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View of Hohenwerfen Castle with the Tennen Mountains in the background

Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Salzburg – Villach

On two wheels from Salzburg to Villach

7 Days / 6 Nights
Medium
View of Hohenwerfen Castle with the Tennen Mountains in the background

The starting point of the first stage of the Alpe-Adria-Cycle path is the beautiful Salzburg. You cycle from the city of Mozart through the lovely Salzach and Gastein Valleys into the sunny heart of Carinthia. On this trip you will always be accompanied by a fantastic mountain backdrop. Enjoyment is definitely in the foreground. Towns full of culture, picturesque lake landscapes and regional delicacies make the cycle route something very special. What are you waiting for? Get on the saddle and off you go on a cycle tour through two beautiful Austrian states!

Leisure cyclists and nature lovers will love the cycle tour through the two beautiful regions of Austria. This trip is all about nature, culture and cuisine. Massive mountain peaks, medieval castles and impressive waterfalls are the highlights of the first stage of the Alpe-Adria-Cycle path. Tip: Treat yourself to a break now and then and really enjoy the picturesque landscape.

  • Salzburg Festival City: A walk through the home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart holds culture and history at every turn. The alleys and squares invite you to linger. Insider tip: Enjoy a cappuccino in one of the well-known cafes and let the charm of Salzburg’s old town work its magic on you. You will love it!
  • Golling Castle: The hill castle from the 13th Century is located in the heart of the market town of Golling an der Salzach. In addition to the imposing building, the beautiful market square and the Gollinger waterfall are also worth a visit!
  • Warm hospitality and regional delicacies: on the way from Salzburg to Carinthia, it is not just the landscape that will lift your mood. The warmth of the locals and the regional delicacies also make foodies happy. Culinary tip: You should definitely try Salzburg Nockerl and Carinthian Kasnudeln.

You cover the approximately 200 kilometres by bike comfortably on well-developed paths over eight days. Stages of between 35 and 55 kilometres are on the programme every day. Fitness is required, because the route has some climbs. What if you need a break? The demanding stretch between St. Johann im Pongau and the Gastein Valley can be covered by train.

Do you have any questions about the tour or need help with booking? The Eurobike team are always at your disposal with information and helpful advice.

Itinerary at a glance

From culturally rich Salzburg to sunny Carinthia, you will be accompanied by the most beautiful views of the mountains; the view of Golling Castle is particularly impressive. Gourmets will get their money's worth with Salzburger Nockerl and Carinthian Kasnudeln (cheese noodles).

Individual arrival to Mozart town Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares are inviting for a stroll. You should visit a typical café to taste some Austrian delicacies. With every step you breathe in culture and history. Stroll through Getreidegasse, discover Mozart’s birth house or take your time for some shopping. In the afternoon distribution of rental bikes, if booked.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

Your bike tour starts in Salzburg and you continue through the shady Salzach lowlands along the river. You cycle to Hallein, which was due to its excavation of salt a rich Celtic city in former times. Hallein impresses with its romantic old city, small alleyways, gates and precious houses. Main attraction is the popular Celtic museum. Along the river you reach the waterfall, the beautiful market square and the fortress from 13th century in Golling. If you want to extend your tour you can make a tour through romantic valley Bluntautal.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

 

 

From Golling up to Pass Lueg, enjoy the views onto the beautiful mountain range. You will even not notice the slightly climb. The mountains are coming nearer, and the water is getting louder. You pass the so-called “Salzach-Öfen”, an imposing canyon which was built through the river. At the foot of mountain Hochkönig you reach Werfen. The biggest ice cave in the world is inviting you for a loop tour through the bewitching world of shimmering ice (duration about 4 hours). A last view onto fortress Hohenwerfen before you continue to Bischofshofen. Within a few kilometres you reach St. Johann. We recommend visiting the dome with its towers and the wild romantic Liechtensteinklamm (gorge).

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

 

 

Feeling fresh and rested you start your third leg to Schwarzach im Pongau. Marvel at the pretty Schloss Schernberg on the hill above the village before hopping onto the saddle. Shortly after Schwarzach you leave the Salzach and will be accompanied by the Gasteiner Ache through the wild and romantic Gastein valley. Gather your strength before travelling uphill to the “Ausgleichsbecken”, which will see you cover 2,5km with an elevation change of 130metres – you’ll definitely build up a sweat. Now comes the Klamm Tunnel, where you can cycle its 1,5km on a cycle path. If you want to avoid the tunnel, you can take a train or shuttle service from Schwarzach (about a 10 km drive). Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle to the renowned spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein, at the foot of the Hohe Tauern, which offers a wealth of natural history and architectural sights. It is then only a stone’s throw to Böckstein, where a train from the Tauernschleuse takes you to Mallnitz on the other side of the Alps in just 10 minutes (self-paid about €5/person). Back in the saddle you can enjoy rushing downhill to your hotel in the Mölltal.

