EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail: From Western Hungary to the “Amazon of Europe,” along the great rivers Mura, Drava & Danube
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 can now experience selected sections of this unique cycle route individually, safely and Inserting Tour Packages on EuroVelo.com comfortably. Enjoy maximum freedom while cycling – combined with reliable service, sustainable travel and the good feeling of travelling consciously. This offer takes you along the entire, equally varied yet still largely undiscovered section of the former Iron Curtain between Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia. The cycling journey starts in western Hungary, in the picturesque town of Szombathely, and leads through wide plains and gentle hills to the great rivers Mura, Drava and Danube. Following their near natural river landscapes – now rightly known as the “Amazon of Europe” – the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail continues to the historic Danube town of Mohács. And the best part: you travel with the good feeling of doing something positive! With “Good Impact Cycling” tours, you are not only travelling sustainably, but also giving something back to the regions along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail as a thank-you for your experiences, thus providing valuable impulses for their sustainable development.
The Route
This EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail cycling journey starts in the western Hungarian town of Szombathely and continues over ten mostly moderate stages – first along the Hungarian Austrian border in a south-westerly direction towards Slovenia. There, the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail turns south-east to follow the great rivers Mura, Drava and finally the Danube. Along the Hungarian–Slovenian and Hungarian–Croatian borders, the route merges for long stretches with the new long-distance “Amazon of Europe Bike Trail”, before reaching its fitting destination in the historic town of Mohács, picturesquely situated on the banks of the mighty Danube. 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 of typical slow-travel destinations. Suggestion: If this cycling adventure along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail has whetted your appetite, we also recommend the second section of the route, for which “Good Impact Cycling” offers are already available. This section leads along the borders of Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, opening up the mystical granite landscapes of the Bohemian Massif and the historic, picturesque wine-growing regions of South Moravia, before reaching its destination in the vibrant Slovak capital Bratislava.
The Highlights
The captivating vastness of the Pannonian Plain, the unspoilt river landscapes along the great rivers Mura, Drava and Danube, the charm of historic towns and numerous cultural landmarks give this section of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail a very special magic. The journey begins in the historic town of Szombathely, leading through wide plains and gentle hills of western Hungary. Along the way, magnificent castles such as the Batthyány Palace in Körmend are particularly impressive. Another landscape gem is the Őrség National Park, a characteristic region where species-rich nature and traditional rural life exist in harmony. Upon reaching Lendava in Slovenia, you enter the realm of the Amazon of Europe – the world’s first five-country UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting the pristine river wilderness along the Mura, Drava and Danube for future generations. Here, the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail largely coincides with the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail, following it almost all the way to the worthy destination of this impressive cycling journey: the southern Hungarian town of Mohács, picturesquely located on the Danube. The wine-growing region and cellar lanes around Villány, the final stage before Mohács, are another undeniable highlight of the trip. Naturally, this cycling journey is also enriched with impressions from the history of Europe’s division – whether preserved sections of the Iron Curtain, museums, or powerful symbols of reconciliation such as the Friendship Park near Žitkovice.
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 trip gains an added value alongside all the unforgettable experiences! Our vision with regenerative cycling tours on the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail is not only to avoid harmful impacts on the environment, culture, and society, but to actively create positive effects. This ensures that the regions along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail benefit from regenerative tourism in a truly sustainable way. 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.
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 mood for the journey ahead.
Day 2 | Cycling tour from Szombathely (HU) to Szentgotthárd (HU)
Distance: 68 km; Ascent: 411 m
From Szombathely you reach Ják via Nárai. The rightly famous Romanesque Catholic church from the 13th century is a must-see and one of the most important tourist and cultural sights in the county. Continuing south, you reach 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 seeing.
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 and quiet villages, past wooden bell towers and traditional farmhouses that reflect centuries-old rural life. Along the way, you enjoy 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 region’s peaceful rhythm. Take time to stop in Apátistvánfalva along the way: the Border Guard Museum offers fascinating insights into the history of Europe’s division.
