The Mavrovo Tour has become a traditional yearly recreational event held in June. It started in 2009 at the intiative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Municipality of Mavrovo and Rostushe and the National Park Mavrovo in order to promote the natural beauties of the Mavrovo National Park, in particular the Mavrovo Lake and its surroundings, and to give cycling and hiking enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a day spent in nature.

Since the first tour in 2009, the event gained increased popularity among bikers and hikers from all over Macedonia due to the beautiful location of the tour, the interesting programme and the relaxed and festive atmosphere during the day. In order to make it easy for anyone to come to Mavrovo and bring their bicycles, the organisers traditionally provide round-trip transportation for people and their bicycles* for a symbolic fee.

The first tour consisted of different cycling and hiking distances, varying from 2 km to a full (bicycle) tour around the lake, also including the option of mountain biking inside the Bunec safari park. Special activities for children were organised and music performances took place at different locations during the day. Prior to the tour, a clean-up action of touristic spots around the lake took place, involving children form local schools and staff members of the municipality, the national park and the embassy.

 

In 2010, the event’s programme was enriched and included a mountain bike tour – the Galichnik Tour, the traditional recreational cycling tour around the Mavrovo Lake, recreational activities for children, an entrance in the Sharko’s Cave and a ski-lift ride for all participants. In that year also the renovated square in Mavrovo was opened, including a stage, benches and a fountain that were constructed with the financial support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in co-operation with the Municipality of Mavrovo and Rostushe. Additionally, a cultural programme with modern and traditional music and dance and lottery with many prizes were organised. The tour was once again supported by even more local hotels, and its traditional sponsor, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

 

This year, 2011, the event has gained the support of the traditional and new sponsors. It will again include various recreational hiking and biking routes, including two mountain bike tours of 83 and 43 km, and a varied cultural and children’s programme.   

 

Do not miss this unique opportunity to join us this year and take with you the most breathtaking sights of Mavrovo, which will definitely bring you back to it in June 2012 for the fourth Mavrovo Tour.


*Although the organisers of the Mavrovo Tour always make maximal efforts to secure safe transport of the bicycles, they take no liability for damages that might occur during the transport.