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Son and father on beautiful asphalted cycle paths with mountain panorama in the background

Alpe Adria Cycle Path I for families, Salzburg – Villach

From Salzburg to Villach

8 Days / 7 Nights
Challenging
219  kg
CO₂-Emissions get compensated
Son and father on beautiful asphalted cycle paths with mountain panorama in the background

Cycle with your family the first section of the well-known and extremely popular Alpe-Adria-Cycle path from Salzburg to Villach. Starting in the city of Mozart, this varied cycle holiday takes you through the lovely Salzach valley, the wild-romantic Gastein valley and the idyllic Drau valley to Villach. Your constant companions, rugged mountain peaks, rushing rivers, roaring waterfalls and deep gorges. And as a reward, the delicious sweet treat ‚Salzburger Nockerl‘ and the Carinthian dish of ‚Kasnudeln‘ await you and your children. So, what are you waiting for? On this tour, young and old get their money’s worth!

Follow the well-developed cycle path from Salzburg to Carinthia with the entire family and discover unique natural and cultural highlights. On this tour you cover a total of 175 kilometres on your bike, whereby the most demanding stretch between St. Johann and the Gastein valley, for instance, is bridged by train. After all, this family cycle holiday should mostly be about fun and enjoyment. 

  • Salzburg: An absolute highlight awaits you already on your day of arrival, the Mozart city of Salzburg. Historical buildings such as the cathedral or the fortress as well as family-friendly museums can be admired and visited there.
  • Celtic Museum Hallein: Meet the ancient Celts, experience prehistory and feel the history of the city in the world-famous Celtic Museum in Hallein. Thanks to the numerous and exciting exhibitions, there is defintely something for everyone.
  • Golling- and Gastein Waterfalls: The roaring waterfalls in Golling and Gastein also play a major role on this holiday. While the Golling waterfall is located in a piece of forest in the municipality of the same name, in Gastein it flows through the middle of the village and is therefore also considered a landmark.
  • ‚Salzachöfen‘: The gorge-like breakthrough of the river Salzach through the Northern Limestone Alps located between the Hagengebirge- and Tennengebirge mountain chains will amaze the whole family. That is why the ‚Salzachöfen‘ are protected in sections as a natural monument.

In 8 days you cycle along the beautiful Austrian part of the Alpe-Adria cycle path. This section is perfect for families with children as it is an easy and gently undulating route without any strenuous ascents. Therefore, this tour is easy to manage for both adults and children.

Itinerary at a glance

There is much to see along the Alpe-Adria-Cycle Path, from the Golling and Gastein waterfalls to the rushing rivers and the Salzachöfen. In the Hallein Celtic Museum, you can actively immerse yourself in the history of the region.

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways invite you to a stroll and lovely cafés to sample genuine Austrian sweet treats and cakes.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

You leisurely leave Salzburg and cycle through the Salzach river pastures providing shade with the river Salzach as your companion. You are headed for Hallein, a former Celtic town which prospered due to the mining of salt. The main sight is without doubt the world-renowned Celtic museum. Past the Golling waterfall your same-named Day Finish is reached very quickly. Shaped by its pretty market square and the castle dating back to the 13th century. A possible excursion leads you into the stunning Bluntau-valley.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

From Golling you cycle up to the top of Pass Lueg, enjoy the view onto the marvellous distinct Tennengebirge-mountain range. Closer and closer the mountain now moves towards the river Salzach and the roaring noise of the water becomes ever louder. You cycle past the so-called "Salzachöfen", an impressive gorge carved out by the river Salzach. After Werfen with its towering castle you have soon reached St. Johann. From Golling to Werfen the route via Pass Lueg can be bypassed by train (autonomously, approx. 15 km less).

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

Today the river Salzach still accompanies you until Schwarzach, you continue by train into the wild-romantic Gastein-valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle into the famous spa- and winter sport resort Bad Gastein situated at the foot of the Hohen Tauern mountains, offering a multitude of natural and architectural sights. Landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the middle of the resort.

