EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail: From Granite Landscapes to Vineyards

The development of the long-distance cycling route EuroVelo 13 – the Iron Curtain Trail, which stretches for more than 10,000 km from the Arctic to the Black Sea, is a monumental undertaking. It is a remarkable project involving many dedicated contributors and now, for the first time, offers you the freedom of individual cycling holidays combined with service, safety and sustainability on selected sections of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail through the bookable “Good Impact Cycling” packages.

This package takes you on a breathtaking cycling journey along the former Iron Curtain between Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia – right through the heart of Europe. You will experience a fascinating contrast between the mystical granite landscapes of the Bohemian Massif and the picturesque hills and plains of one of Europe’s most traditional wine-growing regions.

And best of all, you travel with the good feeling of doing something good! 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 what you have experienced, thereby providing important impetus for their sustainable development.

The Route

You begin this central section of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail in Lipno, Czech Republic, and cycle in ten predominantly moderate stages – first along the Czech -Austrian border and then along the Austrian–Slovak border – until you reach Bratislava, the vibrant capital of Slovakia. 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 on the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail has left you wanting more, we recommend the next section of EuroVelo 13! It takes you further along the borders of Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia – all the way to the magnificent river landscapes of the “Amazon of Europe.”

The Highlights

The landscapes along this route – the Mühlviertel, Waldviertel and Weinviertel in Austria, South Bohemia and South Moravia in the Czech Republic, and western Slovakia – share a centuries-old common history within the Habsburg monarchy. This shared past has left countless magnificent cultural monuments, such as the castle town of Hardegg, the fairy tale palaces of Valtice, and the historic centre of Bratislava.

The first days of your cycling tour are dominated by the mysterious granite landscapes of the Bohemian Massif. Later, in the Weinviertel and South Moravia, you will immerse yourself in one of Central Europe’s most traditional wine regions – enjoying all its delights.

Moreover, the former division of Europe has allowed nature to flourish, transforming the old Iron Curtain into a rich “Green Belt” teeming with biodiversity. Finally, the impressive monuments of the Iron Curtain invite you to pause and reflect on the significance of freedom and democracy – even while on holiday.

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 CARMACAL and the six commonly used global indicators of the Impact Measurement System (IMS). You can find out more about this here. (Link to article on the EuroVelo landing page)

EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail – Official Info- & Booking Centre

If you’re ready to embark on the great adventure along EuroVelo 13 – the Iron Curtain Trail, this offer is simply the perfect choice. It combines your personal freedom with service, safety, and balanced sustainability. Moreover, the expert team at the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail - Official Booking Centre will support you in planning your trip and throughout your journey, helping you to avoid unpleasant surprises along the way. They also invite you to become a pioneer and contributor to regenerative cycling tourism in Europe through the 'Good Impact Cycling' offers.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Individual Arrival in Lipno nad Vltavou (CZ)

Arrive individually in Lipno, a popular holiday destination located on the largest reservoir in the Czech Republic. The relaxed lakeside atmosphere, forested hills, and comfortable accommodations provide the perfect introduction to your cycling adventure. Day 2 | Cycling from Lipno nad Vltavou (CZ) to Windhaag (AT)

Distance: 46 km | Ascent: 648 m

Start your first stage leisurely along the Lipno Reservoir. Passing through Vyšší Brod with its famous monastery, the route takes you into the forested border region. Quiet secondary roads lead you into the Mühlviertel and finally to Windhaag, where the history of the border is tangibly present. Highlights: Vltava Valley landscape, historic town of Vyšší Brod with Cistercian Monastery, Hohenfurth Nature Park

Day 3 | Cycling from Windhaag (AT) to Nové Hrady (CZ)

Distance: 55 km | Ascent: 856 m

A challenging yet stunning stage: cycle through the hilly forests and granite landscapes of the Upper Mühlviertel, passing Sandl and Karlstift. After crossing the border, the South Bohemian scenery unfolds – your destination is the historic town of Nové Hrady, with its castle, fortress, and Servite monastery. Highlights: Green Belt Centre Windhaag, Gratzener Bergland Nature Park

Day 4 | Cycling from Nové Hrady (CZ) to Litschau (AT)

Distance: 56 km | Ascent: 416 m

Experience a captivating mix of pond landscapes, forests, and tranquil villages. Crossing South Bohemia, you enter the northern Waldviertel. Your destination is the idyllic spa town of Litschau, situated on the Herrensee. Highlights: Open-air museum of the Iron Curtain near Nové Hrady, historic town of Weitra with regional brewery, medieval town centre of Gmünd, Litschau Castle

Day 5 | Cycling from Litschau (AT) to Slavonice (CZ)

