Alpe-Adria cycle route | Rueckenwind Cycle Tours

The Mountain Environment as a Habitat and Its Formation

This mountain environment is often home to animals and plants found nowhere else. This is due to the harsher living conditions. Winters are longer and harsher, and the higher you go in the mountains, the lower the temperatures become. These areas are, of course, particularly popular with skiers and hikers, but there are also mountain landscapes that are well-suited for exploring by bike.

The Alpe-Adria Cycle Route

Many cyclists dream of "cycling across the Alps." On the "Alpe-Adria Cycle Route," this dream not only comes true, but it’s also a delight for everyone. Steep climbs can be shortened by taking the train, and with our comprehensive "service package," you won’t have to worry about a thing. We’ll transport your luggage from place to place, and you’ll cycle through the Alpine scenery with a light load.

We offer a wide variety of options. Cycle from Salzburg to Grado in 10 days, or from Villach to Grado in 6 days. Or, if you’re looking for an even more comfortable option, you can book our “Alpe-Adria - centre based tour.” Starting in Villach, you’ll explore the surrounding area, staying at the beautiful 4-star Hotel Voco.

View of Grado marina from the water showing colorful buildings, moored sailboats and yachts under a blue sky with white clouds.

Harbor in Grado with numerous sailboats and yachts moored in calm blue water, surrounded by colorful Mediterranean buildings under a bright sky.

Cyclist with helmet and panniers on red bike beside wooden railing along river with forested mountains and blue sky in background.

Level

You’ll cycle along well-maintained bike paths and quiet side roads. The Alpe-Adria Cycle Route follows sections of the Tauern, Glockner, and Drau Cycle Routes. And via the “Via Julia Augusta,” you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride through Aquileia to Grado.

This Alpine crossing is also suitable for recreational cyclists in good physical condition. The climb to the main Alpine ridge is divided into two stages and can also be covered by train. The section over the Lueg Pass and the leg to Ugovizza can also be shortened by taking the train, if desired.

If you're unsure whether you can handle this bike trail, we'd be happy to recommend our electric bikes. This is your well-deserved time off, so to enjoy a relaxing and restful vacation, book the rental bike that best suits your needs.

Red bicycle parked at wooden railing overlooking lush green Alpine valley with church tower visible among forested hills under cloudy sky.

From Mozart's hometown to the Mediterranean

The Alpe-Adria Cycle Route is still quite new; it was only established in 2011. But it has been hugely popular right from the start! And it’s no wonder, since the countless sights along the way never cease to amaze. The first highlight is Salzburg, the city of Mozart.

Salzburg

Experience this unique city. Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mozart museums, Getreidegasse, and Hellbrunn are among Salzburg’s most popular attractions. Or simply let yourself wander through the beautiful Old Town or along the Salzach River. You’ll also find plenty of culinary highlights to enjoy. Salzburg is always worth a visit, whether as the starting point of a cycling tour or during the winter Advent season.

Two cyclists with touring bikes and panniers riding through a green meadow on the Alpe Adria cycle path with Alpine mountains in background.

From Salzburg to Villach

7 Days

Panoramic view of Salzburg with baroque cathedral and green copper domes in foreground, surrounded by Alpine mountains under blue sky.

Alpe-Adria bike path | Salzburg-Grado

10 Days

Find further tour from Salzburg

Along the Salzach

First, follow the Salzach upstream through Hallein to Golling. In Hallein, you can explore the world’s oldest salt mine. Then comes a short climb up to the Lueg Pass. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Tennengebirge mountains. In the Salzach Gorge, rock faces over 1,000 meters high tower above you. You’ll cycle to Golling before passing through the Möll Valley.

Mölltal (valley)

The Mölltal is a valley in Carinthia, Austria; its name comes from the Möll River, which flows through the valley. Here, a challenging climb to Oberunterberg awaits you—it’s no walk in the park, but it’s well worth the effort. You can shorten this stage by taking the train, thereby skipping the climb.

Stone bridge crossing turquoise river in Alpine valley with traditional buildings and dramatic mountain peaks under blue sky with white clouds.

Spittal

In the sunny south of Austria, you’ll soon reach the Drau River and cycle through idyllic villages and breathtaking scenery all the way to Spittal. The centerpiece of the old town is the Renaissance Porcia Castle and the city park.

Villach and Venzone

Surrounded by majestic mountains, the route winds through the Carinthian Alps and, past Villach, continues on to Italy. Another strenuous climb follows, though you can once again take the train to bypass it. Here, diverse cultures and a wide variety of cuisines come together.

Udine and Grado

At the foothills of the Julian Alps, the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route winds through small historic towns, beautiful vineyards, and stunning natural scenery, with the mountain ranges accompanying you in the distance. As you continue on your way toward the Mediterranean, be sure to visit the Venetian-style buildings and traditional wine taverns. Soon, the salty scent of the sea will waft toward you—a sign that you’ll soon reach your destination: the Mediterranean.