rollotheclown

So my wife and I are looking to do a section of the Iron Curtain trail which runs quite extensively along the "border" between the old Soviet states and western Europe. we've toured a few times in Germany so we we're looking to may be do the Baltics and coastline of Poland or perhaps the southern section which runs along Slovenia, Hungary, Romania.

does anyone have any experience on either of these sections? or more broadly what the touring is like in these regions? we are hoping that we can camp the majority of the time, we had good luck finding campgrounds in Germany before but we aren't finding alot of info on camping potential in either of these areas and I'm not sure how comfortable we are with stealth camping.

any personal experience or online links would be appreciated.
thanks
rollo

spm40

I can only tell you about Romania. A few links first
https://www.romaniatourism.com/ - for general information
https://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/romania/
https://www.romaniacamping.ro/
Try to avoid the european routes (they start with E, like E58) they are very busy. The drivers are used to cyclists, especially in the countryside. People who can't afford a car use the bicycle as transportation for short distances. It's easy to find accomodation around tourist attractions, in the rest of the country it's better to try and reach a city. Most young people speak some english.

kurtisgimp

I toured around Lithuania, Latvia, and a little bit of Estonia in 2007. Stealth camping was easy enough in Lithuania, but I didn't try in the other countries. The main roads were in good condition, but were narrow with a small shoulder. I bought maps from https://www.bicycle.lt/lt. They were detailed enough, limiting my "short cuts" on dirt roads. If you stick to the coast, you'll miss a lot of Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses and Vilnius were especially beautiful. Kaunas definitely had a Cold War feel with its colorless apartment buildings lining the skyline.

For Poland, I had planned to hitchhike with my folding/touring bike, but after discussing it with some seasoned hitchhikers I decided that the lack of main roads would make it too difficult. Based on looking at a Polish map, it might be difficult to tell which roads to avoid due to heavy traffic. However, I was looking for the opposite when debating whether to take a train or hitchhike, so maybe you'll find a great route to take.

Cyclesafe

WOW!!!!!!

I have never heard of this.

I can't believe that this is the first time this route has come up in this forum.

https://www.ironcurtaintrail.eu/en/index.html

john426

I cycled in Hungary and Romania this summer. Romania was especially nice off the beaten track. Stealth camping is no problem in rural areas (like Transylvania). Hungary was also nice, but more developed. I was surprised to find bike parts quite easily in both places. People are more firendly in Romania. Food and accomadations were cheap in both places (it rained for 5 days straight when I was there). Altogether it was a wonderful trip. John

djb

*although posting of garlic bunches at tent entrance is highly recommended (sorry, just could not resist)

John-interesting choice of trip destination, I have Hungarian neighbors (1956 Hungarians) and have heard much of Hungary, but would never have thought to travel by bike there. Nice to hear it was a good experience, one doesnt hear of bike trips in that neck of the woods. Do you have Hungarian family background? I ask only because I would be hesitant with the language barrier.

xilios

I agree, never heard or thought about the iron curtain trail. That is a tour I would be interested.
@rolo... Thanks for the idea and
@Cyclesafe Thanks for the link

Cyclesafe

I have this trip on my list for 2012. I think I'll start from the north. Maybe start frm Norway in mid July and finish in Istanbul in mid October. Can't wait. I guess I'll be serious when I spring for the maps....