Crossing the Alps with pleasure | Eurobike Cycling Blog

The Alps – Europe's defining mountain range

The Alps characterize the landscape from Monaco to Slovenia and are the highest mountain range in Europe. They stretch across eight countries, with Mont Blanc as the highest peak at 4808 meters.

The region's flora and fauna are uniquely adapted to its varied environments. Many of the approximately 13,000 plant and 30,000 animal species are exclusive to the Alps. Examples include the edelweiss, the marmot, and the ibex.

Alpine climate mirrors its biodiversity, with lower elevations experiencing temperate conditions featuring cold winters and warm summers. The middle range, around 800 to 1800 meters, brings notably colder and wetter weather. Beyond 1800 meters, the high alpine zone begins, marked by glaciers and perpetual snow and ice.

Pleasure and culture on the Alpe Adria Cycle Path

One of the most picturesque cycling routes for crossing the Alps follows the Alpe Adria Cycle Path, starting from the city of Salzburg. This renowned route meanders along the Salzach and Gastein valleys into Carinthia on your cyling holidays, then continues on to Italy. Along the journey, you'll pass through charming towns like Tarvisio and Udine before arriving at your final destination, Grado. At the end of the journey, you'll have clocked 410 kilometers on your bike. You should feel proud of this accomplishment! And don't worry, you don't have to pedal the entire way. We have tours suited for every preference and skill level.

Cycling holidays on the Alpe Adria Cycle Path

Gastein waterfall

One of Bad Gastein's iconic features is its central waterfall. Cascading in three stages with a height drop of 341 meters, it provides a thunderous spectacle. The atomization of the negatively ionized air around the falls is known to have a positive impact on overall well-being. The Gasteiner Ache river originates from the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting streets of Bad Gastein, where you'll be captivated by the historic Belle Époque buildings surrounding the waterfall, the quaint narrow alleyways of the old town center, and the breathtaking natural scenery. It's easy to see why Bad Gastein was once referred to as the "Monte Carlo of the Alps."

Tarvisio with a view of the Triglav National Park

Tarvisio is situated in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region within the border triangle of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. The area's landscape is defined by the imposing Julian Alps mountain ranges. Just before reaching Tarvisio, you'll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of Slovenia's Triglav National Park. This is an experience you absolutely shouldn't miss.

The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Tarvisio is a must-visit attraction. Dating back to the 15th century, it boasts numerous frescoes that are sure to captivate visitors. The square in front of the church is a bustling hub and a popular gathering spot during the summer months.

Porto Mandracchio in Grado

You've reached Grado, the destination of the Alpe Adria Cycle Path. The port of Grado is situated right in the city center, exuding a lagoon-like atmosphere as the sea flows through the city like a canal. It invites you to stroll past beautiful yachts and boats.

Every year on the first Sunday of July, the "Perdòn de Barbana" is celebrated. This is a procession with impressively decorated boats from the lagoon in Grado to the island of Barbana. It originated as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for ending the plague that struck Grado in the year 1237.

Delicacies along the Alpe Adria cycle path

A culinary highlight awaits you right at the start in Salzburg: the famous Salzburger Nockerl. In keeping with tradition, they are served in the form of three sweet soufflé, which symbolize Salzburg's three local mountains.

In Carinthia, you simply can't miss out on trying Kasnudeln. These dumplings are packed with curd cheese, potatoes, mint, and chervil, then generously topped with brown butter. The art of sealing Kasnudeln, known as Krendeln, is highly revered. There's a local saying in Carinthia that goes: "A girl who can't krendeln won't find a man!"

At your destination, you'll be treated to Italian cuisine featuring pasta and wonderful wines. However, don't miss out on trying the typical specialties from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, such as Prosciutto di San Daniele, polenta, or salsiccia.

Blogtips for further reading

Read exciting reports about crossing the Alps on the Alpe Adria cycle path

January 19, 2023

Team Members on Tour

Travel Story: Semiramis on the Alpe Adria Cycle Path

After a two-year break from cycling, my calves were tingling, and I had wanderlust. But where should I go? One thing is for sure: I want to go to the sea. Since this year I have been in charge of the cycling tours on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path and for this reason the decision was made quite quickly. So this time we are going from our hometown on the Alpe Adria Cycle Path from Salzburg to Grado on the northern Adriatic Sea. This year I will be accompanied by my friend Josef. It's his first cycle tour and, despite the anticipation, he was a little nervous. After all, it was going to be over the Alps. Will we make it? How are the climbs? Will the weather hold? But I was able to calm him down quickly, because I was familiar with the travel documents, the luggage transport and the on-site support from my other "Team Members on tour" trips. Besides, you can also shorten the entire route to just before Grado by train.

