The Trans Euro Trail (TET) is a vast network of trails stretching over 100,000 km and crossing more than 30 European countries, from the tip of Africa to the Arctic Circle.

The TET is a colossal project, driven by the community and a passion for discovering Europe in a way most tourists don’t even dream of.

The TET Philosophy: Travel Light and Far

Inspired by the legendary Trans America Trail (TAT), the TET was founded by John Ross and is run by a network of passionate volunteers known as Linesmen.

• The Main Goal: To create a continuous route that is as off-road as possible and free for the community. The philosophy isto travel light and avoid paved roads as much as possible, opting instead for back roads, dirt roads, and trails.
• The Target Audience: The TET is suitable for any traditional dual-sport motorcycle. Although it’s popular among big-trail riders, the TET’s philosophy suggests that a lighter, easier-to-lift motorcycle will be your best friend, given the sometimes technical and remote nature of the trails.
• Volunteering: The track is maintained and updated by the Linesmen, who use feedback from the community to ensure that the tracks are suitable for motorcycles and are in good condition.

🗺️ The Giant Map: From Morocco to Scandinavia

The TET is not a single route, but a complex network that unfolds along two major interconnected branches, covering virtually all of continental Europe and its islands.

• Western Branch: This section crosses the Iberian Peninsula and connects to France, Switzerland, and Germany, continuing on toward Scandinavia (Sweden and Norway).
• Eastern Branch: This section runs through the Baltic States, Finland, Poland, Romania (with its impressive Carpathian Mountains), the Balkans (Serbia, Albania), Greece, and Italy.
• Unique Advantage: The TET is the only way to travel through more than 30 European countries almost exclusively on dirt roads, offering an unparalleled depth of cultural and geographic exploration.

⚠️ Planning and Code of Conduct

The vast and remote nature of the TET calls for rigorous planning and a commitment to the environment and local communities.

• Free Access: GPX files are available for free on the official website, but they should be downloaded shortly before the trip, as they are frequently updated by the Linesmen due to road closures or legal changes.
• Logistics Note: Isolation means that access to fuel, food, and lodging may be limited in certain sections. It is crucial to have sufficient range and the ability to be self-sufficient.
• Code of Conduct: TET enforces a strict code of conduct that all motorcyclists must follow:
  • Respect for the Trails: Do not damage the terrain, avoid using the trails when they are very muddy or waterlogged (to prevent erosion), and do not hike in large groups (six or fewer is ideal).
  • Respect for the Community: Ride quietly, respect private property, and support small local businesses.
  • Respect for the Law: Respect the legal status of the trails and seasonal restrictions (especially in Portugal, due to the risk of wildfires in the summer).

The Trans Euro Trail is, ultimately, a guided-free adventure, where the freedom to explore and the personal challenge are the main rewards.

Trans Euro Trail website

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