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For road cyclists the joy of Serbia is cruising mile after mile of uncrowded roads taking you on a genuine journey of discovery through this vast, beautiful, but largely unknown country.
Serbia is threaded with epic long-distance rides and smaller, more intimate routes that between them bring you right up close to the wonderful unspoilt scenery and centuries of turbulent history.
From the iconic Danube Bike Trail to the challenging ‘Beast from the East’, road riders will experience the magic of spectacular landscapes, such as Djerdap Gorge, and the national parks of Fruška Gora and Tara, fascinating medieval monasteries and pretty villages dotted between Serbia’s great cities – the bustling capital Belgrade and historic second largest city Novi Sad.
The routes are generally very well signposted – particularly the Danube Bike Trail, where the unique signage is every bit as good as that in Germany and Austria. There are also extensive maps available.
As well as providing fun for amateur cyclists, Serbia’s diverse landscape is also perfect for the pros. The Tour de Serbie – founded in 1939, when Serbia had virtually no paved roads – ranks today among the most important and best organised stage races in this part of Europe and each year attracts competitors from all over the world. Its route is designed to include a variety of tourist destinations.
For further information on the popular cycling routes listed below, see eurovelo.com
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The East Europe route
EuroVelo 11, also known as the ‘Beast from the East’ runs through the centre of Serbia, from the Hungarian border at Djala south to the Macedonian border at Jablanica. The northern stretch features flatlands, lazy rivers, dense forests and cute villages. From Belgrade, it crosses the Danube, heading south, past historic churches and natural wonders, eventually crossing into neighbouring Macedonia.
The Danube bike trail
Serbia is rightly proud of its section of the Danube Bike Trail – a 2,857km-long cycle path that follows Europe’s second-longest river through nine countries. (Amazingly, the Danube Bike Trail is itself part of the even longer EuroVelo 6, the epic Rivers Route from the Atlantic to the Black Sea.) The Serbian Danube stretch begins at Backi Breg, passes through Novi Sad, the capital Belgrade and scores of pretty villages, leaving the country at Negotin, with the route well marked and signposted.
The Iron Curtain trail
The extraordinary – and extraordinarily tough – EuroVelo 13 route from the Arctic Circle to Turkey, traces the Cold War Iron Curtain divide between East and West Europe. The more moderate Serbia stretch skirts the borders with Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, and runs through the flat plains of the north to the mountains of the East. Its undoubted highlight is Djerdap Gorge and the passage between the Iron Gates.
Mountain biking in Serbia
Serbia’s undiscovered landscapes really come into their own when you kick down on the pedals and head into the heart of the wild, unspoilt terrain. Nothing beats the buzz of slogging your way up a deserted, unmarked mountain trail with a couple of friends, scattering a few bemused sheep from your path, and drinking in the stunning view waiting for you when you finally reach the top!
Mountain biking is becoming ever more popular in the mountainous regions of Serbia during the summer months. Attractive routes are laid out on Kopaonik, Zlatibor and Stara Planina, where there are even cable lifts for transporting cycles.
Western Serbia has 400km of marked paths crossing breathtaking areas, such as Tara National Park, where there are 27 bike paths tracing routes through some stunningly beautiful landscapes.
You can even go mountain biking in the Serbian capital, Belgrade – at the Kosutnjak Mountain Bike Park, a little slice of wild woodland in the heart of the urban massif. It’s open March to November and is a godsend for any visitor itching to hit the saddle early.
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Fruška Gora National Park
For a ‘real’ MTB experience, you need to hit the forest trails – and for that there is nowhere better than Fruška Gora – 80km from Belgrade. There are hundreds of marked forest routes, and you can pretty much head anywhere and meet very few people. There are some steep climbs, though, and the north side of the peak is invariably pretty wet – only in July-August does it really dry out.
The Fanatic MTB Marathon
Fruška Gora hosts a number of mountain biking events, including the Fanatic MTB Marathon, held every May. Organised by the Fanatic Mountain Biking Club it is one of the major events of the Serbian MTB season. There are three races – the short (just 32km), the medium (56km) and the big marathon – a full-on 80km of tough riding.
Circular day tour, Mt Bobija
Mt Bobija is located in Azbukovica, near the town of Ljubovija, only two hours’ drive from Belgrade. This mountain is rarely included on tourist maps, but is a paradise for nature lovers. The circular route takes you through the canyon of Tribuće, with its deciduous forest and huge rocks and crags where you can see the griffon vulture.
To find out more go to serbia.travel
