EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail: Vast plains, gentle hills and large rivers

Kroatien

Slowenien

Ungarn

von

888 €

Dauer

7 Tage

Schwierigkeit

Mittel

Höhenmeter

Hügelig

Tourtyp

Selbstgeführt

für

Mountainbikes, E-bikes, Reiseräder

The EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail is more than a long-distance cycle route: stretching over 10,000 kilometres, it connects the Arctic with the Black Sea and tells a story of history, nature and freedom on two wheels. Its development is a major undertaking, supported by many dedicated pioneers. With the newly bookable “Good Impact Cycling” offers, you Inserting Tour Packages on EuroVelo.com can now experience selected sections of this unique cycle route individually, safely and comfortably. Enjoy maximum freedom while cycling – combined with reliable service, sustainable travel and the good feeling of travelling consciously. This practical weekly package opens up a very special section of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail. It allows you to immerse yourself in the river wilderness of the Amazon of Europe, protected by the world’s first five-country UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While during the Cold War the great rivers Drava and Danube marked the course of the “Iron Curtain”, today they offer a unique nature experience. Let yourself be enchanted by this cycling week – starting on the banks of the Drava in the Croatian town of Koprivnica and ending in Mohács in southern Hungary on the Danube – with all the impressions along these great rivers.

And the best part: you travel with the good feeling of doing something positive! With “Good Impact Cycling” tours, you not only travel sustainably, but also give something back to the regions along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail as a thank-you for your experiences, providing valuable impulses for their sustainable development.

The Route

For this EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail cycling week, you start in the western Hungarian city of Szombathely and cycle five mostly moderate stages – initially along the Hungarian Austrian border in a southwesterly direction towards Slovenia. In the picturesque town of Lendava, the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail changes direction, turning southeast to follow the great rivers Mura and Drava. Along the untouched river landscapes on the Hungarian Slovenian and later Hungarian-Croatian border, the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail – which here coincides with the new long-distance route Amazon of Europe Bike Trail – leads you to the destination of your cycling week, the tranquil town of Koprivnica on the banks of the Drava. Although continuous efforts are being made to improve the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail and its infrastructure, you should expect a mix of beautiful cycle paths, occasional gravel sections, and some public roads. Nevertheless, you will be rewarded with breathtakingly diverse landscapes and the warm hospitality typical of slow-travel destinations. Suggestion: If you get a taste for it after your cycling week on the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, we recommend continuing your next cycling holiday on the same trail. The Good Impact Cycling offer "Entlang des Amazon of Europe" opens up the enchanting section along the great rivers Drava and Danube, from Koprivnica, Croatia, to Mohács in southern Hungary.

The Highlights

This cycling week along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail captivates with its incredible landscape diversity. Starting from the historic city of Szombathely in western Hungary, the first days are dominated by the wide plains and gentle hills at the western edge of the Pannonian Basin. The cycling experience is enriched by the many cultural sights scattered across the landscape, such as the magnificent Batthyány Palace in Körmend. Just before the border with Slovenia, Őrség National Park – an EDEN Award-winning landscape harmonising diverse nature and authentic rural traditions – forms a particularly special natural gem. In Lendava, Slovenia, dominated by an impressive castle complex, the character of your cycling journey changes: from here, you follow the great rivers Mura and Drava and enter the realm of the “Amazon of Europe”. This is the world’s first five-country UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting this untouched river wilderness. Here, the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail also coincides with the new long-distance route Amazon of Europe Bike Trail, creating an impressive nature experience as you cycle along the “Amazon of Europe”, before reaching the destination, the peaceful Koprivnica on the Drava in Croatia. Of course, this cycling experience is also enriched by the history of Europe’s division. Whether preserved sections of the Iron Curtain, museums, or beautiful symbols of overcoming division, such as the Friendship Park near Žitkovci.

Good Impact Cycling

With “Good Impact Cycling,” our goal is to make your fascinating cycling journey along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail climate-friendly and sustainable. To achieve this, we are committed to fully implementing the European Commission’s new “Directive on Green Claims” with the highest possible transparency: for “Good Impact Cycling,” both your personal CO₂ footprint and, for the first time, the Sustainability Score of your cycling trip are calculated. In this way, your cycling journey gains an additional value alongside all the unforgettable experiences! Our vision is that regenerative cycling tours on the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail do not just avoid harmful impacts on the environment, culture, and society, but actively generate positive effects. This ensures that the regions along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail benefit from regenerative tourism and experience a positive, sustainable impact. To this purpose, the scores from your cycling journey will be converted into a ‘Good Impact Cycling Contribution’. This is included in the travel price and will benefit the specially established ‘Good Impact Programme’. From 2027 onwards, the ‘Good Impact Cycling Contribution’ will be used to support carefully selected ecological or social projects along the EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail. Until then, the project management, the Hungarian non-profit organisation (NPO) Westpannon for the Pilot Region Hungary – Slovenia – Croatia and the Czech non-profit organisation (NPO) Partnerství, o.p.s for the Pilot Region Austria – Czech Republic – Slovakia, will manage your contribution in trust.

