The Austria and Hungary segment of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail, offers a unique blend of quiet rural landscapes, former border zones and symbolic crossings that once marked the division of Europe. This section of the route leads cyclists through peaceful countryside, historic borderlands and small towns that have evolved from sites of division into gateways of connection. The trail is a reflection of change, where fences have given way to cycle paths, and where Cold War history now coexists with natural beauty and cross-border cooperation. The combination of dedicated bike paths, low-traffic roads and developing infrastructure encourages contemplation and exploration. It is a journey shaped not only by geography but also by the memory of a divided continent.
What is the EuroVelo 13 Cycle route?
EuroVelo 13, also known as the Iron Curtain Trail, is a long-distance cycling route that runs along the former Iron Curtain, the border that divided Europe during the Cold War. The route runs from the Barents Sea in the north (in Norway) down to the Black Sea in the south (in Bulgaria and Turkey area). It is approximately 10,550 km long, passing through about 20 countries. It is intended as more than just a tourist or cycling trail but also an educational, cultural and environmental journey. The EuroVelo 13 route also fits with the concept of the European Green Belt, as a protection of natural habitats that once formed part of the border zones.
How long is this section of the route?
This section of the EuroVelo 13 cycle route covers approximately 230 km, starting in Bratislava, Slovakia, running along the Hungarian border and ending in Kőszeg. The route is mostly paved or asphalt, with a few very short passages on forest paths. Many stages pass through small villages ongood quality roads with low traffic. The route is well developed, signposted and very accessibile for standard tourist trips.
How long does it take to complete this section of the route?
This section of the EuroVelo 13 cycle route typically takes between 4 to 6 days, including stops for rest, food and sightseeing while cycling in very moderate but still relaxed pace. For someone more experienced cyclists wanting to complete longer daily stages with fewer stops, it is passible to complete it in 3 days. This section of the EuroVelo 13 cycle route can also be accessible and enjoyable for families with children if carefully planed. Remember to plan your daily distances carefully when riding with kids, allowing extra rests time, slower pace and detours to avoid heavy traffic or shared pedestrian paths.
Is Hungary bike friendly?
Hungary is becoming increasingly bike‑friendly, especially for tourists and recreational cyclists looking for scenic routes, cultural attractions, lake regions, border trails and more. Many regions are pleasant, well serviced, and have enough infrastructure to support multi‑day rides. This also applies to families who are not aiming for hardcore off‑piste paths, but want moderate daily distances on paved or well‑marked paths, with good accommodation, food and access to the train. There is a national “cycling‑friendly” service that certifies hotels, restaurants, attractions etc. Nearly 700 service providers are already certified, helping cyclists know where to stay, eat, refill or repair their bikes.
Attractions along the route
This section of the EuroVelo 13 cycling route offers cyclists many attractions, such as:
Fertő
A small Hungarian town near the Austrian border, best known for the magnificent Esterházy Palace, often called the “Hungarian Versailles,” built by Prince Miklós Esterházy in the mid‑18th century. The region around Lake Fertő also deserves special recommendation, offering a natural environments, educational trails, charming villages, folk architecture and cultural heritage.
Fertőrákos
A village located near the Lake Fertő and the Austrian border, home to a quarry full of ancient rock formations and Roman era elements and Cave Theatre.
Sopron
A Historic town with many attractions such as: famous Fire Tower, the Mining Museum, Pharmacy Museum, several churches and a lovely old town to explore.
Kőszeg
A picturesque border town with many small local attractions, such as: historic architecture, memorial and story-telling houses, sacred sites and lookout points.
Burgenland
One of the states of Austria, located exactly on the border with Hungary. Filled with many smaller villages, cultural stops, historic buildings (like Halbturn Castle) and places related to the history of the Iron Curtain.