Day 4 | Cycling tour from Őriszentpéter (HU) to Lendava (SI)
Distance: 52 km; Ascent: 307 m
Today you continue westwards along the legendary EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, which follows the former border between East and West. The route leads through quiet border forests, wetlands and small Slovenian villages, offering a fascinating blend of nature and history. After crossing into Slovenia, the landscape gradually opens towards the wine growing region of Lendava. The day ends in the charming town of Lendava, known for its vineyards, cultural diversity and observation tower. Cyclists on the Iron Curtain Trail should also stop at the Friendship Park on the Hungarian Slovenian border between Bödeháza and Žitkovci, where a restful break is perfectly combined with the symbolism of overcoming Europe’s division.
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 | Cycling tour from Koprivnica (HR) to Đurđevac (HR)
Distance: 46 km; Ascent: 22 m
After leaving Koprivnica behind, you cycle along beautiful rural sections of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail towards Hlebine, the cradle of Croatian naïve art. Passing charming villages and open fields, the route continues to Molve, where you can enjoy lunch at your own expense at the well-known Čingi Lingi Čarda. Here you can also visit the impressive church of Molve, a local landmark symbolising resilience and community identity. In the afternoon, you continue cycling to Đurđevac, known for its castle, historic old town and the legend of the “Picok”.
Day 8 | Cycling tour from Đurđevac (HR) to Drávatamási (HU)
Distance: 62 km; Ascent: 40 m
The day begins with a visit to the Đurđevac Sands Visitor Centre – the “Croatian Sahara”, a unique desert-like habitat right on the edge of the town. From here, the route follows the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail to Brodić, where a boat trip to Križnica Island awaits you. During the cruise, a local guide explains the wildlife, wetlands and ecological importance of this rare river island ecosystem. Lunch on board adds to the authentic experience (not included in the tour price). After disembarking, you continue cycling through peaceful river landscapes and small settlements until you reach Drávatamási in Hungary.
Day 9 | Cycling tour from Drávatamási (HU) to Szaporca (HU)
Distance: 64 km; Ascent: 17 m
Today’s stage leads through the tranquil landscape of the Drava region, one of Hungary’s most species-rich river areas. You cycle through quiet floodplain forests, along winding oxbow lakes and past small villages where traditional rural life still sets the rhythm of the day. The route offers numerous opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy unspoilt nature. The day ends in Szaporca, near the impressive “Old Drava” Visitor Centre, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Danube–Drava National Park.
Day 10 | Cycling tour from Szaporca (HU) to Villány (HU)
Distance: 38 km; Ascent: 97 m
This shorter cycling day takes you to the southern slopes of the Villány Hills, Hungary’s leading wine region. On the way, you stop at Siklós Castle, the best-preserved castle in the country. Vineyards shape the landscape as you approach Villány, where you can explore charming wine cellar streets and taste the region’s famous red wines.
Day 11 | Cycling tour from Villány (HU) to Mohács (HU)
Distance: 43 km; Ascent: 77 m
The final day of your cycling tour takes you eastwards through gently rolling terrain, past small villages and fertile agricultural landscapes. Situated on the Danube, the historic town of Mohács welcomes you with its cultural treasures, riverside atmosphere and reminders of its significant past.
Day 12 | Mohács (HU) – Individual departure Return transfer as part of the convenient mobility service and individual departure
Services, Dates & Prices
Included services
• 11 overnight stays in selected partner accommodations incl. local taxes
o Accommodation category: Basic/Classic/Comfort
o Meals: breakfast
• 10 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 from Mohács (HU) – 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: Cycling Holidays Helian NaTour Kft. (7634 Pécs, Hungary)
Season 1 – € 1,350.- + € 46.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 01.05. – 15.06.2026
Season 2 – € 1,550.- + € 46.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 16.06. – 31.09.2026
Saison 3 – € 1,350.- + € 46.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 01.09. – 10.10.2026