The small fishing village of Grense Jakobselv on the Barrents Sea marks the start of the Iron Curtain Trail. The nearest big settlement is Kirkenes, a town with a population of 3,500 the majority of which are of Norwegian decent but also include Sami, Finnish and Russian minorities. The Norway-Russia border was one of only two land borders between the Soviet Union and NATO territories during the Cold War and, as a result, it was heavily guarded by both sides.
Download here the full GPS tracks of EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail in Norway and start planning your next cycling holidays!
EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2019.
Countries
Legend
Development status
Certified
These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality
cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect
minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage,
and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology.
EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
Developed + Signed
These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable
surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most
cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended
to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
Developed + Not Signed
These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and
rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for
most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is
warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
Partially Developed + Signed
Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic
or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with
signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or
navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National
EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
Partially Developed + Not Signed
Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic
or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs
are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or
navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National
EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
Undeveloped / Unknown
These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or
their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing
to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more
information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
Public transport link
These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network
that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.
Markers
Natural Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cultural Heritage
Culinary Delights
Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
Other Point of Interest
Service
Bus station
Train station
Mobility info center
National & Regional Information
Norwegian Public Roads Administration
National EuroVelo Coordination Centre
The Norwegian National Cycle Network are 10 national cycle routes connecting most of the country. Many of the routes are already signposted and some of them are part of EuroVelo, the European cycle route network.
Website in English - Find information on cycling routes in Norway and many tips to plan your trip: public transport, accommodation, weather, gear, tunnels...