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

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

Two cyclists with helmets standing on Makartsteg bridge with love locks, overlooking Salzburg's historic old town and castle on the hill.

Panoramic view of Salzburg with baroque cathedral featuring twin green domes in the city center, surrounded by historic buildings and forested mountains.

Itinerary

Individual journey to the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and dreamy cafés invite you to enjoy genuine Austrian coffee specialities. Breathe in culture and history at every turn.

Out of Salzburg and off headed South. You cycle along the formerly wealthy Celtic town due to salt mining. Hallein surprises with a romantic historic town centre including little alleyways, archways and oppulent house fronts. Past the roaring waterfall you pass Golling and continue along the well-developed cycle path onwards to St. Johann. Distinctive – just like twin-peaks – the steeples of the Pongau cathedral rise.

Shortly after Schwarzach, you bid farewell to the river Salzach; from today onwards, the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein Valley. You cycle via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein to the famous spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern-mountain chain, which offers a variety of natural, historical and architectural sights. Towards the well-known landmark, the Gastein waterfall in the centre of the town, which has been the subject of many painters and poets.

In the morning it is only a short distance to Böckstein, where a train takes you in only 10 minutes through the
"Tauernschleuse" to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz. Back on your bike you enjoy the speedy descent into the Möll-valley. You cycle along the river Möll through the impressive alpine landscapes today. The Drautal-valley
starts in the village of Möllbrücke and hence the sunny South of Austria. Leisurely you cycle the final few
kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. Already in the Middle Ages this town has been an important transport
interchange for pilgrims and which in parts helped create its prosperity.

You cycle along the Drau almost by yourself on a gentle downhill stretch. Halfway along, you should take a break in the small market town of Paternion with its churches and castles worth seeing. Pedal hard a few more times and you will reach Villach, the heart of which is the charming old town with its southern flair and cosy pubs and restaurants.

You leave Villach along the river Gail and in a little while you depart from Austria and welcome Italy. In the triangle of Italy, Austria and Slovenia sprawls the canal valley, the Italian city of Tarvis builds the centre of it. Austrians, Slovenians and Italians are living here next to each other since centuries, so all three big European families of languages – Germans, Romans and Slavs – are meeting up here.

The cycle path is also well developed in Italy, so you can cycle comfortably downhill through the Val-Canale valley and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests from the saddle. Your cycle tour ends in one of the picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps. With the train you will go from Gemona further to Udine. When the city is reached you can enjoy the „dolce vita“ with a cafe on a „Piazza“ or stroll through the alleys and admire the buildings of the late Gothic period and the Renaissance.

A warm Scirocco breeze blows around your nose! You cycle through vast reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. You should definitely plan a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‘Second Rome’, before you reach your destination. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, not only has an extensive sandy beach, but also a historic harbour and narrow streets with cosy restaurants that radiates Italian flair.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.

Tour character

Easy to moderate

You cycle mainly on well-maintained cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections are on roads with heavier traffic or unpaved paths. Overall, the route is gently undulating, although the most challenging section between St. Johann and the Gastein Valley can be bridged by train.

Prices & dates

Sustainability with Rückenwind
Your travel package already includes a digital route book – practical, always up to date, and environmentally friendly. If you would prefer a printed copy, simply let us know in advance. After paying a surcharge of € 20,- for a book, you will receive it on site.

Prices per person in EUR

Services & extras

Services

Included

8 nights as listed
Breakfast
Welcome briefing
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
1 train journey Böckstein - Mallnitz incl. bike
1 train journey Gemona - Undine incl. bike
Luggage transfer
Bike hire insurance
7-day service hotline

Excluded

Arrival and departure
parking fees
Spa and local taxes where applicable
transfers
Optional sightseeing
Travel insurance and personal expenses.

Extras

Arrival / parking

Public garage approx. 80,- € to 115,- € / week
Salzburg railway station
Salzburg Airport and by bus to the city center
Departure by bus from Grado to Cervignano and by train to Salzburg, duration approx. 7 hours with 3 changes in Cervignano, Udine and Villach.

Return transfer

Return transfer by minibus to Villach every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs from Grado per person 185,- €; for your own bike applies an additional 45-, € reservation required, payable in advance.

Hotels

Salzburg: Hotel zum Hirschen In the charming Elisabeth-Vorstadt district, Hotel zum Hirschen, Salzburg's oldest family-run boutique hotel, welcomes you with its elegantly renovated historic building from 1500 and modern design. Just a few minutes' walk from the train station and the historic old town, you can enjoy stylishly designed rooms and an idyllic garden for outdoor breakfast.
Website

St. Johann: Hotel Brückenwirt 4**** More than 150 years ago, the Brückenwirt inn in St. Johann im Pongau was founded as a local pub. Your hosts at the Hotel Brückenwirt combine tradition and the future into a harmonious unit that must continue to be nurtured. Particular attention is paid to the hotel's resources. Sustainability and environmental awareness are guiding principles that inspire your hosts anew every day. The deluxe rooms booked for you are furnished according to the latest standards without forgetting the hotel's roots. The swimming pool and sauna provide additional relaxation.
Website

Bad Gastein: Hotel Salzburger Hof 4**** The hotel has been offering traditional hospitality with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains for over 100 years. The spacious spa & wellness area harmonises body and soul. The kitchen team will spoil you with Austrian specialities before you round off the evening in the elegant hotel bar.
Website

Spittal: Stadt-Hotel Ertl 4**** In the heart of Spittal an der Drau, the traditional Hotel
Ertl welcomes you – a stylish retreat with modern elegance. Surrounded by a peaceful garden with a pool, you can enjoy relaxing moments just a few steps from the town centre. The charming rooms offer alpine comfort and invite you to feel at home.
Website

Villach: Hotel Palais26 Located directly on the main square, the hotel first impresses with its magnificent Renaissance façade. The city palace was built around 1500 and has only recently been remodelled into an enchanting boutique hotel. Relax not only in the cosy, modern superior rooms, but also in the small wellness area and the exclusive roof terrace with its magnificent mountain views. You will be spoilt with culinary delights in the Charles restaurant.
Website

Tarvis: Hotel Edelhof 4**** Alpine chic awaits you just a short walk from the centre of Tarvisio. In this family-run hotel, lots of wood and stone have been used to create a particularly cosy atmosphere in keeping with the surroundings. Chef Diego serves seasonal cuisine in the La Stube restaurant. In the modern, small wellness area you can relax in the sauna, whirlpool or Turkish bath.
Website

Udine: Hotel Ambassador Palace 4**** In the heart of the city and just a few steps from the historic centre, the hotel welcomes you with excellent service and elegant rooms. Toast to an eventful day with an aperitif in the American Bar before savouring Italian delicacies in the restaurant.
Website

Grado: Villa Erica 4****

This very charming villa dates back to the 19th century and is located in the centre of Grado. Situated directly on the pedestrian zone, you can walk to the historic centre or the sea in just a few steps. Cool drinks are served in the bar or on the terrace. Here you have a front row seat to watch the colourful hustle and bustle. Accommodation is also available in the beautiful Villa Bernt.
Website

Further information

Further important information in accordance with the "Pauschalreisegesetz" (Package Travel Act) can be found here!