Bicycle ride Skopje Mavrovo Galicnik Skopje 217 km
The Galičnik Wedding Festival (Macedonian
GaličniRoute: Skopje → Mavrovo → Galičnik → Skopje
Distance: 217 km
Type: Road / Endurance / Mountain
Difficulty: Very Hard
This is a long-distance endurance ride crossing some of the most demanding and scenic terrain in western North Macedonia.
Starting from Skopje, the route heads west toward Mavrovo National Park, featuring long alpine climbs, forested roads, and dramatic mountain views. The highlight is the ascent to Galičnik, a historic mountain village famous for its annual Galičnik Wedding Festival, one of the most iconic cultural traditions in the Balkans.
Expect sustained climbs, fast descents, changing weather conditions, and minimal services in the mountain sections. Proper nutrition, lights, and weather planning are essential.
Best season: Late spring – early autumn
Bike: Road bike (endurance gearing recommended)
Water/Food: Plan refills carefully between towns
Key Climbs (Approximate)
1️⃣ Skopje → Western Macedonia Approach
Long, gradual elevation increase
Fatigue builds early
No single brutal gradient, but constant load
2️⃣ Mavrovo National Park Climb (Main Ascent)
Long alpine climb
Steady gradients (5–7% average)
High altitude exposure, weather-sensitive
Mental endurance required
3️⃣ Galičnik Ascent (Signature Climb)
Shorter but steeper
Narrow mountain roads
Emotional and visual highlight of the ride
Legs are already deep in fatigue
4️⃣ Return Descents & Rolling Terrain
Fast descents require focus.
Rolling terrain becomes brutal late in the ride.
⚠️ Difficulty Rating
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5 – Very Hard)
Why:
Extreme distance (217 km)
High cumulative elevation
Remote mountain sections
Weather variability
Limited recovery zones