Hotel (example): Salzburger Hof

During this short stage you can really enjoy the surrounding mountain world once more. From Bad Gastein it is only a stone’s throw to Böckstein, where the train takes you through the Tauern-lock to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz in only 10 minutes. Back on your bike you enjoy the long descent to your hotel in the Mölltal-valley.

Hotel (example): Landhotel Pacher

Initially today you cycle along the river Möll through impressive alpine mountain sceneries. The town of Möllbrücke is the start of the Drautal-valley and hence Austria’s sunny South. Leisurely you now cycle the final few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. This town was already an important transport hub for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and owed its prosperity to them in parts.

Hotel (example): Erlebnis Post - Hotel mit EigenART

Nearly effortlessly you now gently proceed slightly downhill along the river Drau. Halfway we recommend a little break in the little market town of Paternion. Then one final time pedalling hard and you have reached Villach in no time, with its charming historic centre oozing a Southern flair.

Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach

Day
08
Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

There is much to see along the Alpe-Adria-Cycle Path, from the Golling and Gastein waterfalls to the rushing rivers and the Salzachöfen. In the Hallein Celtic Museum, you can actively immerse yourself in the history of the region.

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways invite you to a stroll and lovely cafés to sample genuine Austrian sweet treats and cakes.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

You leisurely leave Salzburg and cycle through the Salzach river pastures providing shade with the river Salzach as your companion. You are headed for Hallein, a former Celtic town which prospered due to the mining of salt. The main sight is without doubt the world-renowned Celtic museum. Past the Golling waterfall your same-named Day Finish is reached very quickly. Shaped by its pretty market square and the castle dating back to the 13th century. A possible excursion leads you into the stunning Bluntau-valley.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

From Golling you cycle up to the top of Pass Lueg, enjoy the view onto the marvellous distinct Tennengebirge-mountain range. Closer and closer the mountain now moves towards the river Salzach and the roaring noise of the water becomes ever louder. You cycle past the so-called "Salzachöfen", an impressive gorge carved out by the river Salzach. After Werfen with its towering castle you have soon reached St. Johann. From Golling to Werfen the route via Pass Lueg can be bypassed by train (autonomously, approx. 15 km less).

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

Today the river Salzach still accompanies you until Schwarzach, you continue by train into the wild-romantic Gastein-valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle into the famous spa- and winter sport resort Bad Gastein situated at the foot of the Hohen Tauern mountains, offering a multitude of natural and architectural sights. Landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the middle of the resort.

Hotel (example): Mondi Hotel Bellevue

During this short stage you can really enjoy the surrounding mountain world once more. From Bad Gastein it is only a stone’s throw to Böckstein, where the train takes you through the Tauern-lock to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz in only 10 minutes. Back on your bike you enjoy the long descent to your hotel in the Mölltal-valley.

Hotel (example): Landhotel Pacher

Initially today you cycle along the river Möll through impressive alpine mountain sceneries. The town of Möllbrücke is the start of the Drautal-valley and hence Austria’s sunny South. Leisurely you now cycle the final few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. This town was already an important transport hub for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and owed its prosperity to them in parts.

Hotel (example): Hotel Ertl

Nearly effortlessly you now gently proceed slightly downhill along the river Drau. Halfway we recommend a little break in the little market town of Paternion. Then one final time pedalling strong and you have reached Villach in no time, with its charming historic centre oozing a Southern flair.

Hotel (example): Seestuben Villach

Day
08
Departure or extension

Route Information

Challenging

You mostly cycle on well-designed cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections also lead you on roads with heavier traffic (which are in parts bridgeable) or on dirt paths. Overall the terrain is gently hilly, whereas the most challenging part between St. Johann and the Gastein-valley is bypassed by train.

Difficulty Level

Challenging

You mostly cycle on well-designed cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections also lead you on roads with heavier traffic or on dirt paths.  The cycling stages are between 20 and 40 km long, the topography ranges from flat to hilly, with the most challenging section between St. Johann and the Gastein Valley being bridged by train. For children we recommend a good basic level of fitness and good cycling skills (including safety in traffic).

Prices & Dates

* Child prices valid if they are staying in same room as 2 full price adults. Charges for children under 6 (for example Child bed) to be paid for at the time.

