In May 2024, my friend Vincent and I embarked on an incredible motorcycle adventure through the Balkans. Our journey took us through Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, following the Trans-European Trail (TET) and exploring the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. In this blog post, I’ll share our unforgettable experiences and the highlights of our Balkan Odyssey.
Preparation and Arrival in Split
Our plan was simple: follow the TET, starting in Croatia, crossing Bosnia, heading to Montenegro, and finishing along the Croatian coast. However, before we could begin our motorcycle adventure, we had to drive to Split with our bikes on a trailer. In Split, we met Miro (aka Mika), who graciously kept our car while we had fun. After a well-deserved break, Miro showed us Split from above, and the view was breathtaking.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Before diving into off-road adventures, we visited the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is a gem, with waterfalls, lakes, and forests that will leave you speechless. To fully enjoy it, you need more than a few hours. We did the E trail, which is a must-do when visiting the park.
Željava Air Base
Next, we visited the Željava air base, a Cold War relic nestled in the mountains. Built during the Cold War, Željava was one of the largest underground military air bases in the world. It’s surrounded by mysteries and intrigues, with stories of secret missions and clandestine operations. If you’re a history buff, don’t hesitate to make a detour from the TET to visit this emblematic place.
Bosnian TET and Å atorsko Jezero
Once we crossed the border into Bosnia, we quickly returned to the trail that took us to Lake Å atorsko Jezero. The Bosnian TET offered a different atmosphere, especially in the forest. The paths were great, but we had to be careful due to illegal deforestation and wood trafficking in the region. Å atorsko Jezero, a glacial lake located at 1488 meters, was perfect for a break and picnic.
Mostar and Ramsko Jezero
After 280 km on the trails, we arrived at Ramsko Jezero for the night. The next day, we headed to Mostar, crossing Blidinje Park. Mostar is a city with a rich history, and the Stari Most bridge is a symbol of resilience. Built in the 16th century, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 but was rebuilt and reopened in 2004.
Sarajevo and Konjic
We then returned to Sarajevo to meet my sister, who passed through Konjic. Sarajevo is a true crossroads of culture, where the East meets the West. The city has a unique atmosphere, with cobblestone streets with cozy cafes and bustling markets. Despite its tragic past, Sarajevo is now full of life and hope.
Leaving Sarajevo and Heading to Montenegro
As we continued our journey, we left Sarajevo and headed towards Montenegro. Along the way, we passed through the region of Jahorina, famous for its spectacular mountain landscapes and ski slopes. The road then took us through the beautiful plains of Modropolje. Here, nature is almost untouched, offering breathtaking views of green valleys and surrounding mountains.
Lake Piva and the Balkan Mountains
To conclude our sixth day of travel, we stopped at the magnificent Lake Piva. This artificial lake, created by the Mratinje dam, is surrounded by mountains and offers impressive views. The waters are a clear turquoise blue, and the setting was perfect for a relaxing evening after a long day on the road.
Encountering Wild Horses and Shepherds
In the Balkan mountains, we encountered wild horses roaming free. It was an incredible sight and completely normal in the region. We also had the most beautiful trip encounter with shepherds in the middle of nowhere. This encounter again illustrated the hospitality of the people in the Balkan countries.
Overcoming Challenges and Returning to Split
As the afternoon progressed, we were caught by the rain, which forced us to revise our plans. Our last off-road day was shorter than expected but just as magnificent. However, the bike was constantly in action on the descent, causing big stress. As there were still at least 450 kilometers to go to reach our final point, we had to reconcile the off-road part with the road part.
The return to Split was done by road and coast. The Adriatic coast is a must-see, with winding roads offering breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and dreamy beaches. From Montenegro to Croatia, every kilometer provided stunning landscapes.
Watch Our Adventure
While words and photos can capture much of our journey, nothing quite compares to seeing the Balkans in motion. To truly immerse yourself in our Balkan Odyssey, I invite you to watch the video of our trip.
Click here to watch the video of our Balkan motorcycle adventure!
In this video, you’ll experience:
- The roar of our Ducati DesertXs echoing through Balkan mountain passes
- Stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline
- Our encounters with local shepherds and wild horses
- The challenges we faced on off-road trails
- The vibrant streets of Sarajevo and Mostar
- And much more!
The video brings to life the sights, sounds, and excitement of our journey in a way that words alone cannot convey. Whether you’re planning your own Balkan adventure or simply want to experience the region from the comfort of your home, this video is sure to inspire and excite.
So grab a cup of coffee (or a shot of rakija!), sit back, and join us on this unforgettable ride through the heart of the Balkans. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts or questions about the trip. Who knows, you might find yourself planning your own Balkan Odyssey before the video ends!
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Balkan Odyssey was an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and unparalleled hospitality. Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or just looking for a unique travel experience, the Balkans have something for everyone. Start planning your next trip to this remarkable region and create unforgettable memories.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you on the road!
RIDE FOR ADVENTURE 