Bikepacking from the Balkans to Sweden

After a couple of years, my dream finally came true: cycling all the way from my hometown of Banja Luka to Växjö, Sweden. First let me explain why of the how when it comes to the Bikepacking from the Balkans to Sweden adventure.

As a cycling enthusiast who rides regularly and has covered long distances in Africa and Southeast Asia, the decision was easy. I wanted to visit my grandchildren and bring them a few toys — but more importantly, to give them a unique gift: a story they could carry through their childhood about a special bike ride dedicated to them.

I cycled 2,500 km in 25 days, passing through 9 countries: Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Sweden. Since it was summer in Europe (June and July), I was lucky to have only three rainy days.

Days 1-5

The idea behind the bike tour wasn’t to take the shortest route — quite the opposite. I deliberately chose a path that included crossing the Alps and experiencing the Dolomite’s. I averaged 100 km per day, and with all the climbing involved, I ended up with a total elevation gain of 16,443 meters.

Days 6-10

During the ride, I stayed at campsites every night, sleeping in a tent — no wild camping. By the end of the trip, my total camping cost was €423.

Days 11-15

Apart from the stunning Dolomites, one of the most exciting parts of the journey was cycling from the Adriatic Sea to the Baltic Sea. I boarded the Unity Line ferry at Świnoujście in Poland, which connects Poland and Sweden. The ticket (bike + cabin) cost approximately €50, and the Baltic Sea crossing took just over 7 hours.

Days 16-20

I arrived in Ystad, Sweden, in the evening and spent the night at a local campsite. The next day, I cycled along the Swedish coastline, stopping often to enjoy the beautiful landscape, sea views, and the charming atmosphere of small towns. The Swedish shore is incredibly beautiful in summer.

Days 21-25