Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

Starting from the heart of Salzburg’s picturesque old town, one of the region’s most beloved cycling routes leads you southward. You’ll ride alongside the Salzach River through cool shaded meadows to Hallein, a once-thriving Celtic town famed for its salt mining heritage. The route meanders past quaint villages and verdant fields, featuring gentle, manageable climbs. Well-maintained and varied, the path keeps your journey interesting all the way. After a rewarding 65 kilometers (40 miles), you’ll arrive at your stage destination, St. Johann, framed by the breathtaking Salzburg Alps.

From St. Johann, your journey continues south, steadily gaining elevation along the way. Following clearly marked trails, you’ll cycle approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) through the stunning Gastein Valley. Some longer climbs, particularly between Schwarzach and Bad Gastein, require a little stamina and determination, making this the most challenging stage of the tour. A memorable highlight is the ride through the illuminated Klammtunnel, which boasts its own dedicated bike lane. Upon arrival in Böckstein, you’ll board the Tauern Railway with your bike for a comfortable transfer across the main Alpine ridge to Mallnitz. 

Right from the start, a standout moment awaits: a thrilling seven-kilometer (just over four miles) descent from Mallnitz down to Obervellach. Glide effortlessly through breathtaking mountain scenery to the Möll River and its iconic bridge in the Drava Valley—where the sunny charm of southern Austria welcomes you. The mostly gentle, downhill cycle path along the Drava River treats you to stunning vistas and enticing stops, including the Renaissance Porcia Castle in Spittal, hailed as one of the most exquisite architectural treasures north of the Alps. After covering a rewarding 70 kilometers (43 miles), you’ll arrive in Villach, greeted by its lively and charming old town.

From Villach, you’ll begin with a convenient short train ride to Tarvis, bypassing the steep climb to the Italian border. After about 35 minutes, you’ll cross into Italy and instantly find yourself immersed in the picturesque Canal Valley. Following smooth, clearly marked cycling routes, you’ll gently coast downhill, soaking in the charm of the Friulian Alps as you pass idyllic villages like Venzone alongside the turquoise Tagliamento River. After approximately 60 to 70 kilometers (37 to 43 miles), you’ll reach Gemona, a delightful town nestled at the foothills of the Julian Alps and an ideal place to savor your first taste of authentic Italian flair.

From Gemona, the route covers approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) through gently rolling hills and open vineyards en route to Udine. The path is mostly flat to gently rolling, following well-marked, low-traffic country roads. Shortly after setting off, a visit to the historic Osoppo Fortress is highly recommended and offers stunning views over the Friuli region. As you approach Udine, you’ll cycle along some busier suburban roads. Once you’ve securely stowed your bike at the hotel, you’ll have plenty of time to fully enjoy exploring this charming city.

With the wind at your back and the scent of the sea in the air, you’ll enjoy a leisurely final stretch of about 55 kilometers (34 miles) cycling to the Adriatic port city of Grado. Along the way, plenty of wonderful sights invite you to take a break—whether it’s exploring the ancient ruins of Aquileia or savoring a culinary break in the charming villages before reaching the vibrant town. These highlights provide the perfect finale to your journey.