The route with a length of over 700 km along the Danube connects one of the most northwestern points of Bulgaria near the village of Kudelin to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast near Durankulak.

Eight years after the creation of the Dunav Ultra cycling route, the interest in it is huge. The reason lies in the unique diversity of the region along the Danube, which is still terra incognita for mass tourism. Moving along the route, cyclists experience a real adventure, full of encounters with wildlife, historical sites, customs and local cuisine. "8 years ago we started with 2 hotel nights, and this summer despite the pandemic crisis, we will be able to realize more than 2000 nights for cyclists who travel on this route," Boris Begamov, creator of the project says and adds :

"This year we created the Dunav Ultra mobile application, which is a guide containing information about more than 350 of our partners. These are different types of logistics points, such as accommodation places, restaurants, interesting sights, bicycle services and others. The Dunav Ultra mobile application is an innovation because it presents an opportunity for a person or a group of cyclists to organize their own trip and choose to go along the entire route or just some of the sections in a period of the year they choose."

Undoubtedly, the Danube region is one of the poorest in this country, but it hides unsuspected treasures in terms of natural and historical heritage. Moreover, the journey along the Danube can grow into a spiritual experience. That's why many compare it to the El Camino de Santiago route in Spain from its early years, before it became commercialized. "Our route is an exotic destination for adventurers," Boris Begamov says. It reveals the region in all its diversity.

Cyclists can visit the ancient Roman city of Ulpia Oescus , the Radetzky steamship and enjoy beautiful views of the river from the town of Oryahovo. They examine the traces of the Roman legionary camp Novae near Svishtov and the fortress Dimum in Belene /I-IV century BC/, climb to the top of the Shishman fortress in the town of Nikopol and then relax on the Nikopol beach, characterized by its fine sand. Those moving along the route can stop and visit the museums, communicate with the local people, or see the beautiful churches along the Danube.

"They can also try the specific cuisine of the region and the various types of fish soups and other interesting dishes," Boris Begamov says.

Traditionally, every summer enthusiasts from Bulgaria, Romania and other countries ride together along the route. This year, the 8th edition of the Dunav Ultra cycling tour will start on September 3 in the town of Vidin. The youngest participants will try to cover the 700-kilometer distance in less than 48 hours, but the main groups of cyclists will spend between 5 and 10 days on the route.

Photos: Boris Begamov - Dunav Ultra, dunavultra.com