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 rest. At the mighty Hohenwerfen Fortress, it is worth taking a detour to the impressive Eisriesenwelt (allow approx. 4 hours). Then it goes on to Bischofshofen or St. Johann im Pongau.

Tauern Cycle Path Saalfelden, © Salzburger Land Tourismus

You cycle past Schwarzach along the Salzach to the turnoff into the Gastein Valley. After a climb you reach Dorfgastein and after another strenuous climb you reach the well-known spa town of Bad Gastein. There you board the train and cross the Alps in comfort. Arrived in Mallnitz in Carinthia you cycle from the train station to your accommodation. Enjoy breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains.

Gastein waterfall, © Salzburger Land Tourismus

In a brisk ride you cycle downhill through the beautiful mountains of the southern Tauern to Obervellach where you can visit the impressive Groppenstein Gorge. You continue on the Mölltalradweg, always downstream, to your destination today - Sachsenburg or Spittal an der Drau, where you reach the Drauradweg.

Excellent signage on the Drauradweg (R1), © Municipality of Sachsenburg

Today you cycle along the Drau Cycle Path to Villach. Visit Porcia Castle in Spittal an der Drau, which is considered the most beautiful Renaissance building in Austria. It usually continues along the riverbank to Villach, the city with southern flair.

Porcia Castle in Spittal / Drau, © Foto Auer

Following the river Gail, you will soon say goodbye to Austria and hello to Italy. The Kanaltal extends in the border triangle of Italy, Austria and Slovenia, with the Italian winter sports resort of Tarvis as its centre. This is where the three major European language families and cultural areas – Germanic, Romanic and Slavic – meet directly.

Seafood spaghetti, © Unsplash

Today, the Alpe-Adria cycle path leads along abandoned railway lines through the beautiful Friulian Alps with intact, untouched nature and extensive forests. The best way to discover Venzone with its eventful history is to take a stroll through the old town, which is well worth seeing.

On abandoned railway lines through the Canal Valley

The landscape becomes gentler and you cycle via Gemona del Friuli to the lovely town of Udine. The old town, characterized by Venetian influences, radiates calm and prudence. You can admire important late Gothic and Renaissance buildings over a coffee in the “Piazza” or while strolling through the city centre.

Castle of Udine (c) Adobe Stock

Accompanied by a breeze from the Scirocco, you glide past reed landscapes and water channels and via the former Roman city of Aquileia you reach the historic fishing town of Grado, one of the most popular bathing resorts on the Adriatic.

Alpe Adria cycle path in Grado, © Aquileia_ph_Gianluca_Baronchelli

You have the choice today: a cultural day in the footsteps of the Romans in Aquileia, the "second Rome", is a good idea. Or you can enjoy a relaxing day by the sea, which you can spend in a deckchair on the kilometer-long beach of the Grado Lagoon. (2nd night in Grado)

Aquileia, ©Archivio-PromoTurismoFVG_Gianluca_Baronchelli

Booked return transfer to Salzburg or Villach, individual extension or journey home.

View of the sea in Grado