Cycling tourism continues to gain momentum across Europe, and the Baltic Sea region is emerging as one of its most dynamic areas. A newly published Transnational Route Evaluation Report developed within the Baltic Biking UPGRADE project provides a detailed assessment of the EuroVelo 10 – Baltic Sea Cycle Route, offering valuable data to support the development of long-distance cycling tourism.

The report was coordinated by the Pomorskie Tourism Board, which leads the Baltic Biking UPGRADE project in cooperation with partners from across the South Baltic region, including the European Cyclists’ Federation and other regional tourism and development organisations. The initiative is co-funded by the Interreg South Baltic Programme and focuses on strengthening cycling tourism infrastructure, services and business opportunities along the Baltic Sea Cycle Route.

For the first time, the report provides a comparable evaluation of route quality across five countries: Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland and Lithuania. The analysis was carried out using the European Certification Standard methodology applied throughout the EuroVelo network. This approach allows regions and stakeholders to assess their cycling routes against consistent criteria and benchmark their performance internationally.

One of the most innovative aspects of the report is its detailed mapping of individual route sections. Rather than analysing the route only at a national level, the study evaluates specific segments, including the Pomorskie section of EuroVelo 10. This enables destinations to directly compare route quality with other regions along the Baltic Sea and identify opportunities for further improvement.

The results highlight the strong quality of the route across the region. The evaluation covered more than 2,600 kilometres of cycling infrastructure and revealed several key insights. Around 53 per cent of the route runs completely away from motorised traffic, while 27 per cent follows roads with very low traffic levels. Surface quality is also high, with 82 per cent of route sections rated good or very good for cycling. Nearly half of the route, 47 per cent, consists of dedicated cycling infrastructure.

The data were collected by 12 trained EuroVelo inspectors across the South Baltic region, providing reliable, comparable information for tourism organisations, infrastructure planners, and destination managers. This evidence-based approach helps identify both strengths and areas where further investment could enhance safety, comfort, and the visitor experience.

For Pomorskie, the report is particularly significant. As the leading partner of the Baltic Biking UPGRADE project, the Pomorskie Tourism Board has played a key role in coordinating the evaluation and supporting the development of the route across borders. The findings allow the region to benchmark its EuroVelo 10 section against other Baltic destinations and support future planning of cycling infrastructure and tourism services.

More broadly, the report demonstrates how data and collaboration can strengthen cycling tourism across Europe. Long-distance cycling routes such as EuroVelo 10 not only connect countries and cultures but also support sustainable mobility, local economies and nature-based tourism experiences. As demand for active travel continues to grow, tools like this evaluation help destinations create safer, more attractive and more competitive cycling routes.

With its combination of coastal landscapes, cultural heritage and cross-border cooperation, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route is becoming one of Europe’s most exciting cycling tourism corridors. Thanks to initiatives such as the Baltic Biking UPGRADE project, destinations now have the data and partnerships needed to further develop this potential.

Project website:
https://southbaltic.eu/projects/baltic-biking-upgrade

Full report:
https://pro.eurovelo.com/download/document/Transnational-Route-Evaluation-Report_EuroVelo-10-Baltic-Sea-Cycle-Route.pdf

#Cycling Tourism #Sustainable Tourism #Mobility #Tourism Development #Sustainable Destinations