EuroVelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail

Bulgaria

Bulgaria was surrounded by an especially long Iron Curtain due to its borders with Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey. Indeed, the itinerary of EuroVelo 13 passes through a several distinct regions and more than one mountain range. Cyclists can start exploring the Bulgarian section on the border with Serbia, initially passing through the Balkan mountain massif. Going southwards, the route then takes in the Rila, Pirin and Rhopodes mountains and the borders with North Macedonia and Greece. After leaving the Balkan Mountains behind, the route passes through the Thracian lowlands in Greece and Turkey before finally ending on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2019.
EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2019.
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Legend

Development status
  • Certified These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
  • Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
  • Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
  • Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
  • Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

Markers

  • Natuurlijk Erfgoed
  • UNESCO-werelderfgoed
  • Cultureel Erfgoed
  • Culinaire Hoogstandjes
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Service
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center

National & Regional Information

Bulgarian Cycling Association

BCA works for the popularisation of cycling tourism and lobbies for the planning and construction of cycling lanes. A big ongoing project is the Black Sea Cycling Trail, to complete EuroVelo 6 - Atlantic-Black Sea.

+359898804646
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Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism

The website provides basic information and findings from the planning process for the Iron Curtain Trail in Bulgaria and the neighboring countries. A description is available as well as detailed electronic map for the trail itinerary.

+359 883 379 987
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