wish. It depends on how much time you have available to devote to this type of trip. But the important point to note is that you are in charge of this trip and not a travel company.

Trans Dinarica Does Provide a Navigational Pack

If you look at the map above, you’ll see in red the whole Trans Dinarica route. 3,000 miles is an immense amount of territory that most cyclists probably won’t attempt to ride. But then again, there are those who love taking on that kind of challenge if they have the time and resources to do so.

But if your goals are more modest, Trans Dinarica provides route information for each country via downloadable guides. They cover elements like GPS tracks, itineraries from day to day, points of interest, and other pertinent information.

Just keep in mind there is a charge for each navigational pack you download. If you want the guides for all countries, the price is 176 euros (a little over $190). But here is the cost in euros for each country guide. Trans Dinarica does offer a 20% discount if you buy all the guides.

• Slovenia: 26 EUR
• Croatia: 36 EUR
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: 34 EUR
• Montenegro: 20 EUR
• Albania: 46 EUR
• North Macedonia: 24 EUR
• Kosovo: 16 EUR
• Serbia: 18 EUR

Last Thoughts

The Trans Dinarica looks like a wonderful addition to the world of cycling. If you love long-distance, bicycle adventure where you ride as much as you want and where you call the shots, this route is definitely for you.

The fact that the route is lined with points of interest, places to eat, and places to stay almost makes this a no-brainer. I would even consider taking on this trip. The important point that I wouldn’t have to carry loads of camping gear and other stuff on my bike is seductive.

I think this bike route will be a big draw for tourism as the years progress much like the national trail being constructed here in the United States. If you are a cyclist and love to travel, the Trans Dinarica route could keep you engaged for a long time to come.