Sava Cycle Route Poised to Become EuroVelo’s 19th Route, Pioneering Cycling Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Table of Contents
A new 1,136-kilometer (705-mile) cycling route following the Sava River is on track to become the 19th route in the EuroVelo network, marking the first time the pan-European cycling network will extend into Bosnia and Herzegovina. The proposed route promises to connect Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, linking the capitals of Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Belgrade, and fostering sustainable tourism across Southeast Europe.
A Transnational Cycling Adventure
The Sava Cycle Route will traverse diverse landscapes, ranging from the Alpine region to the Pannonian Plain, showcasing a wealth of natural and cultural heritage. Cyclists can anticipate encountering significant sites, including wetlands, charming riverside towns, and vibrant rural communities. According to a statement released by EuroVelo, “This project marks a significant step in expanding the EuroVelo network into Bosnia and Herzegovina, strengthens sustainable mobility and tourism across Southeast Europe, and will be well-integrated with other cycle route networks as a strategic corridor.”
Route Highlights and Connections
The journey begins in Slovenia, originating at the source of the Sava River and winding through the scenic Triglav National Park and past the picturesque Lake Bled. The route then intersects with EuroVelo 9 – Baltic-Adriatic as it passes through Ljubljana before continuing into Croatia. Key Croatian stops include Zagreb, Sisak, and the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland renowned for its thriving stork population in the community of Čigoć.
Continuing southward, the route enters Bosnia and Herzegovina, passing through Bijeljina, Brčko, and the Bardača wetlands. From there, it extends into Serbia, offering cyclists the opportunity to explore internationally important wetland areas before culminating in Belgrade. In the Serbian capital, the Sava Cycle Route will connect with EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic-Black Sea, EuroVelo 11 – East Europe Route, and EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, further expanding the network’s reach.
EuroVelo Network Expansion and Certification
The proposed route, currently a candidate to become EuroVelo 18, is expected to be officially integrated into the network by 2029, pending adherence to the European Certification Standard. The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), a Brussels-based nonprofit with over 70 member organizations across more than 40 countries, announced the expansion. The ECF champions cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation and leisure.
The EuroVelo network, coordinated by the ECF, currently spans 38 countries and encompasses approximately 90,000 kilometers (55,900 miles) of long-distance cycle routes. The goal is to promote cycling for both everyday commutes and tourism. “The Sava Cycle Route will not only connect countries and cities, but also promote regional development, environmental awareness, active mobility and sustainable tourism,” EuroVelo stated.
Collaborative Effort Drives Progress
The development of the Sava Cycle Route is the result of robust cross-border partnerships and coordination between national and regional entities. These include ministries, tourism boards, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres. Specifically, coordination is being led by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy in Slovenia; the Ministry of Tourism and Sport in Croatia; the Center for Environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and the Danube Competence Center in Serbia. A senior official noted that “The project marks a major step in expanding sustainable mobility and cycling tourism in South-Eastern Europe.”
For more information on the Sava Cycle Route, visit here and here.
