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Cycling Blog
A First-Class Cycling Vacation
Cycling Blog

A First-Class Cycling Vacation

Hop on your bike and roll along scenic, repurposed railway trails straight to your next destination.
Two cyclists on the Ponte di Ferro in the Canal Valley

Cycling along abandoned railway trails offers a truly enchanting experience for every rider. Where trains once traveled through the countryside, serene bike paths now meander with gentle slopes, sweeping curves, and wide, welcoming tracks. Many of these routes follow embankments and bridges, revealing breathtaking views that stir the soul.

These trails connect quaint towns, wind through picturesque valleys, and thread through peaceful forests—where echoes of industrial history meet moments of quiet reflection and gentle escape.

Join us on a leisurely cycling holiday through Austria, Italy, and Spain, as we guide you along the most beautiful and captivating routes carved from these former railway lines.

Two cyclists on the Ponte di Ferro in the Canal Valley

What Exactly is Railway Trail Cycling?

The 19th century ushered in the dawn of the railway era across Europe, and this revolutionary mode of transport quickly gained momentum. Rail networks expanded rapidly from country to country. In Austria, the first locomotive-powered railway line—the Emperor Ferdinand Northern Railway—opened in 1837. On this 13 km stretch between Floridsdorf and Deutsch-Wagram, trains ran for the very first time. Before long, the line extended to Northern Moravia and Austrian Silesia. Over the years that followed, the rail network steadily grew—not only in Austria but throughout the region.

With the rise of individual car travel, railways gradually lost their importance, and infrastructure operators began scaling back the rail network. This turned out to be great news for cyclists, as it gave birth to the unique opportunity of railway trail cycling. The inclines along these trails remain gentle, since trains historically couldn’t handle steep climbs—much to the delight of both experienced and young riders alike. Nothing breaks the smooth rhythm of pedaling along wide paths with their graceful, sweeping curves.

Beyond their practical advantages, these abandoned railway trails possess a special charm. You’ll glide along embankments, cross bridges and viaducts, and pass through tunnels. Many old stations have found new life as cozy restaurants or cafés, warmly welcoming hungry cyclists for a well-deserved rest.

Discover the captivating world of railway trail cycling!

Along the Ischl Railway in the Salzkammergut

The enchanting Salzkammergut has long been a place of longing for royalty, artists, and intellectuals alike. Until 1957, the Ischl Railway—affectionately known as the Salzkammergut Local Railway—connected the Mozart city of Salzburg with the heart of the Salzkammergut region. Travelers could comfortably reach destinations like Mondsee, St. Wolfgang, or the imperial town of Bad Ischl by train.

After the railway ceased operations, the tracks were removed, and in the 1990s, some sections were transformed into bike paths. Today, you can cycle between the vibrant city center of Salzburg and the idyllic town of Eugendorf in Flachgau along the former railway line. As you follow the path, a soothing stillness settles in, and you can reconnect with your own rhythm.

Along the Wolfgangsee, you’ll continue from Strobl to St. Gilgen, tracing the former railway route that runs along the lake’s edge. The views of the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains are sure to captivate and inspire you.

View over flower meadows to the Wolfgangsee with mountain panorama in the background
The Lakes Tour with Charm
8 Days
9 ratings
Cyclist at lake Wolfgang

On The Abandoned Route of the Alpe-Adria Cycling Trail

One week from Salzburg to Grado—that’s a dream held close by many. Along the Alpe-Adria Cycling Trail, this dream unfolds into reality. Even more enchanting, you’ll ride along one of Italy’s most beautiful railway paths. Between Tarvis and Venzone, you’ll pedal the old Pontebbana railway line. Known in German as the Pontafelbahn, it’s the southern stretch of the Rudolf Railway, winding its way from Amstetten through Villach and Tarvis to Udine. After this route, opened in 1879, was repeatedly battered by fierce storms in the Kanaltal Valley, a new track was carved—mostly tunneling through the mountains to shelter from the elements.

