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View of the Carnic Alps

Alpe Adria Cycle Path sporty, Salzburg – Grado

On the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path from the Festival City to the Adriatic Sea

6 Days / 5 Nights
Athletic
182  kg
CO₂-Emissions get compensated
View of the Carnic Alps

From the Alps to the sea! An outstanding mixture of the impressive Alpine region of Austria and the southern flair of Italy. Cycle with us towards the south and experience impressive landscapes, cultural gems, ancient customs and hearty cuisine. When you arrive at the sea, you will agree: an outstanding bike to tour!

You cycle actively towards the south, covering nearly 400 kilometers over four days of cycling. Starting from Salzburg, you first pass through the Gastein Valley. At your first overnight stop in Bad Gastein, you're already at the beginning of the High Tauern mountain range. Listen to the roar of the Gastein Waterfall before the second stage takes you through the Möll Valley and Spittal an der Drau to Villach.

After a short stretch, the following day you cross the Italian border and continue your journey through the picturesque Kanaltal. Mediterranean charm awaits at every corner during the final stage, whether it's on the Piazza in Udine, in the streets of Aquileia, or on the beach in Grado. A dip in the Mediterranean Sea is well-deserved after this tour!

  • The Mozart City of Salzburg: Allow yourself time to thoroughly explore the historic town, where each attraction seamlessly leads to the next. Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, pay a visit to the seventeenth-century Baroque Cathedral, and stroll through the Getreidegasse, known for its unique passageways.
  • The picturesque valleys: The stunning panoramas of this tour are not only defined by the impressive mountain peaks of the Alps. In between, you'll discover the valleys, each possessing its own distinct scenic charm. On the Austrian route, you'll explore the Gastein Valley, while on the Italian side, the Kanaltal awaits.
  • Mediterranean flair in Friuli Venezia Giulia: The distinctive atmosphere of Grado, your final destination, is a result of the city's rich history, the enjoyment of beachside relaxation, and the serene lagoon that surrounds it. Additionally, the region has a proud tradition of winemaking – indulge in the delightful wines while savoring a plate of antipasti or freshly caught fish.

Given that the daily cycling stages between Salzburg and Grado span roughly 90 to 100 kilometers, both strength and endurance are crucial. The travel package includes a train journey through the Möll Valley, enabling you to bypass the most demanding section. Apart from that, the initial segments are characterized by hills, gradually giving way to flatter terrain as you head south. The lasting memory of your journey to Grado will be the unforgettable final stretch, where the road is flanked by the sea on both sides, creating the sensation of crossing a bridge – savor the breathtaking view of the sparkling water and the Mediterranean cityscape.

The Alpe-Adria-Cycle Path is one of the most beautiful routes in Central Europe, thanks in part to its excellent route design and top-notch signage.

Itinerary at a glance

Stroll through the alleys of Salzburg before approaching Italy through the Gastein Valley and picturesque Villach. The panoramas in Friuli are also impressive before you explore the fishing town of Grado.

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and languorous cafés entice you to sample genuine Austrian café-specialities. You live and breath culture and history literally with every step you take.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

Get out of Salzburg and head south. Past the rushing waterfall, you will pass Golling and continue on the well-maintained bike path to St. Johann. Shortly after Schwarzach, you say goodbye to the Salzach, from now on the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein, you cycle to the well-known spa and winter sports resort Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern. The landmark is the Gastein Waterfall in the middle of town, which has been the inspiration for many painters and poets.

Hotel (example): Hotel Elisabethpark

In the morning, it is only a stone's throw to Böckstein, from where a train of the Tauernschleuse takes you to the other side of the Alps, to Mallnitz, in only 10 minutes. First, you cycle along the river Möll until you reach the Drau valley. Here, the sunny south of Austria begins. You cycle leisurely on to Spittal an der Drau, an important traffic junction for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Now, pedal a few more times and you've reached Villach, whose heart is the charming old town with its southern flair and the cozy pubs and restaurants.

Hotel (example): Hotel Voco

At first, it's still along a stretch of the Drau. But soon, the bike path leads you along the Gail River in the direction of Italy. "Servus Austria - Ciao Italia" is the motto at the border in Tarvis. Also, in Italy, the cycle path is well developed and so you cycle comfortably downhill. Through the Val Canale-valley you can admire the beauties of the Friulian Alpine region. The place to stay is one of the pretty villages on the foothills of the Julian Alps.

