Meeting held on Jahorina to establish an international EuroVelo route through BiH
On the initiative of the City of Mostar, the Municipality of Pale, and the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an initial meeting was held today at Hotel Termag on Jahorina, hosted by the Municipality of Pale, to discuss the establishment of an international cycling route from Dubrovnik to Belgrade. The planned route would follow the former Ćiro railway line, crossing the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina – from the south in the Municipality of Ravno up to the north where it would connect with Serbia in Višegrad and continue all the way to Belgrade.
The meeting brought together a large number of dignitaries – mayors and municipal leaders, directors of tourist boards, representatives of cycling clubs, and esteemed guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. Participants enthusiastically supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism development, the promotion of cycle tourism, and the creation of new development opportunities for local communities.
The Dubrovnik–Belgrade route is planned to be submitted for inclusion in the prestigious European EuroVelo cycling network. The project envisions detailed mapping of the route and the establishment of modern supporting infrastructure, including signage, rest areas, and service points to ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey for cyclists. A key aspect of the project is local community involvement – each municipality and city will take responsibility for the maintenance, promotion, and further development of the section of the route within its territory.
A special significance of the planned EuroVelo route is that it will largely follow the popular Ćiro railway line, which is already a vital corridor for cycle tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina and attracts thousands of tourists from around the world. The Ćiro route is not just a cycling path – it tells a story, connecting the Adriatic coast with the interior and offering cyclists a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This potential and popularity will be leveraged to make the EuroVelo route even more attractive and distinctive, providing cyclists with an immersive experience of discovering Bosnia and Herzegovina in all its diversity. Along the entire route, travelers will encounter a wealth of cultural, historical, and tourist attractions, while modern cycle tourists will have all the necessary information available via digital platforms and websites, further facilitating planning and navigation along this unique route.
It was agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding would be prepared in the coming period, committing participants to actively engage in the project’s implementation and ensure all necessary technical requirements. Additionally, a working group will be established to coordinate the process and lead the implementation of this attractive tourism product.
The meeting was also attended online by international guests, including Peter Janak from London, a representative of the HerzegovinaBike Association and a delegate in the European Cycling Federation (ECF), the organization responsible for developing the EuroVelo network. His role, as highlighted, will be crucial in promoting this initiative within the European federation.
The conclusions reached at Jahorina open the door for Bosnia and Herzegovina to have its own EuroVelo route for the first time, further strengthening the country’s position on the map of European cycle tourism and creating numerous new opportunities for local communities, the economy, and the tourism sector.
