Cycling Through the Cultural Heritage of Western Herzegovina – All the Way to Blidinje
A new cycling story is emerging in the heart of Herzegovina – Stećak Route project , a series of cycling events that will unveil the heritage of the medieval tombstones known as stećci. This project uniquely blends recreation, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. Through five cycling events taking place in Široki Brijeg, Grude, Posušje, Ljubuški, and finally at Blidinje as part of the Blidinje Gastro Festival, participants will have the opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of this region.
The project is implemented within the framework SUSTOUR – “Sustainable tourism for local development”, funded through the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021 – 2027, Its goal is to promote sustainable development by highlighting the value of cultural and natural heritage.
Cycling Event Schedule:
- Posušje – 17.06.2025. (Cycling Club Posušje)
- Grude – 27.06.2025. (Cycling Club Grude)
- Široki Brijeg – 04.07.2025. (Cycling Club Široki)
- Ljubuški – 07.09.2025. (Cycling Club Ljubuški)
- Blidinje (final event) – 14.09.2025. (Association HerzegovinaBike)
Purpose and Mission
Organized as part of the international project SUSTOUR – Sustainable Tourism for Local Development, funded through the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021 – 2027, the project aims to promote sustainable economic development by preserving cultural heritage and fostering active tourism.
The Stećak Route is not just a recreational cycling event – it’s a journey through time and space, guiding participants to some of the most important stećak sites, medieval tombstones that stand as proud symbols of Herzegovina's history and culture. Each ride highlights the natural and cultural treasures of Western Herzegovina, culminating in a grand finale at Nature park Blidinje, where cycling meets local gastronomy and community spirit.
Today, institutional support for the project has been officially confirmed – the Association HerzegovinaBike has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the West Herzegovina Canton, with the joint mission of promoting culture and heritage through cycling – a healthy and alternative form of transportation, tourism, and sport.
Across Europe, cycling tourism continues to grow impressively. According to research by CBI Netherlands, more adults are choosing to travel in smaller groupswith expert route planning – precisely what this initiative offers. Through the DETOUR project, the European Union supports the development of SMEs in the cycle tourism sector. In 2023, the European Parliament adopted the Cycling Strategy, aiming to double the number of kilometers cycled by 2030.
World Bicycle Day, celebrated on 3 June, serves as a platform for promoting initiatives like this one that position cycling as a sustainable, healthy, and culturally significant form of tourism.
About the Cycling Events
These events are recreational in natureand open to all cycling enthusiasts – from beginners to experienced riders. Each tour follows routes rich in historical and natural landmarks, including stećak necropolises, and concludes at the stunning Blidinje Nature Park, where participants will join the Blidinje Gastro Fest – a celebration of local food, heritage, and outdoor fun.
Much like cycling tours through the Alpine landscapes of Sloveniathat connect nature, history, and cultural legacy, this cycling series offers a unique way to experience the authenticity of Herzegovina on two wheels.
More info are available on the HerzegovinaBike website (link), and we invite all interested individuals to follow the announcements and join this unique event that celebrates heritage, community, and cycling.
See you on the bike – through the nature, history, and culture of Herzegovina!
