Drau Cycle Path | Eurobike cycle tours

510 Kilometers

From Toblach to Varaždin

10 Famous Cities

And Many Charming Hidden Gems

Drau

One of the Longest Tributaries of the Danube

April - October

Best Time to Travel

Explore 4 Countries

Cycle from Italy to Croatia

Route Overview

Easy

The fourth-longest tributary of the beautiful blue Danube begins in the stunning South Tyrol, specifically in Toblach, before quickly turning into Austria. For East Tyrol and Carinthia, the Drava is a vital lifeline. The Drau Valley Cycle Path along its banks offers 510 kilometers of breathtaking views and pure cycling enjoyment.

There isn’t a single, uniform signage system along the entire Drau Cycle Path. In South Tyrol, signs are light blue and the route is known locally as the Pustertal Cycle Path. In Carinthia, the signs are green, and in Slovenia, they’re blue! Detailed information is included in the corresponding travel documents.

Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous inviting lakes, cultural highlights, impressive natural spectacles, and a touch of southern holiday atmosphere. Discover our most beautiful self-guided cycling tours along the Drava today.

Cycling Bliss on our Most Beautiful Tours

All Cycle Tours on the Drau Cycle Path

Cycling Bliss on our Most Beautiful Tours

All Cycle Tours on the Drau Cycle Path

Questions and answers about the Drau Cycle Path

Where does the Drau Cycle Path start and end?

The Drau Cycle Path starts at the train station in Toblach and ends at the Croatian-Slovenian border near Varaždin.

When is the best time to travel the Drau Cycle Path?

The ideal time for touring the Drau Cycle Path is from April to October.

For which target group is the Drau Cycle Path suitable?

The cycling tours on the Drau Cycle Path are assigned to the tour character easy or medium. This means that these tours are mainly suitable for beginners, leisurely cyclists and families. However, those who like to look for more challenge should choose the sporty variant on the Drau cycle path.

How long is the Drau Cycle Path and what's the total elevation gain?

The Drau Cycle Path is 510 kilometres long in total. From Toblach to Varazdin, you will cycle around 1.245 metres in altitude.

In what kind of hotels/accomodations do we spend the nights on the Drau Cycle Path?

On our cycling tours on the Drau Cycle Path you will stay in well-selected, cozy and beautiful hotels.

Which bike is best suited for the Drau Cycle Path?

The Drau Cycle Path is mostly paved in Austria, with some sections running along easy gravel paths. For your cycling holiday, we recommend a Plus rental bike in the sporty category or an e-bike.

How does the luggage transfer with Eurobike work?

Your luggage will be picked up directly from your accommodation between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.). This way, you can cycle in complete relaxation – with only a light daypack.

Cyclist in pink jacket sitting in grass beside touring bike with yellow panniers, overlooking Drau River valley with mountains in background.

Two cyclists with helmets and touring bikes holding maps in front of historic buildings with palm trees in Spittal town square.

Three cyclists with helmets riding on gravel path between vineyard rows and green vegetation on sunny day along Drau cycle route.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Drau Cycle Path

Toblach – in South Tyrol’s Puster Valley

The majestic peaks of the Dolomites, including the iconic Tre Cime, have made Toblach a renowned and beloved destination. The region is also famous for winter sports and tourism. Often called the “Gateway to the Dolomites,” Toblach is surrounded by several nature parks and is home to two picturesque lakes.

The iconic Drei Zinnen mountain peaks reflected in a small pond surrounded by green alpine meadows under a dramatic cloudy sky.

Lienz – Where the South Begins

With over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, Lienz truly basks in the sun. Spectacular mountain views, southern flair, and ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts year-round make it one of Austria’s most popular holiday destinations.

Spittal an der Drau – Where Culture Meets Nature

The charming town of Spittal an der Drau lies right along the Drau Cycle Path, as the name suggests. Nearby, the shimmering Millstätter See invites a refreshing stop. In the evenings, wander through the quaint streets and savor local specialties in the town’s cozy restaurants.

Historic white palace building in Spittal with red roof surrounded by colorful flower gardens and a fountain in the foreground.

Villach – Amid Austria’s Most Beautiful Lakes

Don’t miss a visit to the main square, a stop at one of the many museums, and a chance to imagine the lively scenes when thousands of revellers take to the streets during the famous Villach Carnival.

Two cyclists riding through a pedestrian zone in Villach with colorful umbrellas suspended overhead between historic buildings.

Maribor – Surrounded by Rolling Vineyards

Maribor is nestled among vineyards, meadows, and fields. After exploring the city center, treat yourself to a glass of local wine, visit the historic city castle, and hike up Maribor’s Hausberg for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Historic main square in Maribor with colorful baroque buildings, a prominent church tower with green dome, and a central fountain.

The Most Beautiful Stages on the Drau Cycle Path

Lienz - Innichen - Lienz

Even the train journey from Lienz to Innichen is an experience in itself. Here, the Drau is still young, carving its way through the narrow valley. From Innichen, you cycle 45 kilometers back to Lienz, passing mighty castles, imposing fortresses, and historic palaces that tell tales of past power struggles, giving the valley a sense of medieval drama. Along the way, charming Romanesque chapels, Baroque churches, and carefully maintained wayside shrines invite you to pause and take in the scenery. This stage is framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Lienz Dolomites, making it a truly unforgettable ride.

Lienz - Berg

Ab Lienz begleitet Sie die „Gletschermilch“ – so nennen die Einheimischen die grau schimmernde Drau, deren Farbe von feinsten Gesteinspartikeln stammt. Auf alten römischen Handelswegen radeln Sie durch das malerische Oberdrautal, vorbei an Burgruinen, kleinen Kirchen und liebevoll gepflegten Wegkreuzen. Orte wie Pirkach, Oberdrauburg und Dellach, der erste Marktflecken Kärntens, machen diese Etappe mit rund 35 Kilometern zu einer stimmungsvollen Reise durch Natur und Geschichte.

Berg - Spittal

From Lienz, the Drau, known locally as “glacial milk” for its grayish hue from fine rock particles, accompanies you along your route. Following ancient Roman trade paths, you cycle through the picturesque Upper Drau Valley, passing castle ruins, small churches, and lovingly maintained wayside crosses. Charming villages such as Pirkach, Oberdrauburg, and Dellach - the first market town in Carinthia - make this roughly 35-kilometer stage a memorable journey through history and nature.

Spittal - Villach

Cycle a proud 40 kilometers along Upper Carinthia’s cultural promenade. Passing Schloss Kellerberg, you follow the Drau all the way to Villach, where southern charm meets historic scenery. The town’s picturesque old quarter, with its Italian flair, cozy cafés, and the gentle curve of the Drau, gives Villach its unmistakable character.

Villach - St. Jakob im Rosental

This 30–45 kilometer stage takes you through the idyllic Rosental Valley, framed by the towering Karawanken Mountains and accompanied by the calm flow of the Drau. Dramatic conglomerate rock formations line the route, offering spectacular views, including the Hollenburg - the proud landmark of the valley. Those with extra time can take a worthwhile detour to the lakeside town of Velden.

St. Jakob im Rosental - Klopeiner See

On perfect easy-to-ride embankment paths, you cycle roughly 55 kilometers through meadows, fields, and quiet hamlets toward the Völkermarkt Reservoir. Here, you bid farewell to the Drau—your faithful companion along the way - and enter a new world. At Lake Klopein, one of the warmest lakes in Europe, you can satisfy your “lake craving” and enjoy relaxing moments by the water.

Top Reasons to Explore the Drau Cycle Path

5-Star Certified

Sections of the cycle path have been awarded 5 stars by the ADFC, making it one of Austria’s most beautiful long-distance bike routes.

Hearty Culinary Delights

Savor a tempting mix of South Tyrolean and Carinthian specialties - from Schlipfkrapfen and Kasnudeln to Speckbrot and Reindling.

Postcard-Worthy Scenery

The rugged, dramatic rock formations of the Lienz Dolomites create truly unforgettable landscapes.

Sunny Outlooks

With over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, the region around Lienz and Villach offers ideal cycling weather.

Where Culture Meets Nature

Explore charming towns like Villach and Spittal, and take refreshing dips in lakes such as Klopeiner See and Millstätter See.

Travel stories from the Drau Cycle Path

May 19, 2022

Team on Tour

Cycling for families

Reisebericht Drau-Radweg für Familien

Was tun mit fünf freien Tagen und Waden, die vor Radlersehnsucht schon gar nicht mehr stillhalten wollen? Genau: Man packt Kind und Kegel ins Auto und fährt an einen Ort, an dem sich der Körper verausgaben kann, damit der Kopf derweil zur Ruhe kommt. Unsere Wahl fällt auf den Drau-Radweg, und zwar in der familienfreundlichen Variante. Was wir hier als Familie alles entdeckt und erlebt haben, lesen Sie in unserem Reisebericht.

Drau Cycle Path Your advantages with Eurobike

Individual Cycling Pleasure

Enjoy a perfectly organised cycling holiday that you can tailor to your own preferences: start your daily stage whenever you like, choose between the main route and alternative routes, linger at your favourite spots or discover exciting places – and cycle at your own pace in complete relaxation.

The most important facts at a glance

Coffee break for three cyclists in Bardolino with a view of Lake Garda

Luggage Transfer

Thanks to our luggage transfer service, you can cycle relaxed with only your day bag to your next accommodation, where your suitcases will already be waiting for you. Everything you need fits into the practical bike bags. Simply have your luggage ready in the morning and attach the luggage tags.

All information about the luggage transfer

Comfortable Accommodations

For an all-round enjoyable cycling holiday, Eurobike offers accommodation in personally selected establishments. Whether it's a charming country hotel or a cosy guesthouse, you can expect hospitality, a good breakfast and a relaxed start to your day's cycling.

More about our accommodations

Modern hotel room in Piran with wooden double bed, white linens, patterned throw, balcony doors, desk area, and coastal artwork on wall.

Our Rental Bicycles

We offer rental bikes for every taste: classic women's and men's bikes, modern e-bikes, gravel bikes and the sporty Rental Bike Plus. This means you will always find the right bike to make your individual trip comfortable, flexible and lots of fun.

All bicycles at a glance

Cyclists on the cycle path near Montforte in the Piedmont

Optional Return Transfer to the Starting Point

Even the most beautiful cycling tour must come to an end. On the last day, you will reach your destination with many new impressions. The return journey is usually made individually. You will find suitable options in your travel documents. For many tours, we also offer an optional return transfer for even more comfort.

Drau Cycle Path for the whole family

Medium

If you’re looking for the perfect vacation destination for the whole family, the Drau Cycle Path is an ideal choice. With its top-quality route and manageable daily stages, it’s suitable even for the little ones. Whether you bring your own bike or rent our perfectly maintained top-quality bikes, complete with child seats or FollowMe attachments, you’ll be fully equipped and well cared for. Eurobike offers family-friendly hotels, convenient and reliable luggage transfers, and comprehensive travel documents, so you can enjoy a flexible and relaxed break on two wheels – a family vacation you’ll remember for years to come!