Travel back in time and relive the Golden Era of Rallying!

The Balkan Rally was created to recall the heroic era of automobile and motorsport. In this competition, which has a “Gran Turismo” atmosphere, vehicles can participate that are either manufactured or designed before 1995, or are considered “special” for some reason.

This year’s ever-evolving route sets off from Budapest, winds through the Balaton Uplands and Slovenian peaks, detours past the glistening Carinthian lakes of the "Austrian Riviera", then carves south along the Istrian coast, through Opatija and Zadar, before uncovering Mostar and culminating in Dubrovnik - the radiant pearl of the Adriatic.

As we race against the clock, you tackle exciting challenges that deepen your understanding of the rally’s rich narrative and bring you closer to claiming the title of IV. Balkan Rally champion.

8

days

5

countries

cars

motorbikes

people

kilometers

2

negronis

opening
leg 1
leg 2
leg 3
leg 4
leg 5
joyride
encore
encore

The Route

06 Sept | Saturday

Opening & Race briefing

Budapest

Competitors will gather at Műegyetem Rakpart with their vehicles ready for the adventure. A riders' meeting and briefing - open to the press - will be held here, outlining the exact route and rules of the 2025 Balkan Rally.

07 Sept | Sunday

Leg #1

Budapest

Maribor

We leave Hungary behind as we cross the border to the west, and the first stage of the race will end at the foothills of Pohorje near Maribor.

08 Sept | Monday

Leg #2

Maribor

Postojna

During the most mountainous day of the rally, we continue driving and riding westward, under the shadow of the stunning southern Alps. Today's destination is the world-famous Postojna Cave complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

09 Sept | Tuesday

Leg #3

Postojna

Opatija

The day we transition from the mountains to the seaside. This isn't just a simple 'nostalgia ride,' but a journey to bring back the best and most exciting aspects of past centuries. We'll celebrate the halfway point of the rally in the most prestigious seaside holiday town of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

10 Sept | Wednesday

Leg #4

Opatija

Zadar

With a small detour towards the mountains, we'll cover many kilometers with the sea on our right, new islands appearing at every turn, all the way to the city of Zadar.

11 Sept | Thursday

Leg #5

Zadar

Neum

The final and longest timed stage of the rally, from Zadar to Neum, offers a breathtaking drive along the Adriatic coast. Before entering Bosnia and Herzegovina, the finish line will be set up on the Croatian side.

12 Sept | Friday

Joyride

Neum

Dubrovnik

This is a really short leg and no longer part of the scored competition, but the desire for adventure and our shared history will continue to guide us to the city of the guardians of the relics. The Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik **** will host us for the night, as well as the gala dinner and the award ceremony of the Balkan Rally 2025.

13 Sept | Saturday

Ride Together

Dubrovnik

Sarajevo

If you would like to continue the fun, choose the Ride Together addon and join the encore on the route home in the heart of the Balkans! Sarajevo is one of the most authentic big cities in Europe, attracting attention with its historical and cultural wealth.

14 Sept | Sunday

Ride together

Sarajevo

Budapest

Vehicle categories

Vintage Enthusiast

All cars and motorcycles manufactured before 1995, were produced in limited quantities, have special features, or were created by famous designers. Historical facts may also confirm their legendary status.

Effet de Suprise

Vehicles that do not fit into the vintage enthusiast category but show something special or new to the jury. The jury will reward the creativity of each applicant with this license.

Modern Heritage

Such vehicles, mostly motorcycles, that, although designed later than 1995, follow the traditional design and the classic aesthetics. E.g. Triumph Speed Twin, Yamaha XSR series, etc.

Future Classic

There are many almost new vehicles that, in their construction and attitude, represent such technology that we can assume they will be preserved for the future.

Wingman

A literal wingman, car owners with vehicles that do not fit into any of the categories but want to experience the atmosphere of a veteran race. They can only compete for the Fair Play and Perfect Gear prizes.

You + Your vehicle + addons to make you feel comfortable = dream Balkan adventure

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy for rooms. For those seeking solo accommodations, explore our add-ons.

Feel free to reach out for personalized arrangements or alternative vehicle and passenger combinations; we’re here to assist you in creating the ideal experience.

Racing package
€ 2990

The essential package, where you say farewell the day after the closing ceremony and drive home at your own pace.

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Accommodation for 6 nights in four- or five-star luxury hotels
  • Regional, gourmet delicacies with half-board food arrangement
(lunches are self-catered)
  • Race entry fee
  • Rally kit and itinerary
  • Commemorative poster
  • Secure overnight parking
  • Luggage hold for motorcyclists
  • Premium merchandize

Add-ons

Ride together

Let's drive home together with an extra night in Sarajevo.

