{"id":4913,"date":"2021-11-15T19:18:17","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T18:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runbikeeat.blog\/?p=4913"},"modified":"2025-10-02T09:23:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T07:23:17","slug":"north-macedonia-by-bicycle-practical-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wobblyride.com\/pl\/2021\/11\/15\/north-macedonia-by-bicycle-practical-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in North Macedonia – practical bike touring guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine roads with almost no cars, going through vast mountain landscapes and along pristine lakes. Add ancient cultural sites and mystical Orthodox churches with Byzantine frescoes. Combine it with 300 sunny days a year, great food and outstanding hospitality. North Macedonia, a hidden gem in the Balkans, is a perfect place to travel by bike. Here are some practical tips to prepare for your trip. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jak dojecha\u0107?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are direct flights from Skopje from many European cities (e.g. London, Rome, Brussels, Copenhagen, Paris, and Barcelona, as well as multiple cities in Germany). Many of them are operated by WizzAir, so you should easily find something cheap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a little international airport in Ohrid, where you can fly from Zurich<\/a>, Vienna, Dortmund and Memmingen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a bike on a plane with WizzAir costs 55 euros one way (the bike needs to be packed in a bike bag or a cardboard box, pedals and wheels have to be demounted, and tyres deflated).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check out this post to learn more about flying with your bicycle<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bicycle rental in North Macedonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t want or cannot bring your own bicycle, there is a bicycle rental in Skopje<\/a> with high-quality mountain bikes, like a Bianchi Magma 9.1 29″ mountain bike. The prices vary depending on the length of the rental. If you want to travel for 4-7 days, you’ll pay 1260 MKD\/day (ca. 20 euros\/day). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bike was delivered to my hostel’s doorstep. I also received a helmet and the necessary tools (a multitool, spare tube, patches, tyre levers, and a pump). If you need panniers, a child seat, or a carrier, Bicycle.mk can rent it to you, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also organise the whole trip for you. If you prefer to go light, without baggage, and enjoy the steep, challenging mountains, go on a supported tour with them.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During my last visit to North Macedonia, I stayed in Ohrid and rented a bike from Bike Station Ohrid<\/a>. They have great mountain, hybrid, and electric bikes, starting from 15 euros\/day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ukszta\u0142towanie terenu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

North Macedonia is mountainous; mountains and hills cover 80 % of the country. On my 534-kilometre route, I climbed over 6,700 elevation meters Better make sure that you are in shape before coming here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild camping in North Macedonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wild camping in Macedonia<\/a> is simple, pleasant and – although not officially legal – widely accepted by the locals and authorities. However, if you plan to camp by one of many lakes on weekends, you might have to share it with the locals hanging out by the water. Also, there is often a lot of trash, so you sometimes need to clean up a bit. As a solo travelling woman, I felt pretty safe camping in Macedonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brown bears live in the mountains, so if you plan to camp there, never keep your food in the tent and take the necessary precautions (you can read some tips tutaj<\/a>). You’ll also meet plenty of stray cats and dogs (usually very friendly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Camping by the Prespa Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Noclegi <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don’t fancy carrying all the camping gear with you? No problem! There are a lot of guest houses for a fair price, so you can plan your trip without taking any camping gear with you. Here are some recommendations from me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n