Hotel (example): Erlebnishotel Mölltal

 

 

First off, as you travel along the river Möll you cycle through impressive mountain landscape. In Möllbrücke the Drautal begins, and the sunny south of Austria. Take a leisurely pedal over the last kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. In the middle ages this city was an important junction for pilgrims. Here you can visit the Renaissance Porcia Palace, built in the 16th Century in the style of Italian palazzo – sometimes referred to as ‘the most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps’.

Hotel (example): Hotel Ertl

 

 

Enjoy this route – it leads slightly downhill along river Drau. You should plan a stop in Paternion with worth-seeing churches and palaces. Within short distance you reach Villach with beautiful old city, southern flair and homelike pubs and restaurants.

Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach

 

 

Unfortunately you have reached the end of your journey! One thing is certain though: you can head home full of new experiences and impressions. Alternatively you could continue cycling from Villach to Triest... the Adriatic coastline is calling! 

Itinerary at a glance

From culturally rich Salzburg to sunny Carinthia, you will be accompanied by the most beautiful views of the mountains; the view of Golling Castle is particularly impressive. Gourmets will get their money's worth with Salzburger Nockerl and Carinthian Kasnudeln (cheese noodles).

Individual arrival to Mozart town Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares are inviting for a stroll. You should visit a typical café to taste some Austrian delicacies. With every step you breathe in culture and history. 

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

Your bike tour starts in Salzburg and you continue through the shady Salzach lowlands along the river. You cycle to Hallein, which was due to its excavation of salt a rich Celtic city in former times. Main attraction is the popular Celtic museum. Along the river you reach the waterfall, the beautiful market square and the fortress from 13th century in Golling.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

From Golling up to Pass Lueg, enjoy the views onto the beautiful mountain range. You will even not notice the slightly climb. The mountains are coming nearer, and the water is getting louder. You pass the so-called “Salzach-Öfen”, an imposing canyon which was built through the river. At the foot of mountain Hochkönig you reach Werfen. A last view onto fortress Hohenwerfen before you continue to Bischofshofen. Within a few kilometres you reach St. Johann. Unmistakably - like double mountain peaks - the towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise up here

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

Shortly after Schwarzach you leave the Salzach and will be accompanied by the Gasteiner Ache through the wild and romantic Gastein valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle to the renowned spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein, at the foot of the Hohe Tauern, which offers a wealth of natural history and architectural sights. It is then only a stone’s throw to Böckstein, where a train from the Tauernschleuse takes you to Mallnitz on the other side of the Alps in just 10 minutes (self-paid about €5/person). Back in the saddle you can enjoy rushing downhill to your hotel in the Mölltal.

Hotel (example): Erlebnishotel Mölltal

First off, as you travel along the river Möll you cycle through impressive mountain landscape. In Möllbrücke the Drautal begins, and the sunny south of Austria. Take a leisurely pedal over the last kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. In the middle ages this city was an important junction for pilgrims and also owed their prosperity in part to these. 

Hotel (example): Hotel Ertl

Enjoy this route – it leads slightly downhill along river Drau. You should plan a stop in Paternion with worth-seeing churches and palaces. Within short distance you reach Villach with beautiful old city, southern flair and homelike pubs and restaurants.

Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach

Day
07
Departure or extension

Route information

Medium

You cycle mainly on well-maintained cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections are on roads with heavier traffic or unpaved paths. Overall, the route is gently hilly, whereby the most challenging section between St. Johann and the Gastein valley can be bridged 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
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data available
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer to Salzburg every Saturday morning, costs EUR 99 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 garages approx. EUR 85 per week
  • Good train connection from Villach to Salzburg

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
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer to Salzburg every Saturday morning, costs EUR 105 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 to 20/ day, to be paid for at the time, no reservation possible/necessary! Public park garages approx. EUR 95/ week
  • Good train connection from Villach to Salzburg
  • 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 Villach. 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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