At 740 kilometres*, Dunav Ultra is Bulgaria’s longest and most varied cycle touring route – a journey beginning in Kudelin, the country’s northwesternmost settlement, and ending in Durankulak on the Black Sea coast. This adventure is unlike any other in the country, above all for its close connection with the Danube and the link it creates between the river and the Black Sea.
The route’s 14 consecutive stages take you through landscapes where nature, culture and history weave a colourful story, from the slow flow of the Danube to the endless horizons of Dobruja.
In this article, we explore Dunav Ultra stage by stage, with short descriptions, elevation profiles and key highlights to help you understand the scale of the journey and plan your own trip. Below, you will find useful technical information for each of the 14 stages: distance, elevation and specific route features. Whether you prefer road or gravel cycling, these details will help you prepare, both for a Dunav Ultra journey and for travelling along EuroVelo 6 in Bulgaria.
Full information about the stages is available in Dunav Ultra App.
*In its classic version, described in detail in this article, the Dunav Ultra route is 730.6 km long. The combined distances of the stages below are shorter because they are measured between the boundary signs of towns and villages. All distances, elevation figures and gradients in this article refer to the classic version of Dunav Ultra. The adventure version exceeds 740 kilometres.
Stage 1: Kudelin – Vidin
The Beginning
Stage length: 33 km | +186 ↑ / -196 ↓ | + 5.7%⬈ – 5.1% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
The first stage marks the symbolic beginning of Dunav Ultra in Kudelin, Bulgaria’s northwesternmost village, near the Bregovo border crossing. Nearby, the Timok flows into the Danube at the meeting point of three countries: Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania. The opening kilometres are relaxed and easy, passing through riverside villages where life moves slowly and the connection with the Danube remains strong. The riding is gentle and the terrain flat, with short climbs near Florentin and opportunities to pause by the river in Novo Selo and Yasen. For those seeking something more unusual, the adventure option follows a mix of farm tracks, asphalt and gravel sections near the flood embankment, approaching Vidin beneath the New Europe Bridge.
Stage 2: Vidin – Lom
Traffic Challenges
Stage length: 50.2 km | +357 ↑ / -328 ↓ | + 5.9%⬈ – 4.8% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route NO
The stage begins with busy traffic as you leave Vidin towards Dunavtsi, a section requiring extra care, particularly on weekdays. Unfortunately, there is no alternative route here. Shortly after leaving the E-79, the rhythm changes: traffic eases somewhat, and near Botevo a broad view of the Danube opens up, a brief but memorable moment. After Archar and the turning towards Dobri Dol, traffic drops noticeably and the riding becomes peaceful and enjoyable, over gentle terrain on excellent surfaces surrounded by greenery. You arrive in Lom almost before you realise it, and the riverside park is a natural place to stop and enjoy the view. Cyclists less experienced in riding with traffic can begin this stage by taking a train to Brusartsi and continuing to Lom by bicycle.
Stage 3: Lom – Kozloduy
The First Danube Hills
Stage length: 36.3 km | +265 ↑ / -311 ↓ | + 8.3%⬈ – 3.5% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route NO
This stage introduces the first more demanding physical challenges of the route. Leaving Lom involves a steep cobbled climb, an unexpected and memorable start that sets the tone from the first kilometres. After crossing the ridge towards Kovachitsa, the terrain levels out and progress becomes rhythmic and enjoyable on a gentle downhill gradient. Around 20 kilometres after Lom, another climb follows above Gorni Tsibar, rewarding your effort with an impressive panorama of the Danube.
From here, the route enters long, seemingly endless straight and flat stretches, with wide horizons that bring home the scale of the journey. Along the way, it crosses Asparuh’s Rampart, a historic earthwork dating from the First Bulgarian Empire, before gradually entering the wider Kozloduy area.
Stage 4: Kozloduy – Oryahovo
From the Nuclear Power Plant to the Quiet Roads
Stage length: 28.3 km | +165 ↑ / -170 ↓ | +4.8%⬈ – 4.3% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route NO
Kozloduy is a lively Danube town with well-developed infrastructure. For cyclists, this means conveniences rarely found in smaller settlements: shops, places to eat and a bicycle repair shop. The road towards Harlets can be busier in the morning, but after Glozhene, and especially after Mizia, traffic gradually falls away and the route reveals its wilder side.