Double occupancy €200
Single room €300

Race & Fly

Choose this add-on if you're planning to take a flight the day after the closing ceremony and would like your vehicle to be shipped back to Budapest or, under a custom agreement, even to your home country.

€1200 / car
(with airport transfer in Dubrovnik up to 4 ppl)

€600 / motorbike
(with airport transfer in Dubrovnik up to 2 ppl)

Single room surcharge

Enjoy your own room throughout the Rally.

€590

Extra night in Dubrovnik

You can stay an extra night in Dubrovnik.

Double occupancy €220
Single room €400

Extra night in Budapest

Contact us if you would like to spend the night near the opening ceremony venue in Budapest.

I'm interested

Accommodations

sticker
Habakuk Wellness Superior ****

7 Sept | Sunday | Leg #1

Maribor

Habakuk Wellness Superior ****

The hotel is located among picturesque green hills and perfectly combines modern comfort and the charm of the surrounding landscape. Habakuk is not only an accommodation, but also a recreation center open all year round. The hotel has a quality wellness area with thermal water pools and panoramic saunas.

The hotel is located among picturesque green hills and perfectly combines modern comfort and the charm of the surrounding landscape. Habakuk is not only an accommodation, but also a recreation center open all year round. The hotel has a quality wellness area with thermal water pools and panoramic saunas.

8 Sept | Monday | Leg #2

Postojna

Hotel Jama Postojna****

Our accommodation is located right next to the world-famous Postojna cave. The hotel, built in 1971, welcomed visitors to the Postojna Cave for more than two decades, but in the meantime it also lived a secret, parallel life, which was only revealed during the 2016 renovation. That's when they discovered the "Secret Rooms" in the depths of the hotel, which provided a location for the secret service activities of the former Yugoslav regime.

Our accommodation is located right next to the world-famous Postojna cave. The hotel, built in 1971, welcomed visitors to the Postojna Cave for more than two decades, but in the meantime it also lived a secret, parallel life, which was only revealed during the 2016 renovation. That's when they discovered the "Secret Rooms" in the depths of the hotel, which provided a location for the secret service activities of the former Yugoslav regime.

9 Sept | Tuesday | Leg #3

Opatija

Amadria Park Grand Hotel****

After the scenery that puts Tuscany to shame, we stay in the historic center of Opatija, right on the beach. We can relax in the hotel's wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools after today’s racing. Dinner on the terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, fresh seafood and local wine provide the perfect end to an exciting rally day.

After the scenery that puts Tuscany to shame, we stay in the historic center of Opatija, right on the beach. We can relax in the hotel's wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools after today’s racing. Dinner on the terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, fresh seafood and local wine provide the perfect end to an exciting rally day.

10 Sept | Wednesday | Leg #4

Zadar

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera*****

Located on one of the peaks of the peninsula, the hotel entices not only with its breathtaking beach view, but also with its exclusive 5-star services. The hotel's 6,000-square-meter Acquapura SPA wellness area is a real oasis, with everything from Turkish baths to saunas to recharge your batteries.

Located on one of the peaks of the peninsula, the hotel entices not only with its breathtaking beach view, but also with its exclusive 5-star services. The hotel's 6,000-square-meter Acquapura SPA wellness area is a real oasis, with everything from Turkish baths to saunas to recharge your batteries.

11 Sept | Thursday | Leg #5

Neum

Grand Hotel Neum****

Bosnia-Herzegovina's largest beach hotel awaits tired drivers and riders with modern rooms and sea-view balconies after the day's journey. After a delicious dinner, we have the opportunity to enjoy the legendary Bosnian hospitality in the hotel's Blue Line bar.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's largest beach hotel awaits tired drivers and riders with modern rooms and sea-view balconies after the day's journey. After a delicious dinner, we have the opportunity to enjoy the legendary Bosnian hospitality in the hotel's Blue Line bar.

12 Sept | Friday | Joyride

Dubrovnik

Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik****

One part of the team will be accommodated in the seaside Hotel Ariston, while the other part in the neighboring Hotel Neptun, both of which have a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. As before, those who want to recharge can use the indoor and outdoor pools and saunas. As a fitting end to the 2025 Balkan Rally, the award ceremony will be held in the Coral Ballroom.

One part of the team will be accommodated in the seaside Hotel Ariston, while the other part in the neighboring Hotel Neptun, both of which have a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. As before, those who want to recharge can use the indoor and outdoor pools and saunas. As a fitting end to the 2025 Balkan Rally, the award ceremony will be held in the Coral Ballroom.

