EuroVelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail

Russia

EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail visits Russia twice. The first part is around the Gulf of Finland, which includes one of the world's great cities: St Petersburg. This is the second largest city in Russia and its awe-inspiring city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further to the south, EuroVelo 13 crosses the exclave of Kaliningrad situated on the Baltic coast between Lithuania and Poland. This section includes the beautiful Curonian Spit and the city of Kaliningrad itself, which was known as Königsberg until the end of World War II.

Due to border crossing and travel restrictions in place, we discourage cyclists from entering Russia at the moment. Thanks to close cooperation with our partners, we are able to suggest a reliable alternative, avoiding high traffic, from Neringa in Lithuania to Braniewo in Poland (527 km). You can download the GPX tracks here or directly visualise them here for Lithuania and here for Poland. Please note that this route is not part of the official EuroVelo 13 itinerary but ensures continuity for now.

EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2019.
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

Russian Cycle Touring Club

Information and help for international cyclists in respect of cycle touring in Russia

Visit Site

Velopiter

The R1 route is a trans-European cycling path, passing through France, Germany, Poland, the Baltic States.

Visit Site

Related news

Maps & Guides

EuroVelo 10, EuroVelo 13: Iron Curtain Trail 1 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This cycling guide describes EuroVelo routes in Finland from Helsinki, across Russia and Estonia (1,778 km). 10 km to Riga are also described in Latvia. Also available in German. The perfect tool to guide you during your journey preparation and on the road: precise and very informative maps at a scale of 1:120,000 and 1:400,000, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory, LiveUpdate, handlebar bag format, and spiral-bound.