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Cyclists with children's trailers in Sillian, Heinfels Castle in the background

Drau-Cycle Path for families

From the Dolomites to Carinthia’s Lakes

7 Days / 6 Nights
Medium
Cyclists with children's trailers in Sillian, Heinfels Castle in the background

Basking in warm lakes, abundant sunshine, and a Mediterranean climate, the Drau Cycle Path winds through the province of Carinthia and is rightfully known as the sunniest cycling route in Austria. The journey begins near the Italian border in Lienz, offering breathtaking views of the Lienz Dolomites and a touch of southern flair. Along the way, you'll encounter thrilling adventures, including adventure pools, climbing parks, Carinthia's natural lakes, and much more.

Fancy an eventful week? Then this seven-day family bike tour is definitely the right one for you!

The cycle tour begins in the sunny town of Lienz against the magnificent backdrop of the Lienz Dolomites. In the center of East Tyrol, you can soak up the sun and feel the Mediterranean climate on your arrival day.

The next day, you'll spend your time in the Italian town of Toblach, where the Drau Cycle Path begins. There's so much to discover there that you can easily shorten the second day by taking the train. On the third day, you'll cycle along ancient Roman trade routes from Lienz to Greifenburg. Another cycling stage full of adventures awaits you!

Following the Drau, the cycle path leads you to the next destination, the cultural city of Spittal. You'll cycle through cozy villages and refreshing forests. Perhaps you'll visit Lake Millstatt?

We save the best for last: Departing from Spittal, the adventure proceeds to Villach, where you'll conclude the final two days of the tour. Lake Ossiach and Lake Faak are now within easy reach! Discover the warm lakes on a short tour, or round off your family trip at one of the nearby beach resorts.

  • Lienz cuisine: To kick off your vacation in East Tyrol, indulging in Tyrolean specialties is a must. The culinary delights of Lienz include "Osttiroler Schlipfkrapfen" or "Tiroler Knödel." Very delicious, be sure to try them!
  • Drauoase in Dellach: At the heart of this recreational oasis is a large treehouse. Children can enjoy a play and bathing bay along the river with a water adventure trail and climbing park. Parents can relax on the adjacent sunbathing lawn with a view of the river.
  • Carinthia's lakes in the Villach region: Lake Ossiach and Lake Faak are true natural paradises for active vacationers. Did you know that the water in the lakes is even drinking water quality?

Tailored for families, this cycling tour offers numerous activities and a diverse program, ensuring each day is unique. Spanning seven days and six nights, you'll pedal through 205 to 215 kilometers. Sounds like an unforgettable family adventure, doesn't it?

Itinerary at a glance

Along the Drava River many adventures await you. To start, you strengthen yourself in Lienz with Schlipfkrapfen (donut) and Tyrolean dumplings. The Drauoase Dellach offers water adventure trail and climbing park, near Villach are the Ossiacher and Faaker lakes.

The sunny town of Lienz welcomes you. Enjoy the marvellous backdrop of the Lienz-Dolomites surrounding you and soak up a few rays whilst strolling through the charming town with its Mediterranean flair.

Hotel example: Hotel Sonne

You start very leisurely with a train ride to Italy! Since the Drau-cycle path and hence your cycle holiday starts in Innichen, situated immediately after the Italian border. Before you make your way through the narrow Puster-valley along the Drau, which is still very unspoilt here, there are still plenty of chances for some swimming fun located directly en route with the adventure pool in Innichen, the leisure centre in Assling and the ‚Dolomitenbad‘-pool in Lienz. But we also recommend to save some time to visit the ‚Wichtelpark‘ Sillian and the water adventure park ‚Garlitzenklamm‘. Had enough of cycling? Today’s tour can be easily cut short by train.

