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The harbour in Grado

Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Salzburg – Grado

On the Alpe-Adria-Cycle Path from the festival city to the Adriatic Sea

10 Days / 9 Nights
Medium
The harbour in Grado

This cycle tour starts in the beautiful festival city of Salzburg. After you have said ‘Hello’ to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, you will cycle from the Alps to the sea on two wheels. The special thing about this cycle tour is the interplay of cultural highlights, impressive natural landscapes and charming towns. One thing is always present: indulgence. Because what would a cycle tour be without culinary delights? Curious? Hop on the saddle and head south.

Along Austria's cycle paths towards Italy: After enjoying a coffee in Salzburg’s old town, take the bike towards St. Johann im Pongau. Accompanied by fantastic natural scenery, you will continue cycling to the Carinthian region. Genuine customs, tasty cuisine and warm hospitality: you can experience all of this on a cycle through Austrian nature. As you pedal you come closer and closer to Italy. Once in Grado you will be overwhelmed with joy! The Italian flair, the charming old town and the wonderful warmth will brighten your mood. Now it’s time to enjoy La Dolce Vita!

  • Porcia Renaissance Castle: The stopover in Spittal an der Drau is all about culture. All Renaissance lovers can look forward to this! In this city you can pay a visit to the most beautiful Renaissance building in the northern Alps, Porcia Castle. A must-see!
  • Grado: In the charming fishing town, you can set your soul free. The restaurants in the alleyways of the old town spoil you with pizza, pasta and fine wines. Just lovely! The historic harbour and the extensive beach on the Adriatic coast make this town very special.

Over eight days you will cover around 375 kilometres on well-developed cycle paths. With daily stages of 55 to 75 kilometres there is plenty time for relaxation and enjoyment. Need a rest? During the two long train journeys you can treat your body to a well-deserved break and gather your strength.

Itinerary at a glance

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and languorous cafés entice you to sample genuine Austrian café-specialities. You live and breath culture and history literally with every step you take.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

 

You leave the festival- and Mozart city of Salzburg and leisurely cycle through the Salzach wetlands in the shade with the river Salzach as your constant companion. You proceed to Hallein, a formerly wealthy Celtic town due to salt mining. The main sight is without question the world-renowned Celtic Museum. Past the Gollinger waterfall you arrive at your Day Finish Golling characterised by its pretty market square and castle dating back to the 13th century.

Hotel (example): Hauslwirt

 

From Golling you cycle up to the top of Pass Lueg, enjoy the view onto the marvellously distinct Tennengebirge-mountains. The mountain moves closer and closer to the river Salzach and the roaring of the water becomes more and more noisy. You cycle past the so-called "Salzachöfen", an imposing gorge created by the river Salzach. Once past Werfen with its castle rising high you soon have reached St. Johann.  Distinctive – just like twin-peaks – the steeples of the Pongau-cathedral rise.

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

 

 

Shortly after Schwarzach you bid farewell to the river Salzach, from today onwards the Gasteiner Ache leads you through the wild-romantic Gasteiner-valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle into the renowned spa- and ski resort Bad Gastein situated at the foot of the Hohen Tauern-mountain chain, offering a variety of natural history- and architectural sights. The Gasteiner waterfall is the landmark situtated in the centre of town, which has been the focal point of many artists and poets. Now it is only a short distance to Böckstein, where a train takes you in only 10 minutes through the ‚Tauernschleuse‘ to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz. Back on your bike you enjoy the speedy descent to your hotel in the Mölltal-valley.

Hotel (example): Erlebnishotel Mölltal

 

 

Today you cycle initially along the river through impressive alpine landscapes. The Drautal-valley starts in the village of Möllbrücke and hence the sunny South of Austria. Leisurely you cycle the final few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. Already in the Middle Ages this town has been an important transport interchange for pilgrims and which in parts helped create its prosperity.

Hotel (example): Hotel Ertl

 

 

Nearly effortlessly you proceed in a gentle descent along the river Drau. Half way we recommend you take a break in the little market town of Paternion with its remarkable churches and palaces. Just a bit more pedalling and soon you have reached Villach, with its enchanting old part of town, Southern flair and inviting pubs and restaurants. 

Hotel (example): Palais 26

 

 

You bypass the ascent to Tarvis by train. In Italy too the cycle paths are well-developed and so you cycle leisurely downhill through the Kanaltal-valley and from your bike get to marvel at the beauty of the Friulian alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. Your Day Finish is one of the picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

Hotel (example): Hotel Pittis

 

 

At the Southern exit of the Kanaltal-valley is the location of one of the most beautiful historic villages of the Friulian-Julian-Veneto. The focus of the village of Gemona del Friuli is the majestic cathedral Santa Maria Assunta and will blow you away. En route to Udine you come across the first vineyards and vines along the cycle route. Once you arrive in town feel and experience the ‚dolce vita‘ over a coffee enjoyed on the ‚Piazza‘ or during a stroll through the alleyways whilst marvelling at the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Hotel (example): Hotel Clocchiatti Next

 

 

Feel the warm breeze of the sirocco! You cycle through vast reed scenery and along little water canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‚second Rome‘, we recommend you definitely plan a break  before reaching the end destination of your holiday. One of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts, the historic little fishing town Grado, will not only excite you with the extensive sandy beach, but also the historic harbour and the narrow alleyways with lovely restaurants all ooze Italian flair.

