In July 2026, my travel companion, Giancarlo Diplotti, and I embarked on an exhilarating cycling journey along the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail. This meticulously planned route traces the courses of the Mura, Drava, and Danube rivers, traversing some of Central Europe’s most pristine riverine environments.
The name “Amazon of Europe” may seem ambitious at first. However, after days of cycling alongside rivers, dense forests, wetlands, and quaint villages, we understood why this region bears such a moniker. Here, water isn’t merely a landscape feature; it’s the thread weaving through the journey, continuously shaping the nature, history, and lives of its inhabitants.
The Amazon of Europe Bike Trail spans over 1,250 kilometers, evenly divided between the northern and southern routes. It crosses Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia, following the expansive transboundary biosphere reserve of Mura Drava Danube.
From an elevation standpoint, the path doesn’t present significant climbs. Yet, labeling a journey of this length as easy would be misleading. Challenges include summer heat, wind, unpaved roads, and, notably, the vast distances between countries.
It’s also worth noting that signage and services aren’t consistent throughout the trail. Despite its well-thought-out design, the route meanders through sparsely populated areas, often lacking essential services. We began without any intention to camp, a decision we later regretted.
Accessing the trail is straightforward; the route can be downloaded from the internet and loaded onto a GPS device, or one can use the dedicated app. While the app provides a clear track, its other content is less comprehensive and, in some cases, incomplete or unreliable.
In many locales, finding food and accommodations wasn’t easy. At times, we had to retrace our steps for long stretches because we had relied on the app’s directions, which were incorrect or at least incomplete.
Some sections feature perfect cycling paths; in others, one must carefully rely on the GPS track. For extended stretches, the route runs along embankments and levees built along the rivers. Those of the Mura, in particular, are often located far from the riverbed: the Mura exhibits a rather irregular behavior, with frequent course variations and extensive floodplains. Therefore, even while cycling along the river, we often saw it only in the distance, peeking through the vegetation.
We recommend downloading offline maps in advance, carrying the necessary equipment for minor repairs, and, above all, not underestimating water supplies, especially in July.
Despite these initial challenges—which are important to consider to avoid surprises—the itinerary is truly captivating and enjoyable. The name “Amazon of Europe” aptly fits in several sections: in some, one cycles completely immersed in dense forests, where the vegetation shields from the summer heat, making the ride more bearable. In other areas, especially in Hungary and Croatia, vast cultivated expanses open up. In particular, sunflowers, which for tens, if not hundreds, of kilometers, were our most constant and recognizable travel companions.
A highlight of the route is the confluence of the Drava and Danube rivers, just a few kilometers from the town of Aljmaš. The waters of the two rivers are distinguishable by their different colors and, due to varying speeds and sediment loads, flow side by side without fully mixing for several hundred meters.
The Amazon of Europe Bike Trail isn’t yet a perfect, polished cycling path. And perhaps this is one of its most intriguing aspects. It’s a young itinerary, at times still rough, alternating well-organized tourist facilities with remote and less frequented areas. It requires a minimum of adventurous spirit but offers the rare sensation of traversing a little-known Europe.
For more information, visit the official Amazon of Europe Bike Trail website.
Embarking on this journey offers a unique opportunity to experience Europe’s natural beauty and cultural diversity firsthand. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone seeking a new adventure, the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail promises an unforgettable experience.