EuroVelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail

Norway / Finland / Russia
Contains the tracks of the whole stage, including well developed sections but also parts of the route under development or at the planning stage.
Contains only parts of the stage which are either developed, developed with signs or certified – i.e. sections that are ready to cycle.
Your contribution helps towards keeping these official GPX tracks up-to-date and freely available to download.
License & Disclaimer

These EuroVelo GPX tracks are made available under the Open Database License. While ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centers and Coordinators (NECCs) make every effort to ensure the tracks and their levels of development are both current and accurate, errors or outdated information can occur. The user is fully responsible for his or her own safety when making use of the tracks and for following national traffic rules and signing.

Please download and read the complete How to use gpx tracks and License and disclaimer documents before using the tracks.

The Iron Curtain Trail starts in the very far north of Europe, beyond the Arctic Circle, near the Norwegian town of Kirkenes. From there it makes its long descent through the rarely visited east of Finland - well over a thousand kilometres of woods, lakes, reindeer and welcoming locals. It is the perfect way to to explore one of the continent's last wildernesses. As you get closer to the shores of the Gulf of Finland inevitably civilisation starts to intrude not least in the form of the magnificent city of St Petersburg, the former imperial city of Russia.

It is currently not possible to cross the border between Finland and Russia, and there are restrictions in place at the Narva border crossing between Estonia and Russia. Cyclists travelling on EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail are strongly advised to skip the Russian sections of the route. We recommend taking the ferry connecting Helsinki and Tallinn, with a diversion along EuroVelo 10 – Baltic Sea Cycle Route between Helsinki and Virojoki.

Etappes
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

Norwegian Public Roads Administration

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

The Norwegian National Cycle Network are 10 national cycle routes connecting most of the country. Many of the routes are already signposted and some of them are part of EuroVelo, the European cycle route network.

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EuroVelo 10 & 13 / Visit Estonia

Estonia's official tourist information website provides detailed information about the EuroVelo routes in Estonia and touristic services.

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EuroVelo 13 in Finland

The EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail stretches across Finland from Näätämö on the Norwegian-Finnish border in northeastern Lapland to Vaalimaa at Virolahti in southeastern Finland. This 1,687-kilometer route follows the historic border between Finland and Russia, guiding you through some of the country's most remote and untouched landscapes. As you cycle, you'll be accompanied by the sounds of nature—birds, wildlife, and, in Lapland, the occasional reindeer. The trail meanders through dense forests, open marshlands, swamps, fells, rivers, and countless lakes, each changing the scenery and enhancing the journey.

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CYCLEST

Estonia is a paradise for cyclists where you can find solitude in the woods, picturesque lakes and beaches where there is always a beautiful place to camp. The size of Estonia is perfect for cyclists, as it is possible to discover the whole country by bike. In only a couple of days you can cycle on the hilly roads of the south, admire a sunrise in the bogs, visit historical and cultural places in Central Estonia and Tallinn, enjoy views of the Baltic sea from the steep, rocky northern coast and visit the wild islands - the most popular place for cyclists.

+372 56608090
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Bikeland

Bikeland.fi is Finland’s official cycling travel website, showcasing the country’s diverse and expansive biking landscape. Whether you’re a casual rider or an experienced adventurer, Finland offers unforgettable experiences—from bike touring through scenic lakesides to exploring thrilling mountain trails under the midnight sun, or bikepacking in the remote beauty of Finnish Lapland. Bikeland.fi helps you discover the best cycling destinations, routes, and bike-friendly services to make your journey smooth and memorable.

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Velopiter

The R1 route is a trans-European cycling path, passing through France, Germany, Poland, the Baltic States.

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Visit Norway

Website in English - All you need to know to cycle in Norway: mountain biking, road cycling, scenic routes and tips to plan your cycling trip.

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Cycle Norway

Website in English - Find information on cycling routes in Norway and many tips to plan your trip: public transport, accommodation, weather, gear, tunnels...

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Welcome Cyclist

Finland offers a wide range of bike-friendly accommodations, restaurants, cafes, tour operators, attractions, and bike transport services, all dedicated to providing excellent service for cycling travelers. These establishments adhere to the bike-friendly service standards set by Bikeland and can be easily recognized by the Welcome Cyclist badge displayed at their entrance. You can explore and find them on the Bikeland.fi website.

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Russian Cycle Touring Club

Information and help for international cyclists in respect of cycle touring in Russia

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Gerelateerd nieuws

Services

Visit Estonia
Estland
EV10 EV11 EV13
national

The official tourist information website 'visit estonia' provides an interactive map showing both bicycle routes and accommodation, natural parks, tourist attractions and much more.

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Welcome Cyclist
Finland
EV7 EV10 EV11 EV13
national

Finland offers a wide range of bike-friendly accommodations, restaurants, cafes, tour operators, attractions, and bike transport services, all dedicated to providing excellent service for cycling travelers. These establishments adhere to the bike-friendly service standards set by Bikeland and can be easily recognized by the Welcome Cyclist badge displayed at their entrance. You can explore and find them on the Bikeland.fi website.

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Cyclist Welcome Estonia
Estland
EV10 EV11 EV13
national

The Cyclist Welcome programme in Estonia is designed to make life easier for cyclists looking for accommodation answering their needs. Cyclist Welcome certified businesses cater to cycling tourists by providing secure storage for bicycles, a foot pump and basic tools, a charging station, and information on cycling routes and services in the area. These certified accommodations are also available to share ideas for extending your cycling holiday, making an extra stop, relaxing, and discovering more of the local life.

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