Hotel (example): Hotel Rialto

 

 

Day
10
Departure or Extension

Itinerary at a glance

From Salzburg to Grado, that is pure travel bliss! In the city of Mozart, culture and architecture await you at every turn, and along the way you will marvel at the increasingly Mediterranean nature. In Grado, the beach, the sea, pasta and vino beckon!

Individual arrival in the festival-, Mozart- and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and languorous cafés entice you to sample genuine Austrian café-specialities. You live and breath culture and history literally with every step you take.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

You leave the festival- and Mozart city of Salzburg and leisurely cycle through the Salzach wetlands in the shade with the river Salzach as your constant companion. You proceed to Hallein, a formerly wealthy Celtic town due to salt mining. The main sight is without question the world-renowned Celtic Museum. Past the Gollinger waterfall you arrive at your Day Finish Golling characterised by its pretty market square and castle dating back to the 13th century.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

From Golling you cycle up to the top of Pass Lueg, enjoy the view onto the marvellously distinct Tennengebirge-mountains. The mountain moves closer and closer to the river Salzach and the roaring of the water becomes more and more noisy. You cycle past the so-called "Salzachöfen", an imposing gorge created by the river Salzach. Once past Werfen with its castle rising high you soon have reached St. Johann.  Distinctive – just like twin-peaks – the steeples of the Pongau-cathedral rise.

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

Shortly after Schwarzach you bid farewell to the river Salzach, from today onwards the Gasteiner Ache leads you through the wild-romantic Gasteiner-valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle into the renowned spa- and ski resort Bad Gastein situated at the foot of the Hohen Tauern-mountain chain, offering a variety of natural history- and architectural sights. The Gasteiner waterfall is the landmark situtated in the centre of town, which has been the focal point of many artists and poets. Now it is only a short distance to Böckstein, where a train takes you in only 10 minutes through the ‚Tauernschleuse‘ to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz. Back on your bike you enjoy the speedy descent to your hotel in the Mölltal-valley.

Hotel (example): Erlebnishotel Mölltal

Today you cycle initially along the river through impressive alpine landscapes. The Drautal-valley starts in the village of Möllbrücke and hence the sunny South of Austria. Leisurely you cycle the final few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. Already in the Middle Ages this town has been an important transport interchange for pilgrims and which in parts helped create its prosperity.

Hotel (example): Hotel Ertl

Nearly effortlessly you proceed in a gentle descent along the river Drau. Half way we recommend you take a break in the little market town of Paternion with its remarkable churches and palaces. Just a bit more pedalling and soon you have reached Villach, with its enchanting old part of town, Southern flair and inviting pubs and restaurants. 

Hotel (example): Hotel Voco

You bypass the ascent to Tarvis by train. In Italy too the cycle paths are well-developed and so you cycle leisurely downhill through the Val-Canale-valley and from your bike get to marvel at the beauty of the Friulian alpine region with its intact, unspoilt nature and extensive forests. Your Day Finish is one of the picturesque villages located at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

Hotel (example): Hotel Pittis

At the Southern exit of the Val-Canale-valley is the location of one of the most beautiful historic villages of the Friulian-Julian-Veneto. The focus of the village of Gemona del Friuli is the majestic cathedral Santa Maria Assunta and will blow you away. En route to Udine you come across the first vineyards and vines along the cycle route. Once you arrive in town feel and experience the ‚dolce vita‘ over a coffee enjoyed on the ‚Piazza‘ or during a stroll through the alleyways whilst marvelling at the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Hotel (example): Hotel Clocchiatti Next

Feel the warm breeze of the sirocco! You cycle through vast reed scenery and along little water canals towards the Gulf of Venice. In the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called ‚second Rome‘, we recommend you definitely plan a break before reaching the end destination of your holiday. One of the most popular Adriatic beach resorts, the historic little fishing town Grado, will not only excite you with the extensive sandy beach, but also the historic harbour and the narrow alleyways with lovely restaurants all ooze Italian flair.

Hotel (example): Hotel Rialto

Day
10
Departure or Extension

Route Information

Medium

You mainly cycle on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections lead you also along roads with heavier traffic or on dirt paths. Overall the route leads you on slightly hilly terrain, the most challenging section between St. Johann and the Gasteiner-valley can also be completed and bypassed by train.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3***- and 4****-hotels

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

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)
  • 1 train ride Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
  • 1 train ride Villach – Tarvis incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data available
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs EUR 169 per person, extra EUR 29 for your own bike, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary.
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Hotel car park about EUR 15 per day, to be paid for at the time, no reservation possible/necessary!
    Public park garage about Eur 85 per week
  • The return journey by public transport is only possible with a change of trains

Things to 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.

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 Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
  • 1 train ride Villach – Tarvis incl. your bike
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs EUR 175 per person, extra EUR 39 for your own bike, to be paid for in advance, reservation is necessary.
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Salzburg train station
  • Salzburg airport
  • Hotel car park about EUR 10-20/day, to be paid for at the time, no reservation possible/necessary!
    Public park garage about Eur 95 per week
  • The return journey by public transport is only possible with a change of transportation
  • Tunnel construction sites on the Tauernautobahn: Several tunnels are currently being renovated along the main traffic route via the Tauernautobahn, which can cause serious delays of up to three hours during peak travel times. Please take this into account when planning your return journey. Booked return transfers may also be affected by this. It is also possible to travel by public transport from Udine. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Things to 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

Stefanie Rudinger

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Stefanie Rudinger
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