Tour de Balkan – Solo Bikepacking from Germany to Greece

After cycling from Munich (Germany) to Corfu (Greece) in May 2023, I wanted to share this video with you because there were only very few bikepacking videos or general tips available. In case of any questions, feel free to reach out to me – I am happy to help
Strava: Jonas Leh
Instagram: jonasonthebike
The countries I have crossed / touched were Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia&Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Thus, I hope that mine inspires you to go for a fantastic cycling adventure!
I have adjusted the route afterward to cut/change the most annoying segments, unnecessary/frustrating detours (as on my sixth day), badly conditioned paths, or illegal cycling routes (see below).
In short, I think, the Balkan is a bit more for the adventures among bikepackers compared to other parts of Europe. However, the variety of landscape, cultures, and challenge are tempting me enough to go to the Eastern side of the Balkan in the future!

Another few general things you might want to know are listed below
(starting with the negative ones but not to forget the overwhelming, plenty positive
aspects 😉 )

Negative/Warnings:
– I only took one rest day (in Dubrovnik). Mainly due to the shitty weather in Croatia, I thought, I just keep going, I did not want to spend the whole day in a tent/room. Probably advisable for your body to take more!
– in the Balkan, be aware of the street dogs, especially in Albania! Some are nice or just too exhausted /weak to chase or bark, but some aren’t and chasing away from them is something I had to do a few times. Stepping off and slowly walking past them (with the bike as defense) might be a good alternative as they don’t know cyclists but might recognize you as human once you step down (never tried, just read).
– car lanes are really annoying and I was absolutely spoiled about the bike infrastructure in the Netherlands.
– even though the car lanes can be quite annoying, don’t force Komoot too much to find alternatives. The off-roads can be even more annoying. I cycled multiple times through (uncyclable) rocks, high greens, deep mud, sand and rivers. And after some kilometers these off-road adventures stop being fun!
– Some people honk to greet, some honk in frustration and some don’t honk and still give you no space.
– getting enough good, alternating and nutritious food was pretty impossible as Vegan (if you don’t cook yourself), and still fairly difficult as Vegetarian in the countries visited…

Positive:
– However, people in general were very forthcoming and happy with their lifes that is – depending on the country quite different to ours…
– the scenery, change of landscape, culture and people is absolutely amazing, breathtaking, stunning, (…). I highly enjoyed every second of the views from the mountains and on the sea.
– It was an incredibly good experience again to explore something so new by being all by myself. These kind of adventures certainly make me feel alive 😉
– If you travel a bit later, you will also meet more bikepackers here, but I was glad about the few I have met at this time 🙂
– It is legally allowed to wildcamp in Albania! Thus, camping at the beach is something that can only be recommended. When wildcamping, of course, never leave anything behind and respect the nature!

The afterwards improved route:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/1394810726?ref=aso&share_token=a13debdsA79Mrd5xY5ACP9KjJaAKAy9Bp6wJVyLkgNFovpO6aL
I have tried to alternate it with my best intentions, but I cannot take any responsibility for sticking to it! 😇

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