For around 40 years, the Iron Curtain that stretched from the Barents Sea all the way to the Bosporus divided Europe into the socialist Eastern Bloc and the free and democratic Western Bloc. The so-called Green Belt emerged along this strictly guarded border and now it is an area of valuable biotopes that have been preserved thanks to decades of forced isolation.
We would like to invite you to come and explore its cultural and natural attractions by bike along both banks of the Morava River on the Slovak-Austrian border. You can use the open border crossings and a ferry between Slovakia and Austria (Moravský Svätý Ján – Hohenau, Záhorská Ves – Angern an der March, Devínska Nová Ves – Schloss Hof, Jarovce – Kittsee and Petržalka – Berg) to comfortably cross from one side to the other. The KTM (Kamp – Thaya – March) cycle-path runs along the Green Belt on the Austrian side and the EuroVelo 13 (Iron Curtain Trail) cycle-path goes along the former border patrol signal route in Slovakia. The KTM cycle-path is one of the most beautiful long-distance cycle-paths in Austria. Along the 400 kilometres, you will find everything that makes a cyclist’s heart swell: perfect training alternating with pleasant and delightful cycling. Along the three rivers, you will witness some fascinating untouched nature as well as many cultural heritage sites.
Iron Curtain Trail
Total length:
10 400 km
Surface:
mostly tarmac
Length of the Slovak part:
87 km, passing through the Trnava Self-Governing Region and Bratislava Self-Governing Region
The trail passes through 20 countries, takes you to 3 European seas and includes 14 UNESCO heritage sites along the way.
KTM Kamp-Thaya-March
Total length:
445 km
Surface:
mostly tarmac
Passes through the Waldviertel and Weinviertel regions in Lower Austria