Hotel (example): Hotel Pittis

On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the bike route. Once in the city, feel the "dolce vita" with a coffee in the "piazza". You will ride through wide landscapes of reeds and along small water canals in the direction of the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called "Second Rome," you should plan a stop in any case, before you reach your destination for the trip. The historic fishing town of Grado, known to inspire not only by the extensive sandy beach.

Hotel (example): Hotel Rialto

Day
06
Departure or Extension

Itinerary at a glance

Stroll through the alleys of Salzburg before approaching Italy through the Gastein Valley and picturesque Villach. The panoramas in Friuli are also impressive before you explore the fishing town of Grado.

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and languorous cafés entice you to sample genuine Austrian café-specialities. You live and breath culture and history literally with every step you take.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

Get out of Salzburg and head south. Past the rushing waterfall, you will pass Golling and continue on the well-maintained bike path to St. Johann. Shortly after Schwarzach, you say goodbye to the Salzach, from now on the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein, you cycle to the well-known spa and winter sports resort Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern. The landmark is the Gastein Waterfall in the middle of town, which has been the inspiration for many painters and poets.

Hotel (example): Hotel Elisabethpark

In the morning, it is only a stone's throw to Böckstein, from where a train of the Tauernschleuse takes you to the other side of the Alps, to Mallnitz, in only 10 minutes. First, you cycle along the river Möll until you reach the Drau valley. Here, the sunny south of Austria begins. You cycle leisurely on to Spittal an der Drau, an important traffic junction for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Now, pedal a few more times and you've reached Villach, whose heart is the charming old town with its southern flair and the cozy pubs and restaurants.

Hotel (example): Palais26

At first, it's still along a stretch of the Drau. But soon, the bike path leads you along the Gail River in the direction of Italy. "Servus Austria - Ciao Italia" is the motto at the border in Tarvisio. Also, in Italy, the cycle path is well developed and so you cycle comfortably downhill. Through the Val Canale-valley you can admire the beauties of the Friulian Alpine region. The place to stay is one of the pretty villages on the foothills of the Julian Alps.

Hotel (example): Hotel Pittini

On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the bike route. Once in the city, feel the "dolce vita" with a coffee in the "piazza". You will ride through wide landscapes of reeds and along small water canals in the direction of the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called "Second Rome," you should plan a stop in any case, before you reach your destination for the trip. The historic fishing town of Grado, known to inspire not only by the extensive sandy beach.

Hotel (example): Hotel Hannover

Day
06
Departure or Extension

Route information

Athletic

You mainly cycle on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections lead you also along roads with heavier traffic or on dirt paths. Overall the route leads you on slightly hilly terrain, the most challenging section between St. Johann and the Gasteiner-valley can also be completed and bypassed by train.

Difficulty Level

Athletic

You cycle mainly on well-maintained cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections also take you on more heavily trafficked roads or unpaved paths. Overall, the route is gently hilly with two longer climbs into the Gastein Valley and to Tarvis.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Sustainably on the go

Offsetting your carbon footprint

182 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 (42%)
Meals (13%)
Transport (45%)
100%

Our rental bikes

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

Our rental bikes

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 Gravelbike
Gravel Bike 20-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Very sporty, roadworthy premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 195 cm

49 cm |
55 cm |
57 cm |
59 cm

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 Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

 

Optional extras

  • Return transfer to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs EUR 175 per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary.
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Hotel car park about EUR 10-20/day, to be paid for at the time, no reservation possible/necessary!
    Public park garage about Eur 95/week
  • The return journey by public transport is only possible with change of transportation
  • 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 Udine. 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 Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs EUR 175 per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary.
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

 

Details

  • Due to construction work, the Tauernschleuse is expected to be out of service until 04.07.2025. During this period, the itinerary will be adapted and you will be transferred from Gastein Valley to Spittal.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Hotel parking spaces, costs approx. EUR 12 to EUR 25 per day
  • Public parking garage, costs approx. EUR 80 to EUR 115 per week
  • The return journey by public transport is only possible with change of transportation
  • 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 Udine. 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 EUR 20 per room.

Travel stories for this tour

Personally on site for you

Stefanie Rudinger

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

Stefanie Kastenauer
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Thursday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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