The Kalafat Trail: Local Kilometres on a European Long-Distance Path

European Mobility Week in Niš came to a close on the mountain. At the Dabilo picnic area on Kalafat, Europe House Niš and Running Club Niš officially marked the opening of a cleared and marked trail route intended for runners, walkers and recreational users of all ages and fitness levels.

The trail has been laid out along two routes, roughly 20 kilometres and under 6 kilometres long, which have been cleared and marked with signposts and trail markings at key junctions. Information boards have also been set up at the start and along the route, giving details on direction of travel, distance, elevation, and the approximate time needed to complete the trail.

“The trail is meant for everyone, recreational users and beginners, but also for active athletes and runners looking for a slightly more serious challenge. People can come and just take a walk, and at the picnic area they can also see an information board with clear directions, elevation, and the approximate time needed to complete the trail,” said Filip Jovanović, president of Running Club Niš.

The trail’s opening was marked with a recreational training race. According to participants’ impressions, the shorter route is dynamic enough for competitors who prefer shorter, faster sections, but is also suitable for recreational users and beginners who want to gradually build more movement into their free time.

From a local trail to the European walking network

Part of the route follows the Niš Transversal, a roughly 130-kilometre circular hiking route that connects Seličevica, Suva Planina, the Svrljig Mountains and Kalafat. The section from Kalafat toward the Niš Fortress is also part of the European long-distance path E7, one of the continental hiking corridors.

“One part of the trail runs along the Niš Transversal and is connected to the European E7 corridor, which is a significant part of the story and further connects Niš to the European network of hiking paths,” Jovanović added.

It is precisely this connection that gives the trail added value: a local recreational opportunity becomes part of a wider network of hiking paths linking different parts of Europe.

The trail remains for residents after the campaign ends

For Europe House Niš, it is especially important that the trail represents a concrete, long-term result of European Mobility Week and remains available to residents even after the campaign ends.

“Mobility for all doesn’t just mean being able to get from one place to another, it also means having accessible spaces and facilities for active movement and time spent in nature. This trail remains available to residents even after European Mobility Week, for running, walking, recreation and new experiences in nature,” said Danijela Vučić, manager of Europe House Niš.

The trail’s opening also marks the start of a wider plan by Running Club Niš to develop trail running in southern Serbia. The first trail race on this route is planned for October 18, while several more races are planned during 2027 as part of the South Trail Series, across southern Serbia and the area around Niš.

This year’s European Mobility Week, under the slogan “Mobility for All”, thus brought together cycling, sport, walking and trail running in nature in Niš, offering residents concrete opportunities for more active and sustainable movement, from activities for children and families to permanent outdoor infrastructure.