The first stage takes you along the Tauern Cycle Path along the Salzach River via Hallein and Golling to the Lueg Pass, where an inn invites you to rest. Near the mighty Hohenwerfen Fortress, a detour to the impressive Ice Caves is worthwhile. Afterwards, the tour continues to Bischofshofen or St. Johann im Pongau.

Alpe Adria Cycle Path Burg Hohenwerfen (c)SalzburgerLand TomSon

Passing Schwarzach, you cycle along the Salzach River until you reach the turnoff into the Gastein Valley. After a climb, you reach Dorfgastein and then the renowned spa town of Bad Gastein. There, you board the train and comfortably cross the Tauern Mountains. Arriving in Mallnitz in Carinthia's Hohe Tauern National Park, you cycle from the train station to your accommodation. Enjoy breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains.

Gastein waterfall, © Salzburger Land Tourismus

You'll cycle briskly downhill through the magnificent mountains of the Southern Tauern to Obervellach. The Mölltal Cycle Path continues downstream to your destination for today, Sachsenburg or Spittal an der Drau.

Porcia Castle Spittal/Drau (c) Photo Auer

Today, you'll cycle along the Drau Cycle Path, mostly close to the river, until you reach Villach. Stop in Spittal an der Drau to visit Porcia Castle, considered Austria's most beautiful Renaissance castle. Continue on to Villach, a city with a southern flair.

Panorama of Villach city centre (c) Region Villach Tourism, Michael Stabentheiner

Cycling along the Gail you will soon say goodbye to Austria and say hello to Bella Italia. The border town of Tarvisio (Tarvisio) is located in the border triangle between Italy, Austria and Slovenia and forms the center of the Canal Valley. Enjoy Friulian specialties in one of the numerous restaurants in the popular winter sports resort.

Seafood spaghetti, (c) Unsplash

The magnificent Alpe-Adria Cycle Route now runs along abandoned railway lines through the beautiful Friulian Alps, with their intact, untouched nature and extensive forests. Discover the picturesque old towns of Venzone and Gemona del Friuli, both of which were completely destroyed in an earthquake and lovingly rebuilt.

Alpe-Adria cycle path on former railway lines (c) Kärnten Radreisen

The landscape softens as you cycle into the picturesque city of Udine. The old town, characterized by Venetian influences, exudes tranquility and tranquility. While enjoying a coffee in the piazza or strolling through the city center, you can admire important late Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

Castle of Udine (c) Adobe Stock

Often accompanied by a breeze from the Scirocco, you cycle past ship landscapes and water canals and reach the historic fishing town of Grado, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, via the unique, star-shaped town of Palmanova and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aquileia.

Ciclovia Alpe Adria in Aquileia (c) Nicola Brollo

Today you have a choice: you can take a detailed tour of Aquileia, following the footsteps of the ancient Romans, or enjoy a relaxing day by the sea, lounging on Grado's kilometer-long beach. Alternatively, you can explore the beautiful, protected lagoon landscape by bike.

At the finish: The fishing port of Grado (c) Ciclovia Alpe Adria, Nicola Brollo

Individual return journey, extension or booked return transfer.

Sunset on the beach of Grado © Adobe Stock