The first stage takes you on the Tauern Cycle Path along the Salzach via Hallein and Golling to the Lueg Pass, where an inn invites you to take a break. In Werfen, passing the mighty Hohenwerfen Fortress, it is worth taking a detour to the fascinating Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world. In St. Johann im Pongau, the roaring Liechtenstein Gorge is impressive.

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Hohenwerfen Castle

Passing Schwarzach, you branch off into the Gastein Valley, where you have to tackle some inclines (440 meters in altitude). Afterwards, treat yourself to an extensive rest and visit the well-known spa town of Bad Gastein before boarding the train in Böckstein and comfortably crossing the Alps. Alternatively, you can use the train from Schwarzach or Bad Hofgastein. When you arrive in Mallnitz in Carinthia, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains.

Kaiserschmarren, © Salzburger Land Tourismus

At a brisk ride you cycle through the wonderful mountains of the southern Tauern downhill to Obervellach and on the Mölltal cycle path further downstream to your today's destination - Mühldorf or Sachsenburg, where you reach the Drau cycle path.

Alpe-Adria cycle path in Mallnitz, © FRANZGERDL-NPH

Today you cycle comfortably on the mostly natural bank on the Drau Cycle Path to your destination Villach, the city with the southern flair. The Teurnia Roman Museum in Lendorf and Porcia Castle in Spittal an der Drau, which is considered the most beautiful Renaissance building in Austria, are worth a stopover.

Porcia Castle in Spittal / Drau, © Foto Auer

Individual journey home or return by train (ticket not included in the price). Possibility of extension to Grado or Trieste (Italy) or Bled (Slovenia).

Villach town hall square, © Michael Stabentheiner