Prices per person in EUR

Sustainably on the go

Offsetting your carbon footprint

219 kg
CO₂-Emissions get compensated
The total value of all emissions per travel and per person is carefully tracked using the CO2 calculator 'Carmacal,' which was specifically developed for tour operators. The individual components that make up this value are shown in the diagram. The overall impact is contributed to by accommodations, luggage transport, on-site catering, and activities, and it is fully offset through our climate protection projects.
Accommodation (57%)
Catering (15%)
Transport (28%)
100%

Our Rental bikes

Eurobike Men's Rental Bike with 21 gears
Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Eurobike unisex rental bike with 21 gears
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Eurobike unisex rental bike with 7 gears
Unisex bike 7-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Body size approx. 155 cm - 190 cm

46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Eurobike e-bike rental from KTM
Unisex Electro bike 8-speed
Hub gears

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm

46 cm "xs" |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Eurobike Rental Bike PLUS
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

46 cm |
50 cm |
51 cm |
55 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm
Eurobike children's rental bike 24"
Children's bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality children's bike whose number of gears is determined by the size of the bike

Body size approx. 115 cm - 150 cm

20 inch |
24 inch |
26 inch
Eurobike Follow-Me
Follow-Me
Children's bike + Follow-Me

For children who are already able to ride the bike on their own, but would also like to be pulled along the route by their parents, we offer a Follow-Me always in combination with an Eurobike 20 inch children's bike (body size approx. 115 cm - 150 cm) and a rental bike for the parents.

Our Rental bikes

Eurobike Men's Rental Bike with 21 gears
Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Eurobike unisex rental bike with 21 gears
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Eurobike e-bike rental from KTM
Unisex Electro bike 8-speed
Hub gears

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm

46 cm "xs" |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Eurobike Rental Bike PLUS
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

46 cm |
50 cm |
51 cm |
55 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm
Eurobike children's rental bike 24"
Children's bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality children's bike whose number of gears is determined by the size of the bike

Body size approx. 115 cm - 150 cm

20 inch |
24 inch |
26 inch
Eurobike Follow-Me
Follow-Me
Children's bike + Follow-Me

For children who are already able to ride the bike on their own, but would also like to be pulled along the route by their parents, we offer a Follow-Me always in combination with an Eurobike 20 inch children's bike (body size approx. 115 cm - 150 cm) and a rental bike for the parents.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3*** and 4**** hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • 1 train ride Schwarzach – Gasteiner Tal incl. your bike
  • 1 train ride Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer by minibus to Salzburg every Saturday morning, costs EUR 105/person, for your own bike additionally EUR 39, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Parking, cost approx. EUR 10-20/day, to be paid for at the time, no reservation possible/necessary!
  • Public underground car park, cost approx. EUR 95/week
  • Good train connections from Villach to Salzburg
  • Tunnel construction sites on the Tauernautobahn: Several tunnels are currently being renovated along the main traffic route via the Tauernautobahn, which can cause serious delays of up to three hours during peak travel times. Please take this into account when planning your return journey. Booked return transfers may also be affected by this. It is also possible to travel by public transport from Villach. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3*** and 4**** hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • 1 train ride Schwarzach – Gasteiner Tal incl. your bike
  • 1 train ride Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer by minibus to Salzburg every Saturday morning, costs EUR 105 per person, for your own bike additionally EUR 39, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

 

Details

  • Due to construction work, the Tauernschleuse is expected to be out of service until 04.07.2025. The itinerary will be adapted during this period. You will be taken to Spittal by transfer and spend two nights there with the option of an excursion into the Drau Valley.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Hotel parking, costs approx. EUR 12 to EUR 25 per day
  • Public parking garage, costs approx. EUR 80 to EUR 115 per week
  • Good train connections from Villach to Salzburg
  • Tunnel construction sites on the Tauernautobahn: Several tunnels are currently being renovated along the main traffic route via the Tauernautobahn, which can cause serious delays of up to three hours during peak travel times. Please take this into account when planning your return journey. Booked return transfers may also be affected by this. It is also possible to travel by public transport from Villach. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Stefanie Rudinger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Stefanie Kastenauer
Travel Specialist
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Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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