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.

Tauern Cycle Path Saalfelden, © Salzburger Land Tourismus

Passing Schwarzach, you branch off into the Gastein Valley, where continuous ascents (440 meters in altitude) have to be mastered. Treat yourself to a long break in Bad Gastein and visit the well-known spa town before you board the train and cross the Alps in comfort. Arrived in Mallnitz in the Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains.

Gastein Waterfall (c) Salzburger Land Tourismus

In a brisk ride you cycle through the beautiful mountains of the southern Tauern downhill to Obervellach and further downstream on the Glockner cycle path to the Drau cycle path. Make a stopover in Spittal/Drau and admire the Renaissance Porcia Castle. Along the natural river bank, the Drau Cycle Path takes you comfortably to Villach with its charming old town.

Porcia Castle in Spittal/Drau (c) Photo Auer

Following the Gail River, leave Villach behind and greet Bella Italia in the border town of Tarvisio. After your first original Italian cappuccino, a wonderful section of the route awaits. The Alpe-Adria cycle path now leads on an abandoned railway line through the beautiful Friulian Alps with untouched nature and extensive forests. If you want, you can shorten part of the route by taking the train (ticket not included) to Ugovizza.

Seafood Spaghetti (c) Unsplash

From now on, the landscape becomes gentler and increasingly characterized by wine and vegetable cultivation. The city of Udine, shaped by Venetian influences, radiates calm and prudence. You can admire important late Gothic and Renaissance buildings over a coffee in the "Piazza" or during a walk through the city centre.

Main Square Udine (c) Pixabay

Accompanied by the breeze of the Scirocco, you glide past reed landscapes and water canals and reach the former Roman city and now UNCESCO World Heritage Site of Aquileia. After a sightseeing stop, you will soon reach the historic fishing town of Grado, where you can take a dip in the Adriatic and relax on the miles of sandy beaches.

Alpe Adria cycle path in Grado (c) Aquileia_ph_Gianluca_Baronchelli

Individual extension, journey home or booked return transfer to Villach or Salzburg.

Degree