Border crossing between Germany and Polan (Iron Curtain Trail)
Copy Right: Rowerem przez Pomorze Zachodnie

Cross-border event DE-PL on the border of Ahlbecku and Świnoujścia

In Person
Location: Ahlbecku and Świnoujścia, Poland
Date: 15.09.2024
By: ICTr-CE
In September 2024, the Explorer Tour North pilot cycling tour successfully tested a section of the EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail between Wolgast (Germany) and Ustka (Poland). The six-day journey, carried out from 15–20 September, evaluated the route’s potential as a cycling tourism product on the Polish-German border and contributed to the development of sustainable tourism services along the trail.

 

Eight participants with different levels of long-distance cycling experience took part in the tour, including cycling enthusiasts and influencers who documented and shared their experiences throughout the journey. Their feedback provided valuable insights into the quality of the route, visitor experience, and tourism services available along the trail.

 

The itinerary was divided into six stages ranging from 35 to 57 kilometres, with overnight stays in Świnoujście, Pobierowo, Kołobrzeg, Mielno, Darłowo, and Ustka. Throughout the tour, participants assessed route conditions, accommodation facilities, tourism services, and attractions connected to the history and heritage of the Iron Curtain.

 

The pilot tour generated practical recommendations for tourism businesses and destination managers interested in developing or enhancing cycling-friendly services along EuroVelo 13. The findings contributed to the evaluation of potential commercial tour packages, including aspects such as pricing, attractiveness of the route, accommodation quality, and the availability of thematic attractions linked to the Iron Curtain.

 

The activity demonstrated the potential of EuroVelo 13 to attract cycling tourists and supported the creation of innovative and sustainable tourism products that combine active travel, cultural heritage, and cross-border cooperation.

 

The pilot action was implemented within the ICTr-CE project “Innovative, Participatory and Sustainable Business Model for Cycling Tourism along the Iron Curtain Trail”, co-funded by the Interreg Central Europe Programme and the West Pomeranian Region.