Distance: 32 km | Ascent: 276 m

Ride through the granite-rich landscapes of the Waldviertel to Slavonice – an architectural gem with perfectly preserved Renaissance houses. Numerous artisan shops, cafés, and historic squares invite you to pause and explore. Highlights: Replica customs house near Veclov border crossing, fortified complex with bunkers in Slavonice, Renaissance town of Slavonice

Day 6 | Cycling from Slavonice (CZ) to Drosendorf (AT)

Distance: 40 km | Ascent: 303 m

The “king stage” follows quiet border paths, passing artists’ villages and Cold War relics. The landscape grows increasingly hilly and untouched. Your destination, Drosendorf, is entirely enclosed by medieval city walls and overlooks the Thaya – a fitting finale. Highlights: Jewish cemetery in Písečné, historic town centre of Drosendorf

Day 7 | Cycling from Drosendorf (AT) to Znojmo (CZ)

Distance: 59 km | Ascent: 616 m

This stage leads through the quiet Waldviertel forests to the Czech border. Ride along the Podyjí/Thayatal National Park, one of Central Europe’s last untouched river landscapes. Entering Znojmo, one of South Moravia’s most beautiful towns, is a highlight: its medieval walls, wine cellar labyrinths, and views over the Thaya are unforgettable. Highlights: Uherčice Castle, Vranov nad Dyjí Castle, Thayatal & Podyjí National Park, Hardegg Castle, Iron Curtain Monument in Čížov, National Park House Čížov, historic town centre of Znojmo

Day 8 | Cycling from Znojmo (CZ) to Laa an der Thaya (AT)

Distance: 66 km | Ascent: 278 m

From Znojmo, cycle through sunny vineyards and open fields towards the Austrian border. Small villages, wine cellars, and expansive horizons define this enjoyable stage. In Laa an der Thaya, explore the historic town centre or relax at the renowned spa. Highlights: Vineyards of South Moravia and the Weinviertel, Retz windmill, Pulkautal, Hadres – Europe’s longest wine cellar street, Laa spa

Day 9 | Cycling from Laa an der Thaya (AT) to Valtice (CZ)

Distance: 44 km | Ascent: 183 m

This stage takes you into the UNESCO World Heritage Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, one of Europe’s most magnificent castle and park complexes. Cycle through vineyards, tree-lined avenues, pond areas, and expansive park landscapes. Your destination is Valtice, the wine capital of South Moravia with its impressive Baroque castle. Highlights: Laa water castle, Wildendürnbach wine cellar street, Mikulov old town with castle, Freedom Trail and Iron Curtain Monument in Mikulov, Pavlovské vrchy/Pavlov Hills Nature Reserve, UNESCO Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Lu & Tiree Chmelar herb garden in Valtice

Day 10 | Cycling from Valtice (CZ) to Malacky (SK)

Distance: 64 km | Ascent: 201 m

After departing from Valtice, the route follows the Morava River, whose floodplain is among Central Europe’s most ecologically valuable areas. Quiet cycling paths lead across the Slovak border to the Záhorie region. Your destination, Malacky, invites you to enjoy an evening stroll around Pálffy Castle and its large park. Highlights: Valtice Castle, floodplain at the confluence of Thaya and Morava (“Moravian Amazon”)

Day 11 | Cycling from Malacky (SK) to Bratislava (SK)

Distance: 67 km | Ascent: 39 m

The final stage is pleasantly flat, passing through forests and open plains before reaching the Danube and Bratislava. Entering the capital is a highlight: the castle, old town, and riverside promenade offer spectacular views – a perfect conclusion to your journey. Highlights: Cultural treasures of Bratislava’s historic old town, capital of Slovakia

Day 12 | Bratislava – Individual Departure After breakfast, your journey ends. Depart individually, carrying memories of nature, culture, wine regions, and border history – a week full of diverse experiences along the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail.

Services, Dates & Prices

Included services

• 11 overnight stays in selected partner accommodations

o Accommodation category: Classic/Comfort

o Meals: hearty breakfast buffet

• 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 Bratislava – Lipno to Vltavou as part of the convenient mobility service (e-bus)

Not included

• Printed travel documents and maps (available as an optional extra)

• Local tourist taxes at accommodations (to be paid at check-out)

• Personal expenses

Bookable daily from 1st May – 17th October 2026

EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail - Official Info- & Booking Centre: Cycling Holidays (Bernreither Straße 45, 8344 Bad Gleichenberg, AUSTRIA)

Season 1 – € 1,099.- + € 41.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 11.04. – 25.04.2026 I 10.10. – 17.10.2026

Season 2 - € 1,129.- + € 41.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 25.04. – 22.05.2026 I 26.09. – 09.10.2026

Season 3 - € 1,149.- + € 41.- Contribution Good Impact Cycling I 23.05. – 25.09.2026