Alpe - Adria Cycle Path, Salzburg - Trieste

You will roll leisurely through the shady Salzach meadows out of the festival and Mozart city of Salzburg, the Salzach is your companion. You will head to Hallein, a Celtic city that was once rich from salt mining. The main attraction is undoubtedly the world-famous Celtic Museum. Past the Gollinger waterfall, your overnight accommodation of the same name is characterized by its pretty market square and the castle from the 13th century.

Hotel example: Hotel Golingen

From Golling you cycle up to the Lueg-Höhe pass and enjoy the view of the magnificently striking Tennen Mountains. The mountain now moves ever closer to the Salzach and the rumbling of the water becomes ever louder. You pass the so-called "Salzachöfen", an impressive gorge created by the Salzach. After Werfen with its towering castle you soon reach St. Johann. The towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise up here unmistakably - like double mountain peaks.

Hotel example:  Brückenwirt

Shortly after Schwarzach you say goodbye to the Salzach, from today on the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein Valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you cycle to the famous spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern, which offers a variety of natural history and architectural sights. The landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the middle of the town, which has been the subject of many painters and poets. Now it is only a stone's throw to Böckstein where a train from the Tauernschleuse takes you to the other side of the Alps, to Mallnitz, in just 10 minutes. Back in the saddle you can enjoy the exhilarating descent to your hotel in the Mölltal.

Hotel example:  Erlebnishotel Mölltal

Today you will cycle through impressive high mountain landscapes, first along the Möll river. The Drautal valley and thus the sunny south of Austria begins in the town of Möllbrücke. You will cycle leisurely the last few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. The town was already an important transport hub for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and owes its prosperity to this in part.

Hotel prices:  Erlebnis Post – Hotel with EigenART

You will almost roll along the Drau gently downhill. Halfway there you should take a break in the small market town of Paternion with its churches and castles worth seeing. A few more vigorous pedal strokes and you will reach Villach, the heart of which is the charming old town with its southern flair and cozy "Beisln" and restaurants.

Hotel example:  City Hotel Villach

First you go a bit along the Drau. But soon the cycle path takes you along the Gail towards Italy. "Servus Austria - Ciao Italia" is what you hear at the border. In Tarvis you are even greeted in three languages. Austrians, Slovenians and Italians have lived together here for centuries and all three major European language families - Germanic, Romanic and Slavic - meet directly here.

Hotel example:  Hotel Haberl

The cycle path is also well developed in Italy, so you can cycle comfortably downhill through the Val Canale and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region with its intact, untouched nature and extensive forests from the saddle. You will spend the night in one of the pretty villages at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

Hotel example:  Hotel Pittis

At the southern end of the Val Canale lies one of the most beautiful historic towns in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The townscape of Gemona del Friuli is dominated by the majestic cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and will also inspire you. On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the cycle route. Once you arrive in the city, experience the "dolce vita" with a coffee on the "Piazza" or while strolling through the alleys and admiring the late Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

Hotel example:  Hotel Suite Inn

A warm breeze from the Scirocco blows around your nose! You drive through vast reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. You should definitely plan a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called "Second Rome", before you reach your destination. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, not only has an extensive sandy beach to delight visitors, but also the historic harbor and narrow alleyways with cozy restaurants exude Italian flair.

Hotel example:  Hotel Fonzari

You cycle through the lagoon towards the Gulf of Trieste. Back at the sea, you are accompanied by a breathtakingly beautiful coastal landscape and the world-famous Miramare Castle is another highlight of today's cycle tour. The historic port city of Trieste is a worthy end to your trip.

Hotel example:  Hotel Victoria

Departure or extension.