Hotel example: Hotel Sonne

Have you sampled the diverse cuisine of Lienzyet? We highly recommend you at least try the „Osttiroler Schlipfkrapfen“ or the „Tiroler Knödel“, before saying goodbye to the hussle and bussle of the traditional markets in Lienz. Now you cycle on ancient Roman trade routes through the picturesque Upper Drau-river valley. Palaces, ruins and castles are testimony over and over of ancient times.  However also away from the route there is lots to discover: for instance the adventure pool in Oberdrauburg, the Drau-river oasis Dellach with a giant tree house, water experience trail, climbing park and more in Greifenburg. A cycling stage packed with adventure!  

Hotel example: Hotel Berghof

 

You continue gleefully through blooming wetlands, rural farmland and neat, cultivated landscape always following the river Drau all the way to Spittal. You pass cosy villages, cycle across historic market squares and race through cool wooded scenery. In Möllbrücke you get to visit the adventure pool and enjoy a 50-metre long tower-slide, then for the final few kilometres you pass through the ‚Drauenland‘ with a natural pond and reach Spittal. There is still time left to visit the ‚Sportbad Drautalperle‘ or simply enjoy a stroll through the enchanting historic centre of today’s Day Finish. Also Lake Millstätter See is only a stone’s throw away!

Hotel example: Erlebnis Post

 

Today the marvellous scenery of the lower Drau-river valley awaits! Therefore you leave the cultural town of Spittal behind you now and continue cycling along the dams of the river Drau all the way to Villach. Along the easy cycling route we recommend you take a quick break in Molzbichl and visit the Carantana Museum. Here you can learn a lot about the origins of Carinthia’s first settlers. On hot days a detour to the outdoor pool in Paternion or to the natural pool in Puch provides a welcome cooling off in the lovely water. However do not spend too much time there though, since as a finale the ‚cosy capital of the Drau-cycle path‘ Villach awaits. How convenient that you get to spend not one but a total of two nights there.

Hotel example: Hotel Seestuben

 

Carinthia‘s Thermal springs, diverse playgrounds, adventure Mount Affenberg, the town museum and lots more – the town of Villach offers so many opportunities for exciting experiences. Today however you are back on your bike again and visit one of the most popular lakes around Villach. Depending on how you feel and on your stamina you cycle around Lake Ossiacher See and get to discover the climbing forest or embark on a trip to Lake Faaker See and enjoy one of the family-friendly lakeside lidos. No matter what you decide to do: a stupendous cycling ay with lots of fun for the entire family along the warm lakes is guaranteed!

Hotel example: Hotel Seestuben

 

Day
07
Departure or extra days

Route information

Medium

You cycle mostly on very well-maintained and throughout signposted cycle paths with good road conditions, running mostly directly along the Drau riverbank. In sections also on side roads with very little traffic. Routes can be cut short by train rides.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3***- and 4****- hotels, inns and B&Bs

Child prices valid when staying in a room with 2 full-paying adults. Fee for children under the age of 6 (i.e. child’s bed/cot) payable on site.

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Unisex bike 7-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Body size approx. 155 cm - 190 cm

46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Unisex Electro bike 8-speed
Hub gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm

46 cm "xs" |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

46 cm |
51 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm
Children's bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality children's bike whose number of gears is determined by the size of the bike

Body size approx. 115 cm - 150 cm

20 inch |
24 inch |
26 inch
Follow-Me
Children's bike + Follow-Me

For children who are already able to ride the bike on their own, but would also like to be pulled along the route by their parents, we offer a Follow-Me always in combination with an Eurobike 20 inch children's bike (body size approx. 115 cm - 150 cm) and a rental bike for the parents.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • 1 train ride Lienz – Innichen incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Return transfer by minibus to Lienz Sunday morning, costs approx. EUR 85 per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Lienz train station
  • Klagenfurt airport
  • Public car park near the hotel approx. EUR 35 per week, parking spaces free of charge at the edge of town.
  • From Villach good train connection back to Lienz

Note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

From our Cycling Blog

Nicole Maderegger

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Nicole Maderegger
Travel specialist
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