In the final leg of our two-week traverse, the journey shifts from the poignant history of Bosnia to the wild, untamed landscapes of Velebit National Park and the coastal roads of Croatia, finally ending in the historic Italian port of Trieste.
Read the full article on bikepacking.com here: https://bikepacking.com/plog/wheels-over-warlands/
Take a look at our route here: https://www.komoot.com/collection/3837980/-a-dinaric-traverse
This wasn’t just a bike ride—it was an immersion into the elements. From the storm-force Bora winds testing our tents to the chilling howls of a wolf pack in the night, the Balkans gave us everything they had.
In This Episode:
The Bora Unleashed: We wake up to the “Bora”—powerful winds that fire off the Dinaric Alps toward the Adriatic. We use it to our advantage, letting the wind push us toward the Croatian border.
The Lika Wilderness: Running behind schedule, we make a beeline for Knin to catch a train to Gospić. We find ourselves in the heart of Velebit, where a local family warns us of a brown bear and her three cubs just 50 meters away.
Luxury in the Wild: We find shelter in a bothy-like hut, a rare moment of comfort before our final night under the stars.
A Restless Finale: Our last camp out is marked by the best sunset of the trip, followed by a haunting chorus of a wolf and a pack of jackals surrounding our camp.
The Descent to Rijeka: We drop from the cool mountain air into the 38°C heat of coastal Croatia, navigating busy roads and taking a well-earned dip in the Adriatic at Rijeka.
Reflections: Crossing into Italy, the weight of the last 1,500km hits home. We reflect on the kindness of the locals, the scars of the past, and the bond of three friends on an unforgettable adventure.
Journey Highlights:
Route: Bosnia & Herzegovina → Croatia → Italy
Wildlife: Brown bears, jackals, and a possible wolf encounter.
Conditions: Bora winds, mountain storms, and coastal heat.
Key Locations: Knin, Gospić, Velebit National Park, Rijeka, and Trieste.
“I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you to the people, the mountains, and the wildlife for making it so special.”
Thank you for following the journey. If you missed the beginning, watch Part 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gylNy6UZfI
#Bikepacking #Croatia #Velebit #WildCamping #WheelsOverWarlands #BalkanAdventure
2 Comments
Really hope you enjoyed the video! We had an amazing time creating, making and riding for this video, what was your favourite part of the trip?
Awesome video! Did you use much of the Transbalkan race route?