The network of 8 VeloMałopolska routes was designed to reach every region of Małopolska. The routes pass through areas of natural and tourist value, including: The Niepołomice Forest, the Pieniny and Spisz Mountains, the foothills and the Tatra Mountains and, by definition, the main urban centres of the region. It is worth noting that apart from the main VeloMałopolska routes, there are also local cycling paths and trails which significantly increase the attractiveness and scope of active tourism in the region.
It is now possible to cycle through Małopolska from north to south via VeloDunajec and from east to west on the Vistula Cycle Route. For that reason, cycle paths have already connected such tourist centres as Oświęcim, Kraków, Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, Nowy Targ and Zakopane. All of these areas are accessible by bike via top quality routes that meet EuroVelo standards. It is worth remembering, however, that the project is still a work in progress. Some sections are under construction and some routes are currently still in the planning stage. We therefore recommend to read the exact description of the route and take a look at the maps updated on an ongoing basis before making the trip. In addition, the news and articles on specific routes suggest possible detours on roads with less traffic.
What are the characteristics of the highest standard routes - EuroVelo?
The ideal to which the VeloMałopolska project aspires is to obtain the EuroVelo certificate, which confirms the highest standard of bicycle paths. What does it mean in practice? It primarily means guaranteed continuity and separation of the route from road traffic. The reinforced surface (usually asphalt) is accessible in all weather conditions. Its width allows smooth movement of bicycles, including multi-track bicycles (with two-wheel trailers, handcycles), and is complemented by an appropriate elevation gain (the total amount of ascent or elevation gain in the daily section does not exceed 1000 m). Clear and bright signs guarantee that the trail can be easily found. The connection between the main cycle network and the railway provides additional comfort for cyclists, both in terms of reaching the routes and the possibility of choosing an alternative means of transport in the event of unforeseen difficulties along the route.
In summary, VeloMałopolska routes are accessible and passable for all cyclists, regardless of age or their advancement level. The Vistula Cycle Route, VeloDunajec, EroVelo11/VeloNatura and EuroVelo4/VeloMetropolis have already been largely commissioned for use by cyclists, while the remaining VeloRaba, VeloSkawa, VeloPrądnik and VeloRudawa are in the planning and documentation stage. Detailed information on individual routes, their current status, mileage, elevation profile, maps, description of attractions and available facilities are presented in separate articles.
The concept for the construction of an integrated network of cycling routes was created in 2013, commissioned by the Małopolska Region. The construction project was entrusted to the Regional Roads Authority in Cracow. During the five years after its implementation, i.e., since 2015, 600 km (out of 1,000 km) of cycle routes of the highest standard have already been completed. Additional information on the implementation of the project is provided in the article - Statistics.
Presented below is a Map on the Geoportal of the Małopolska Infrastructure for Spatial Information (MIIP) with the course of all ongoing and planned VeloMałopolska cycling routes.
Clicking on a trail on the map allows to download a GPX file and a link to a page with a description of the specific trail or journey. The maps are also available on the MIIP mobile app.
Map with the course of all implemented / planned cycle routes in Google Maps.
Unfortunately, Google Maps does not yet include all finished sections of the VeloMałopolska network in its algorithm for determining optimal cycling routes. We present routes using Google Maps for one simple reason - it is the most popular map application in the world, installed on practically every smartphone.
Clicking on a specific route displays a description along with a link used to access a detailed map showing the progress of the works / surface type.
