In summer 2024, the West Pomerania Region organised a cycling travel contest that selected participants for the Explorer Tour – On the Iron Curtain Trail, a pilot journey along the EuroVelo 13 route from Wolgast in Germany to Ustka in Poland. The initiative promoted the Iron Curtain Trail as an emerging cycling tourism destination and engaged cycling enthusiasts in testing the route and its tourism offer.
The contest invited adults with a passion for cycling and adventure to share their experiences and motivation through videos, blog posts, or social media content. The selected participants earned the opportunity to join the exclusive Explorer Tour, which took place in September 2024.
During the journey, participants explored key destinations along the EuroVelo 13 corridor, including Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Niechorze, Darłowo, and Ustka. The programme combined cycling with visits to cultural and natural attractions, offering valuable insights into the tourism potential of the route and the visitor experience it provides.
Beyond selecting participants, the contest contributed to raising awareness of the Iron Curtain Trail and encouraged wider public interest in cycling tourism. By engaging cyclists directly, the initiative supported the promotion of sustainable travel, cross-border cooperation, and the development of innovative tourism products along EuroVelo 13.