13 Sept | Saturday | Ride Together

Sarajevo

Hotel Europe *****

The hotel, founded in 1882, is one of the oldest hotels in the Balkans, and has housed many prominent personalities in its nearly 150 years of existence. The hotel's central location makes it easy to explore Sarajevo's vibrant nightlife and historic sights on an early autumn Saturday evening.

The hotel, founded in 1882, is one of the oldest hotels in the Balkans, and has housed many prominent personalities in its nearly 150 years of existence. The hotel's central location makes it easy to explore Sarajevo's vibrant nightlife and historic sights on an early autumn Saturday evening.

Race Entry

ENQUIRY

Call us, email us or use the form below.

hello@balkanrally.com
+43 664 8878 5233

RACE ENTRY APPLICATION

Send us pictures as well as the most important details of your vehicle that you would like to enter the race with.

RACE ENTRY CONFIRMATION

Secure your spot with a 20% deposit and the travel contract as soon as our expert judges have approved the suitability of your vehicle.

PLANE TICKETS & INSURANCE

We are happy to arrange it for you if you need assistance.

SECOND INSTALMENT

20 days before the start of the Rally.

IV. BALKAN RALLY STARTS

We welcome you at the opening ceremony.

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    Testimonials &
    Press

    quote

    The beauty and brutalism of the Great Balkan Rally - A classic adventure on a 700-mile motor rally from Budapest to the Adriatic.

    Details

    quote

    The Balkan Rally 2024 was an unforgettable experience for each member of our 1000PS crew. Spanning 2500 kilometers across four countries, the rally offered not only challenging roads and routes but also many cultural and scenic highlights.

    Details

    quote

    The III. Balkan Rally, the largest classic car and motorcycle race in the region, set off with 52 cars, 34 motorcycles, and nearly 160 participants from 14 different countries. Organized for the third time by GoBeyond Travel Agency.

    Details

    FAQ

    This race, best described as having a “gran turismo” atmosphere, is open to vehicles that meet the internationally recognized 30+ year criterion based on either their manufacturing or design year. Alternatively, vehicles that are considered “special” for any reason may also qualify. The Balkan Rally expert jury grants entry approval in five different categories. If your vehicle is not from before 1990 but you believe it has a unique aspect that makes it worthy of the Balkan Rally, send us a few photos and a short description. The jury will review it within a few days.

    No problem! Our partners offer a variety of cars and motorcycles for rent that comply with the rally’s regulations. Contact us for details, and we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle.

    Not at all! While having a co-driver makes the journey more comfortable, every year there are participants who complete the rally solo. Our basic package includes accommodation in double rooms, meaning you’ll share a room with another competitor. If you prefer to have your own room, you can opt for a single-room upgrade.

    Each night, we stay at different 4- or 5-star hotels along the route. Car entrants share a room with their teammates, while motorcyclists will be paired with another participant who shares similar interests. If you’d like a private room, check out our additional service options.

    Our basic package runs from the opening weekend to the closing ceremony, after which you’ll say goodbye and drive home at your own pace. It includes six nights of half-board accommodation (breakfast and dinner) in four- or five-star luxury hotels during the rally, as well as the rally entry fee, a rally package and route guide, a commemorative plaque, secure overnight parking, luggage transport for motorcyclists, and premium gifts.

    As an add-on, you can have your vehicle transported home from the closing ceremony and fly back, or you can extend your journey with an extra night in Sarajevo and drive back together. If you prefer a single room during the rally, you can also add this option to your package based on availability.

    We’re happy to assist in getting your vehicle to the starting location on time. Based on your car or motorcycle’s specifications and your departure location, we will provide a custom transport offer.

    If you are not an EU citizen, please check with your country’s embassy website to determine if you require a visa for entry.

    All the countries we pass through (Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) accept both passports and valid EU national ID cards for border crossings. A driver’s license is not considered a valid travel document.

    The route takes us through five countries. We start in Hungary, then pass through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Most of the route consists of paved roads, but there will be some sections with dusty or gravel roads and moderately challenging terrain.

    Pack in at least two bags. Large suitcases will be transported in the support vehicles. Bring a backpack for essentials such as extra layers, water, a camera, and anything else you want to keep with you.

    Our accommodations offer buffet-style dinners and hearty breakfasts. When planning the menus, we strive to showcase traditional culinary specialties from each region. Lunch should be arranged individually during the journey, and we will provide recommendations on the daily maps.

    The entry package includes recovery for non-operational vehicles, meaning towing to the next rally accommodation and transportation for participants. If the vehicle is beyond repair, we will help arrange transport home for both the vehicle and its occupants, but the cost will be the participant’s responsibility.

    All participants must have valid travel insurance for the countries covered during the rally. Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you find the best option for you.