The Ciro Cycling Trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

The cycle track follows the old Austro-Hungarian railway line built in the 1900s and closed in the 1970s. The trail is often described as an “open-air museum” because it passes through enchanting abandoned towns and the beautiful Vjetrenica caves.

The Central Dinaric Alps have been a natural border between the coastal towns of the Adriatic and highland trading cities and settlements along the Ottoman caravan routes to Istanbul. This is a moderate-grade self guided cycling tour on dedicated gravel cycle paths, secondary asphalt roads and some dirt roads. The trip is suitable for those interested in finding out more about the diverse cultural background of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the Western Balkans.

The trail will take you deep into the mountains, passing small isolated settlements where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Both on and off the bikes, you have an opportunity to explore the unique cultural heritage of the region. Some of the hotels along the route are made from converted railway stations, and other attractions include The Old Bridge in Mostar, the Roman ruins of Mogorjelo, the Orthodox Church in Zitomislici and the Nature Park Hutovo Blato.

Highlights
Explore the tumultuous history of Sarajevo
Ride over Bjelasnica, the 1984 Olympic mountain range
Swim in Boracko Glacial Lake
Walk over the Mostar Old Bridge
Explore the wine routes of  Herzegovina
Ride along the Ciro Austro Hungarian narrow-gauge railway
Zavala Orthodox monastery
Vjetrenica Cave
Cross the rugged Dinaric Alps
Take in Dubrovnik Old Town
Swim in the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea