Jump to content Page index
Stories from Slovenia

Sharing the Dream: The Journey Behind the Trans Dinarica Cycling Trail

Sharing the Dream: The Journey Behind the Trans Dinarica Cycling Trail

What is the Trans Dinarica? Who are the visionaries behind this ambitious cycling trail spanning eight countries? How do locals feel about the project and what impact will it have on the region's development? The half-hour documentary Sharing the Dream unveils the inspiring journey of how a Slovenian cyclist’s dream transformed into a world-class trail.

The GoodTrail team, a Slovenian developer of cycling and hiking trails, presents a compelling documentary about the creation of the Trans Dinarica. This 30-minute film not only highlights the dedicated individuals who brought the vision to life but also introduces the warm and welcoming communities along the trail. Officially launched on July 31 2024, this epic route invites cyclists from around the world to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Balkans.

"Trans Dinarica is a vision, a big picture, an idea… I think it was never meant to exist immediately, but to evolve," says Thierry Joubert, a project partner from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in an interview for the film. But even before it was an idea, it was a dream.

That dream was born in the heart of Jan Klavora, a mountain biker from Tolmin, right at the starting point of the Trans Dinarica. Inspired by the stunning Soča River Valley, he envisioned a route stretching southwest from Slovenia to Croatia and beyond – connecting cyclists not only with nature but also with the people who make this region so special. Alex Crevar, the documentary’s main protagonist, has spent decades living in Sarajevo and the wider Balkans, crafting stories for world-renowned newspapers and magazines.

Bringing the vision to life required perseverance, meticulous planning and financial support. The breakthrough came in 2022 when the GoodTrail team, already experienced in mapping cycling routes across Slovenia and neighboring countries, laid out the first route corridor – connecting national parks, hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path roads, far from busy traffic.

The route evolved countless times under the expert guidance of cartographers Matic Klanjšček and Andrej Bandelj. In the spring of 2023, the team embarked on its first field expedition to southern Serbia, joined by Jovan Eraković, a seasoned cyclist and route planner from Belgrade. Over the next two years, the team conducted five additional expeditions, covering Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.

Beyond mapping the 5,500-kilometre route across 98 stages, the team captured a treasure trove of video footage, interviews and breathtaking scenery. Matevž Hribar, the team's photographer, cameraman and support van driver, documented the journey while also gathering firsthand stories from hospitable locals.

The raw footage was handed over to Karata Film, a production company from Škofja Loka, which crafted the final documentary by conducting interviews with the key figures behind the project.


On March 19, 2025, Sharing the Dream premiered online, unveiling the remarkable journey behind the Trans Dinarica.

Fast Facts About the Trans Dinarica:

  • Total length: 5,500 km (98 stages) across eight countries
  • Cyclists on the route (first seven months): 6,000
  • Navigation packages downloaded (as of July 31, 2024): 1,800
  • Top countries of origin for cyclists: Germany, USA, UK, Switzerland, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, France, Italy, Slovenia
  • Upcoming: The documentary will soon be available with Slovenian subtitles

 

Source: Trans Dinarica

Photo: Matevž Hribar

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

Sign up for the Trade News

Be up to date about what’s happening in Slovenian tourism. By subscribing to our newsletter you will receive the latest trade news in the field of tourism and other current information on a monthly basis.

Share with friends

This content is not available in Russian language.

Please visit the homepage or select another language.