In Mizia, it is important to turn left and head north towards the Danube. A scenic, shaded road running parallel to the river then leads to Oryahovo’s port. The town itself rises in tiers up the riverbank, with access to the centre either by an uphill asphalt road or a steeper cobbled section.
Stage 5: Oryahovo – Gigen
Full Immersion in the Danube Landscape
Stage length: 54.5 km | +461↓ / -529 ↑ | + 8.8%⬈ – 6.1% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route NO
As you leave the town, motor traffic drops away sharply and the ride gradually becomes a true expedition, with the river, the sounds of nature and the open sun for company. Near Leskovets, views open towards Esperanto Island and the wild Danube, while between Ostrov and Gorni Vadin the river unfolds through a vast, almost deserted landscape. The steepest climb on the entire route is near Ostrov: a short but intense physical test, followed by approximately 25 km without settlements, shops or water fountains. Accommodation is available in Ostrov, Gorni Vadin, Krushovene, Baykal, Gigen and Zagrazhden, offering useful options for splitting this wild, quiet and visually striking stage.
Stage 6: Gigen – Nikopol
Through the Danubian Plain
Stage length: 49.1 km | +274↓ / -254 ↑ | + 7.1%⬈ – 4.2% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route NO
This stage is a pleasure for the senses, continuing at a calm, steady rhythm through the Danube region with a distinct sense of adventure. The exposed terrain and summer heat call for carefully planned breaks and plenty of water. At Zagrazhden, the small river port is an excellent place to rest and have lunch, while in Gulyantsi the route passes a summer swimming pool, a pleasant and refreshing diversion. After a series of small villages, a steep climb begins at Somovit, rewarded with memorable panoramic views of the Danube and the Romanian bank. A long, enjoyable descent to Cherkovitsa follows. The final kilometres cross a bridge over the Osam and lead gently towards historic Nikopol.
Stage 7: Nikopol – Belene
Along the Edge of Persina Nature Park
Stage length: 32.5 km | +255↑ / -283↓ | + 6.9%⬈ – 7.4% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
Nikopol is a small town with a significant place in Bulgaria’s late medieval history. The route out of town begins with an almost 5-kilometre climb onto the Nikopol Plateau, followed by a flat section through Vabel and Lyubenovo before an enjoyable descent towards Lozitsa. Another descent leads to Byala Voda, a suitable place for a short break, before the stage ends in Belene, a peaceful, well-kept Danube town. The distance between Nikopol and Belene can also be covered on an alternative route that runs almost entirely off-road within Persina Nature Park. This appealing option requires good navigation in remote surroundings, suitable equipment and a bicycle capable of handling off-road terrain.
Stage 8: Belene – Svishtov
Discovering the Svishtov–Belene Lowland
Stage length: 23.2 km | +119↑ / -112↓ | + 2.6%⬈ – 1.6% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
Belene – Svishtov is the shortest and easiest stage of the route, ideal for planning a longer rest in either town. Leaving Belene, the route passes the industrial landscape of the halted Belene Nuclear Power Plant project, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding nature. You can choose the classic asphalt road through Oresh or a quieter adventure option on rough concrete surfaces beside the abandoned industrial buildings of the Belene plant, offering an almost complete escape from traffic. Both options have gentle profiles, and Svishtov is a good place to rest, take a short walk around town and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Stage 9: Svishtov – Dve Mogili and Ivanovo
Along the Yantra’s Meanders to the Big Climb
Stage length: 54.4 km | +711↑ / -526↓ | + 8.4%⬈ – 6.6% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
This exceptionally varied stage reaches the Danube’s southernmost point on the continent near Vardim, then follows the scenic meanders of the Yantra near Novgrad, Belyanovo and Beltsov. After Tsenovo begins the longest climb on the entire route, almost 12 km towards Obretenik: a real physical test. For those seeking a more unusual experience, the adventure version enters quiet, remote areas through Krivina and Batin, including an off-road section. It is best suited to experienced cyclists with good equipment. Important: neither option has repair facilities, so preparing thoroughly in Svishtov is essential!
Stage 10: Dve Mogili and Ivanovo – Ruse
Along the Edge of Rusenski Lom Nature Park
Stage length: 32 km | +199↑ / -420↓ | + 7.7%⬈ – 7.3% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route NO
This is one of the shortest stages of Dunav Ultra, yet one of the richest in experiences. The area is remarkable for its concentration of natural and cultural sights within Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Short detours lead to Orlova Chuka Cave, the medieval fortress of Cherven, the UNESCO-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo and Bulgaria’s only active rock monastery, at Basarbovo. The stage draws to a gentle close as you approach the waterfront of Ruse, the unofficial capital of Bulgaria’s Danube region.
