Alpe Adria Cycle Path I for families, Salzburg – Villach

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways invite you to a stroll and lovely cafés to sample genuine Austrian sweet treats and cakes.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

You leisurely leave Salzburg and cycle through the Salzach river pastures providing shade with the river Salzach as your companion. You are headed for Hallein, a former Celtic town which prospered due to the mining of salt. The main sight is without doubt the world-renowned Celtic museum. Past the Golling waterfall your same-named Day Finish is reached very quickly. Shaped by its pretty market square and the castle dating back to the 13th century. A possible excursion leads you into the stunning Bluntau-valley.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

From Golling you cycle up to the top of Pass Lueg, enjoy the view onto the marvellous distinct Tennengebirge-mountain range. Closer and closer the mountain now moves towards the river Salzach and the roaring noise of the water becomes ever louder. You cycle past the so-called "Salzachöfen", an impressive gorge carved out by the river Salzach. After Werfen with its towering castle you have soon reached St. Johann. From Golling to Werfen the route via Pass Lueg can be bypassed by train (autonomously, approx. 15 km less).

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

Today the river Salzach still accompanies you until Schwarzach, you continue by train into the wild-romantic Gastein-valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle into the famous spa- and winter sport resort Bad Gastein situated at the foot of the Hohen Tauern mountains, offering a multitude of natural and architectural sights. Landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the middle of the resort.

Hotel (example): Salzburger Hof

During this short stage you can really enjoy the surrounding mountain world once more. From Bad Gastein it is only a stone’s throw to Böckstein, where the train takes you through the Tauern-lock to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz in only 10 minutes. Back on your bike you enjoy the long descent to your hotel in the Mölltal-valley.

Hotel (example): Landhotel Pacher

Initially today you cycle along the river Möll through impressive alpine mountain sceneries. The town of Möllbrücke is the start of the Drautal-valley and hence Austria’s sunny South. Leisurely you now cycle the final few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. This town was already an important transport hub for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and owed its prosperity to them in parts.

Hotel (example): Erlebnis Post - Hotel mit EigenART

Nearly effortlessly you now gently proceed slightly downhill along the river Drau. Halfway we recommend a little break in the little market town of Paternion. Then one final time pedalling hard and you have reached Villach in no time, with its charming historic centre oozing a Southern flair.

Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach