EuroVelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail

Greece

Even if the Greek section of the Iron Curtain Trail is short, cyclists have the opportunity to cycle through the former "ΕπιτηρούμενηΖώνη" ("Surveillance Area"), a highly-militarised area along the Bulgarian-Greek border. During the Cold War, owning land or driving a car in this area was forbidden and passing through this 25 km wide strip of land was only possible upon the presentation of a special military passport. After crossing this former border – where access is of course now allowed – EuroVelo 13 enters Greece near the Roupel fortress, famous for its defence during the German invasion in Greece in April 1941. The route re-enters Greece where Ardas river flows along the Greek - Bulgarian border, passes through the lively village of Petrota, follows along the Evros river and enters Turkey after the town of Kastanies, in the low plains near the confluence of Evros and Ardas rivers.

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.
Landen

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

“Cities for Cycling”

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

“Cities for Cycling” is implementing a series of actions with an aim to promote the use of the bicycle and the development of cycling tourism in Greece. Among its priorities is the creation of a platform for exchanging bicycling knowledge and experiences between Greece and European cities.

0030 210 2016500
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Visit Greece

The national tourism body provides a good overview of the three EuroVelo routes in Greece. It identifies the touristic highlights on each route and provides links to further information.

0030 210 87 07 000
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Gerelateerd nieuws

Kaarten & Gidsen

Services

Bike Friendly by NatTour
Griekenland
EV8 EV11 EV13
national

Bike Friendly is a nationwide network of certified accommodation properties — including resorts, hotels, villas, guesthouses and campsites — as well as municipalities/destinations and specialised partners such as cycling companies, bicycle rental and service providers, travel agencies specialising in cycling tourism, wineries, visitor attractions and food and beverage establishments that support and facilitate cycling-related experiences. The Bike Friendly Label is awarded to organisations and businesses in Greece that fulfil defined service and infrastructure standards, ensuring quality support and a welcoming environment for cyclists.

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