To calculate this offer, we used the leading carbon footprint calculator CARMACALand the six commonly used global indicators of the Impact Measurement System (IMS). You can find out more about this here. (Link to article on the EuroVelo landing page)

EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail - Official Info- & Booking Centre

If you are now ready to embark on the great adventure along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, this offer is simply the perfect choice. It combines your personal freedom with service, safety and balanced sustainability. In addition, the experienced team at the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail – Official Info & Booking Centre supports you with travel planning and assistance during your journey, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises along the way. With the “Good Impact Cycling” offers, they invite you to become a pioneer and co-creator of regenerative cycling tourism in Europe.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Individual arrival in Szombathely (HU)

Suggestion: An evening stroll through the historic old town of Szombathely sets the tone for your journey.

Day 2 | Cycling tour from Szombathely (HU) to Szentgotthárd (HU)

Distance: 68 km; Ascent: 411 m

From Szombathely, you reach Ják via Nárai. The renowned 13th-century Romanesque Catholic church is a must-see and one of the county’s most important tourist and cultural attractions. Continuing south, you arrive in Körmend, the town of the Batthyány family, with its landmark, the princely Batthyány Castle. A visit to the Dr László Batthyány-Strattmann Museum, as well as the castle and its park, is highly recommended. From Körmend, you can admire the River Rába; in Kemestaródfá, the Miród Spring, a famous Marian pilgrimage site, awaits visitors, and in Csákánydoroszló there is another Batthyány family castle. Finally, you reach Szentgotthárd, where the Church of the Assumption of Mary (a former Cistercian abbey), the Baroque garden and the St Gotthard Spa & Wellness Baths are well worth visiting.

Day 3 | Cycling tour from Szentgotthárd (HU) to Őriszentpéter (HU)

Distance: 45 km; Ascent: 304 m

Today’s tour takes you into the heart of Őrség National Park, one of Hungary’s most charming and unspoilt regions. You cycle through gentle hills, quiet villages, past wooden bell towers and traditional farmhouses reflecting centuries-old rural life. Along the way, enjoy gentle forest tracks, lush meadows and picturesque landscapes shaped by volcanic hills. Arrival in Őriszentpéter, the “capital” of the Őrség, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the region. Take time to stop in Apátistvánfalva, where the Border Guard Museum offers fascinating insights into the history of Europe’s division.

Day 4 | Cycling tour from Szentgotthárd (HU) to Őriszentpéter (HU)

Distance: 45 km; Ascent: 304 m

Day 5 | Cycling tour from Lendava (SI) to Letenye (HU)

Distance: 47 km; Ascent: 268 m

A beautiful and varied cycling day begins with a gentle climb to the Lendava Vinarium observation tower, where you are rewarded with a 360° panorama of Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia and Austria. From here, you follow the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail through quiet villages and green landscapes towards Lenti. A short detour takes you to Lovászi, where the Iron Curtain Museum and the original border bunker system bring the Cold War history of the region vividly to life. The route then continues along the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail to Kerkaszentkirály, where it reconnects with the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, leading through the floodplains of the River Mura. A short detour takes you directly to the river before the day ends in Letenye.

Day 6 | Cycling tour from Letenye (HU) to Koprivnica (HR)

Distance: 49 km; Ascent: 14 m

Today’s stage leads deeper into Croatia along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, which traces the historic border between the Rivers Mura and Drava. Before reaching Legrad, a short detour takes you to the spectacular confluence of the Mura and Drava, one of the region’s most impressive natural landmarks. Continuing south, you cycle through tranquil agricultural landscapes and small villages, with the option of a relaxing detour to Lake Šoderica, a popular swimming and leisure spot for locals. The day ends in the lively town of Koprivnica.

Day 7 | Koprivnica (HR) – individual departure Return transfer as part of the convenient mobility service and individual departure.

Services, Dates & Prices

Included services

• 6 overnight stays in selected partner accommodations incl. local taxes

o Accommodation category: Basic/Classic/Comfort

o Meals: breakfast

• 5 consecutive stages along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail

• Trail hotline – available 7/12 days a week during your trail journey

• Extended digital travel documents

• Expert advice for travelling by train to the IC/EC railway stations along the route

• Contribution to a more sustainable world: with your tour price you support the “Good Impact Cycling” programme

Optional services

• Luggage transfer from stage to stage

• Return transfer Koprivnica (HR) – Szombathely (HU) as part of the convenient mobility service

Not included

• Printed travel documents and maps (available as an optional extra)

• Personal expenses

Bookable daily from 1st May – 10th October 2026

EuroVelo 13– Iron Curtain Trail– Official Info-& Booking Centre: Helian NaTour Kft. (7634 Pécs, Hungary)

Season 1 – € 850.- + € 38.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 01.05. – 15.06.2026

Season 2 – € 950.- + € 38.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 16.06. – 31.09.2026

Season 3 – € 850.- + € 38.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 01.09. – 10.10.2026