April 28, 2021

Team Members on Tour

Travel report Alpe-Adria Cycle Path part 1

She did it again! Anyone who has read the reports from her trip from the Brenner to Rome part 1 and part 2 will certainly have wondered when this lady will hop back on the bike. And of course, it didn’t take long, because travelling is simply a part of her life. However, we have to admit we are cheating a little bit, because this trip was taken a litter longer ago. More precisely, Verena was one of the first people to pedal again after the lockdown at the end of May 2020. This time she chose the popular Alpe-Adria Cycle Path. Come with Verena on an eventful journey towards the Atlantic Sea and get yourself in the holiday mood now, because your next cycle tour will not be far away!

May 19, 2021

Team Members on Tour

Travel report Alpe Adria Cycle Path part 2

All those who read our Cycling Blog regularly will be familiar with Verena Sonnenberg, managing director of Eurofun Touristik – a woman who leaves nothing to chance. As an enthusiastic amateur cyclist, she insists on doing some of our cycle tours herself. After all, you must know what you’re selling. In June of last year Verena was in the starting blocks as the hotels in Austria were finally allowed to open. Together with her partner, she cycled the first part of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path from Salzburg to Villach and was so enthusiastic about it that it wasn’t long before she wanted to get to know the second part from Villach to Grado. Are you curious about what our manager will tell you? Then read on now.

Transalp from Munich to Lake Garda

Would you like to cross the Alps from Munich? No problem. Set off from the Bavarian metropolis on your way to Lake Garda. Pass Lake Starnberg and the famous winter sports resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen before reaching Tyrol. From there, the route takes you to beautiful South Tyrol with the famous spa town of Merano. The last stretch takes you along the Adige river to Lake Garda. After approx. 380 kilometres you have reached your destination - be proud of yourself! You only want to cycle part of the route? Wonderful - let our variants inspire you.

Karwendel view

The Karwendel mountain range is a majestic landscape shared by Tyrol and Bavaria. Not only is it a national park, but it's also home to a diverse array of wildlife. With a bit of luck, you can spot eagles, marmots, ibexes, chamois, and more roaming freely in their natural habitat. During the summer months, hundreds of mountain sheep graze on the alpine pastures.

Established as a nature conservation area in 1928, the Karwendel Nature Park in Austria encompasses 737 square kilometers of protected land, ranging from high mountain peaks to lush moors.

Two cyclists on a cycle path between fields and wooden huts, with the Zugspitze massif in the background

Lake Reschen and its church tower

Lake Reschen, with its iconic church tower protruding from the water, is a reservoir and the largest lake in South Tyrol. Despite its idyllic appearance, its origins are steeped in drama. Originally, three natural lakes occupied this area. However, with the construction of a dam wall in the late 1940s, Lake Reschen was formed, submerging the village of Graun and parts of Reschen. Sadly, homes were destroyed in the process, but the church tower of Alt-Graun was left standing as a haunting reminder. Numerous myths surround it, with some claiming that the church bells can still be heard tolling from the depths below.

The view over Torbole

The charming town on Lake Garda isn't just a hotspot for sailors and windsurfers. Taking a leisurely stroll through its historic center is a must-do. The winding alleyways offer glimpses into the village's rich history as a fishing and logging community. Be sure to visit the customs house and the quaint harbor adorned with the characteristic buildings of the Vecchia Dogana.

During his visit to Italy, Goethe explored Torbole and was captivated by the allure of this quaint town.

Culinary highlights on your Alpine crossing

Before embarking on your tour, enjoy some refreshments at the Hofbräuhaus in Munich. Savor the excellent Bavarian beers and bask in Munich's cozy atmosphere. Just remember as per tradition, Weißwürste shouldn't hear the 12 o'clock chime!

In Tyrol, the hearty culinary journey continues. Traditional Tyrolean delicacies include Speckknödel (bacon dumplings), Tiroler Gröstl (a hearty potato dish with meat), or Kasspatzln (cheese noodles) with savory cheese and fried onions. In rustic taverns or mountain huts, you'll find sweet treats like Apfelradln (apple fritters), Buchteln (sweet yeast dumplings), or

One of the most renowned culinary customs in South Tyrol is Törggelen. During autumn, following the harvest season, it was customary to invite workers to taste the new wine as a gesture of appreciation for their labor.