Eurovelo 13 cycling guides and maps
Eurovelo 13 – Iron Curtain Cycle Route
Explore EuroVelo 13, one of Europe’s longest cycle routes, which follows the former Iron Curtain. Crossing 20 countries, this extraordinary route combines history, magnificent landscapes, and a unique cultural immersion.
EuroVelo 13 route: a journey of almost 10,000 km by bike
The EuroVelo 13 route, also known as the Iron Curtain Cycle Route, stretches 9,950 kilometers from Norwegian Lapland to the Turkish Black Sea coast. This unique route runs along the former border that divided Europe into two blocs during the Cold War.
The most common direction of travel is from north to south, starting in Norway, crossing Finland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Then, Central Europe, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, before reaching the Balkans and ending in Turkey.
In some areas, such as EuroVelo Germany, the route is fully signposted, with excellent signage. Elsewhere, the route is still under development and requires careful preparation in advance. This is where EuroVelo guides become essential.
EuroVelo 13, difficulty and condition of the route
As with other major European roads, the level of development varies greatly depending on the country.
In Scandinavia, the sections are often wild and less equipped. They are aimed at independent travelers, ready to improvise between local roads, forest paths, and lakeside trails.
In Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, the route is well-marked, sometimes on dedicated cycle paths, sometimes on quiet secondary roads. The German cycle section is particularly well-developed.
In Hungary and Slovenia, the route is also well-structured, with very pleasant countryside sections.
In the Baltic States, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, the route is still largely in the planning stages. It is therefore necessary to rely on reliable cycling guides and detailed maps.
The essentials not to be missed on the EV13
Exploring EuroVelo 13 means traveling through a major chapter of European history while traversing varied and often spectacular landscapes. Here are some must-sees along the route:
- Border remains : walls, watchtowers, open-air museums, particularly in Germany and Austria
- Lake Balaton in Hungary : a perfect example of a lake with a cycle path
- Historic cities : Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, etc.
- Nature and national parks : Carpathians, Balkan Mountains, Finnish taiga, etc.
- UNESCO sites : Tallinn, Vienna, Nessebar, Belgrade Fortress, etc.
The contrast between the countries crossed makes this unique cycling experience in Eastern Europe so rich.
Essential to avoid getting lost
We offer several reliable EuroVelo guides, including those from the publisher Bikeline:
- Iron Curtain Trail 1 : de la Norvège à la Pologne
- Iron Curtain Trail 2 : de la Slovaquie à la Serbie
Each guide contains detailed maps, stage profiles, accommodation, tourist suggestions and existing variants.
Routes connected to EuroVelo 13
EuroVelo 13 crosses several other major European cycle routes, allowing you to imagine combinations of routes or longer itineraries :
- EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic to Black Sea: intersects with the EV13 in Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Very well-maintained, runs along the Danube.
- EuroVelo 10 – Baltic Sea Cycle Routes: possible connection in the Baltic States or northern Poland.
- EuroVelo 11 – Norway to Greece : parallel route in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
- EuroVelo 7 – North Sea to Mediterranean : intersections in the Czech Republic and Austria.
If you want even more ideas for routes in Europe, we invite you to visit our EuroVelo guides and maps.