Trains still ran on the old route until the year 2000, which means the trail remains remarkably well preserved. Along the way, tunnels, bridges, and echoes of the old railway—trail markers and forgotten stops—still whisper stories of the past. Take it easy, shift into a lower gear, and soak in the stunning surroundings. Don’t forget to glance beyond the trail itself—the breathtaking views of the river valley and mountains await you.

Cycle break in the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg
Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Salzburg – Grado
8 Days
68 ratings
A woman and a man cycle past the abandoned Tarvisio Citta railway station

Railroad Cycling in Liguria

Those embarking on a cycling journey from Piedmont to the Italian Riviera will find themselves riding along a section of the former railway trail known as the “Pista Ciclabile della Liguria.” This stretch runs between Imperia and Sanremo. Over a well-maintained 26 kilometers, you’ll pedal along the stunning Ligurian coastline, treated to breathtaking views of the sea—only briefly interrupted by the occasional tunnel. Along the way, numerous cafés invite you to pause and indulge in a well-deserved break. And when the mood strikes, several beaches offer the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean.

The cycling trail was created following the rerouting of the railway line from Genoa to Ventimiglia. Originally, the single-track route ran close to the coast, winding through the foothills of the Ligurian Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. It was considered Italy’s most scenic railway line, but due to increasing demands for modern rail traffic, it became economically unfeasible and was relocated inland. When fully completed, the trail will stretch from Ospedaletti all the way to Finale Ligure, offering cyclists an extended journey through some of Liguria’s most captivating landscapes.

Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
Torino – Sanremo
8 Days
16 ratings
Three cyclists on coastal cycle path in Sanremo

Cycling Between Olive Trees on the Railroad Trail in Andalusia

Cycling on abandoned railway trails is just as delightful in Andalusia. Where the “Olive Oil Railway” ran from Jaén to Campo Real station between 1883 and 1985, through one of the world’s largest olive-growing regions, cyclists now travel the Vía Verde del Aceite. The railway once served to transport olive oil to the port of Málaga and markets across southern Spain. Commercial reasons eventually led to the line’s closure, but today it offers a peaceful route steeped in history and natural beauty.

On your cycling journey through Andalusia, you’ll ride the section between Lucena and Doña Mencía along the old railway route. The landscape is shaped by deep rocky gorges, as well as stunning views of the surrounding gentle hills. While the trail allows for a brisk pace, be sure to take your time and soak in the authentic spirit of Andalusia along the way.

A bicycle leaning against the Roman bridge of Cordoba
Andalusia
8 Days
15 ratings
Zuheros castle on the hill

Railroad Cycling Beneath Majorca’s Golden Sun

On this beloved Balearic island Majorca, cycling along historic railroad trails is a truly enchanting experience. In the eastern reaches lies a hidden treasure: the “Vía Verde” stretching from Artà to Manacor. This railway, opened in 1921 but gradually fell into quiet disrepair after its closure in 1977. Though attempts were made to revive the line in the early 2010s, the plans came to a halt just before fruition. Since 2014, the old railroad path has welcomed cyclists once again. To enrich the journey, over 15,000 shrubs and 5,000 trees now line the trail, accompanied by six inviting rest spots. As you pedal through the Levante region, the breathtaking landscape unfolds around charming villages like Sant Llorenç, Son Carrió, and Son Servera. You’ll glide past endless groves of olive and citrus trees, breathing in the intoxicating aromas of lavender and rosemary.

The trail’s crowning glory comes each spring, when a sea of almond trees bursts into delicate bloom, painting the landscape with nature’s most exquisite blossoms.

View of Portocolom over rock formations by the sea, the lighthouse in the background
Majorca – based in one hotel with Charm
7 Days
3 ratings
red bicycle leaning against wall

Further Cycling Holidays on abandoned railway trails

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