The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has announced a new candidate EuroVelo route stretching from Belgrade to Shkodër, marking the latest proposed addition to the EuroVelo network. If approved, the 1,061-kilometre route will become EuroVelo 21, connecting Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania, while linking the capitals Belgrade, Sarajevo and Podgorica by bicycle.
The route will create an important cycling corridor between the Danube and the Adriatic, following diverse landscapes and, in several sections, tracing the path of former narrow-gauge railways. Subject to fulfilling the requirements for new EuroVelo routes, it is expected to become an official part of the EuroVelo network by 2031.
Cyclists travelling along the future EuroVelo 21 will experience an exceptional mix of natural and cultural heritage. Highlights include the Nature Parks Mokra Gora, Hutovo Blato and Lake Shkodër, as well as numerous UNESCO-listed sites such as Studenica Monastery, the Old Bridge in Mostar, the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, the medieval stećak necropolises, and Vjetrenica Cave.
The initiative is the result of close cross-border cooperation between national and regional stakeholders, including ministries, tourism organisations, NGOs, National EuroVelo Coordination Centres and ECF members. The project represents an important step forward for sustainable mobility and cycling tourism development in South-Eastern Europe.
Key Facts
- Route name: Future EuroVelo 21
- Length: 1,061 km
- Countries: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania
- Capitals connected: Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica
- Expected integration into the EuroVelo network: By 2031
- Connections with other EuroVelo routes: EuroVelo 6 (Atlantic–Black Sea), EuroVelo 8 (Mediterranean Route), EuroVelo 11 (East Europe Route) and the future EuroVelo 18 (Sava Cycle Route)
Project Partners
The development of the future EuroVelo 21 is coordinated by:
- Herzegovina Bike (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Centre for Environment (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Ministry of Tourism (Montenegro)
- City of Shkodër (Albania)
- Danube Competence Centre (Serbia)
As the National EuroVelo Coordination Centre for Serbia, the Danube Competence Centre is proud to contribute to this important initiative, which will strengthen regional connectivity and further position South-Eastern Europe as an attractive destination for cycling tourism.
