Best cycling routes in the Balkans

During my first solo bike tour in 2018, I fell in love with cycling in the Balkans. With type 2 fun when climbing steep and raw mountains, nature wild and unexplored like nowhere else in Europe, and warm people who always make me feel at home there. I keep coming back and exploring new roads and trails. Here are some of my favourites (until now).

Many cyclists travelling through the Balkans stick to the Eurovelo routes, as there is little information on alternatives. Unfortunately, they often miss out on the best views and scenic roads. That’s why I decided to share my personal favourites. I would have never taken some of these roads if not for recommendations from the locals. 

All the routes below are rideable on a road bike. I have included some variations and detours that might require wider tires and a gravel/MTB bike. 

From Sarajevo to Omis: lakes, rivers and the sea

My WorkAway host Primoz from Sarajevo recommended me this amazing route. Thanks to him, I avoided the heavily trafficked A1 road from Sarajevo to Konjic and instead enjoyed a nearly empty road and the views of Visocica and Bjelasnica mountains. 

You will have a fair share of climbs on this route but if you are itching for an ultimate mountain challenge, cycle to the top of Bjelasnica mountain (2,067 meters above sea level). You will need wider tires, as the road leading to the top is unpaved.

After passing through the massif of Visocica, you will see the emerald Neretva River for the first time. The water of Upper Neretva has the highest class of purity and is most likely the coldest river water in the world. Even in the summer, its temperature rarely reaches more than 8 degrees. 

More enjoyable will be the dip in the much warmer waters of Jablanicko Lake, where you can also find a campsite. 

In Jablanica, turn right direction Prozor, and in Prozor direction Tomislavgrad. From the road, you will see beautiful Rama Lake with many islands. It is an artificial lake created by the dam on River Rama. By low water level, you can even see the remnants of the village, such as the ruins of the mosque and gravestones.

Before crossing the border to Croatia, you will pass by another beautiful lake – Busko. The route will finish with a spectacular descent to the mouth of the Cetinje River and the Adriatic Sea.

Kranjska Gora – Vrsic Pass – Soca Valley

The road from Kranjska Gora to Vrsic Pass (1611 m) is probably Slovenia’s most beautiful mountain road. On the 10-kilometres long ascent, you will climb 711 metres. The cobbled hairpins don’t make the climb any easier (they can also be tricky on the way down, especially when it’s rainy!). 

But the views in Triglav National Park make it up for the efforts. You might want to spend some more time there and enjoy some hikes. You can either camp in Trenta or stay in Erjavceva Mountain Hut or in Postarski dom na Vrsicu.

After the demanding climb and exciting descent, the road will flatten as you enter the Soca Valley. Cycling along one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe with spectacular gorges and the intense green-blue colour is a refreshing experience. Especially if you take a dip in the waters (the best place to do it is Velika Korita – the Great Gorge). 

Prespa, Ohrid and Mavrovo

The road to Galicica Pass (1,600 m a.s.l) is one of the most spectacular roads I’ve ever cycled. Well, to be more precise, I pushed my bike most of the way up because I struggled with a knee injury (you can read the story here). 

It’s hard to believe that the stunning road between two of the oldest European lakes is so empty. At least in September, there were barely any cars. 

The climb to Galicica is milder from the side of Lake Prespa. From the top, you will have a chance to admire both Prespa and Ohrid – Europe’s oldest lake. On a clear day, you will also see three countries: Macedonia, Albania and Greece. 

The town of Ohrid will enchant you with stunning sunsets over the lake and rich history and architecture (no other town has as many churches). The fact that it’s a part of UNESCO Heritage both as a natural and cultural site says it all. 

The next highlight of this route will be cycling through Mavrovo National Park. The fresh breeze when you enter the Radika Canyon will definitely cool you down. Mavrovo is home to many rare species, like the Balkan Lynx and a meeting point of three mountain ranges: Šar, Korab and Bistra. 

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What are your favourite cycling routes in the Balkans? Let me know in the comments!