Stage 11: Ruse – Tutrakan
The Danube’s “Flat” Roads
Stage length: 55.5 km | +213↑ / -241↓ | + 3.4%⬈ – 2.9% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
Leaving Ruse by bicycle requires extra care because of heavy traffic on the section to Slivo Pole. Unfortunately, there is currently no alternative here. The route then turns away, at times approaching the Danube itself. In Ryahovo, time seems to slow down: this is an ideal place to stop for fish soup. After Ryahovo, you can choose the classic route through Babovo or the more adventurous gravel road skirting the Kalimok–Brashlen Protected Area and rejoining the main road near Brashlen. The stage ends in Tutrakan, a quiet town with a pleasant riverside park, a fishing quarter and famously fiery sunsets over the river.
Stage 12: Tutrakan – Silistra
Adventures Along the Danube Bank
Stage length: 65.3 km | +578↑ / -678↓ | + 8.0%⬈ – 6.5% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
This varied stage offers a choice of two routes that share an adventurous opening through the areas around Pozharevo, Dunavets and Dolno Ryahovo. The sense of discovery is tangible, but there are challenges too, including approximately 1.3 km of rough gravel before Dolno Ryahovo. This section is passable and well suited to gravel or touring bikes, but requires some compromise and patience on a road bike. (You may need to push your road bike for around 500–600 m because of the rough surface.)
After Dolno Ryahovo, the classic and adventure options separate. The classic version returns to the main road to Silistra near Zafirovo, while the adventure version continues towards Malak Preslavets, Garvan and Popina: a superb, scenic cycling adventure on mixed dirt and asphalt surfaces, ideal for gravel riders. The two routes rejoin on the main road to Silistra near Polyana.
Stage 13: Silistra – Dobrich
Into the Heart of Golden Dobruja
Stage length: 94.8 km | +875↑ / -698↓ | + 6.8%⬈ – 9.0% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
Silistra is the last Danube town on the route, heir to Roman Durostorum and medieval Bulgarian Drastar, and a chance to replenish supplies, recover and explore local culture. Here, the route finally leaves the river and enters the open spaces of Dobruja: endless wheat fields, the canyons of the Suha Reka, or Dry River, and broad horizons create a new sense of scale. The classic version is easier to plan and includes three climbs: near Silistra, Bogorovo Hill and Efreytor Bakalovo. It is an excellent option for solo travellers and road cyclists.
The adventure version of this stage is a true cycling expedition through the heart of Dobruja ( Silistra – Kaynardzha – Kranovo – Koriten – Rositsa – Krasen – General Toshevo), suited to experienced cyclists travelling in a group. We do not recommend riding it alone because long sections lack supply and repair facilities. The terrain alternates between excellent, scenic asphalt roads, broken surfaces and even dirt tracks. A gravel, cross-country or touring bike is needed for the full experience.
This version is a real cycling challenge and an unforgettable expedition on two wheels. We named the adventure version of this stage “Dunav Ultra: The Forgotten Road”.
Stage 14: Dobrich – Durankulak
The Final Countdown
Stage length: 65.5 km | +287↑ / -501↓ | + 2.9%⬈ – 3.0% ⬊ Classic route YES, Adventure route YES
The journey reaches its conclusion on this final stage. After Dobrich, the route enters the last stretch of Dobruja’s vast landscape: endless wheat fields and gentle hills leading northeast towards the Black Sea. From General Toshevo, there are two choices: smooth surfaces through Preselentsi for a faster pace, or the rougher but authentic route through Kardam. Both routes meet at Spasovo and continue through Bezhanovo and Zahari Stoyanovo, landscapes that stay with you.
After the last short climb before Durankulak, the horizon opens and the deep blue line of the sea glints in the distance. Durankulak is more than the finish: it is the symbolic end of an extraordinary journey and a cycling dream fulfilled.
Distance: 730.6 km | +5438↑ / -5463↓ | + 8.8%⬈ – 9.1% ⬊
Detailed information about the stages, both classic and adventure versions, elevation, towns and villages, supply points, accommodation, places to eat, repair shops, stores, providers, partners and much more is available in Dunav Ultra App
