Rental bike not included!
On the Alpe-Adria cycle path from the festival city to the Adriatic Sea
From the Alps to the sea! An outstanding mixture of the impressive Alpine region of Austria and the southern flair of Italy. Cycle south with us and experience impressive landscapes, cultural gems, traditional customs and hearty cuisine. When you arrive by the sea, you will agree with us: an outstanding cycle tour!
Details of the sporty cycle tour from Salzburg to Grado
You cycle south in a sporty way, covering almost 400 kilometers in four days. From Salzburg, you first cycle through the Gastein Valley. At your first overnight stop in Bad Gastein, you are already at the beginning of the Hohe Tauern. Listen to the roar of the Gastein waterfall before the second stage takes you via Mölltal and Spittal an der Drau to Villach.
After a short stretch, you pass the Italian border the next day and continue your journey through the picturesque Canal Valley. Mediterranean flair awaits you at every turn during the final stage, be it on the piazza in Udine, in the alleyways of Aquileia or on the beach in Grado. After this tour, you will have well and truly earned a dip in the Mediterranean!
The highlights of the six-day sporty cycle tour from Salzburg to Grado
The Mozart city of Salzburg: Take your time for an extensive exploration tour through the old town, where one sight follows the next. Stroll through the Mirabell Gardens, see the cathedral and stroll through the Getreidegasse and its characteristic through-houses.
The picturesque valleys: It is not only the imposing mountain peaks of the Alps that characterize the beautiful panoramas of this tour. In between lie the valleys, which have their very own scenic charm. On the Austrian route, you will explore the Gastein Valley, while the Canal Valley awaits you on the Italian side.
Mediterranean flair in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: the unique ambience of your destination Grado is characterized by the history of the city, bathing fun on the beach and the surrounding lagoon. Wine-growing also has a long tradition in the region - try the fine wines with a plate of antipasti or freshly caught fish.
Things to know about the sporty tour on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
As the cycling stages between Salzburg and Grado cover between 90 and 100 kilometers per day, strength and stamina are required. A train ride through the Mölltal valley is included in the tour, allowing you to bypass the most challenging section. Otherwise, the sections are hilly at the start and become increasingly flatter as you head south. You won't forget the last section of the stage to Grado in a hurry. The sea lines the road to the left and right, as if you were crossing a bridge - enjoy the view of the glistening water and the Mediterranean city backdrop.
The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path is one of the most beautiful tours in Central Europe, partly due to the excellent route guidance and first-class signposting.
Individual arrival in the festival, Mozart and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleys and squares invite you to stroll and dreamy cafés offer real Austrian coffee specialties. You can breathe culture and history at every turn.
Hotel example: Hotel Goldenes Theater
Leave Salzburg and head south. You pass the rushing waterfall through Golling and continue along the well-developed cycle path to St. Johann. Shortly after Schwarzach you say goodbye to the Salzach, from now on the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein Valley. You cycle via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein to the famous spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern. The landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the middle of the town, which has been the subject of many painters and poets.
Hotel example: Hotel Elisabethpark
In the morning it is only a stone's throw to Böckstein, from where a Tauernschleuse train takes you to the other side of the Alps, to Mallnitz, in just 10 minutes. First you cycle along the Möll river to the Drautal. This is where the sunny south of Austria begins. You roll leisurely on to Spittal an der Drau, an important transport hub for pilgrims as early as the Middle Ages. Now a few more vigorous pedal strokes and you have reached Villach, the heart of which is the delightful old town with its southern flair and cozy "Beisln" and restaurants.
Hotel example: Hotel Voco
First you go a bit along the Drau. But soon the cycle path leads you along the Gail towards Italy. “Servus Austria – Ciao Italia” is what you hear at the border in Tarvis. The cycle path is also well developed in Italy and you can cycle comfortably downhill through the Val Canale and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region from the saddle. One of the pretty villages on the foothills of the Julian Alps serves as your overnight accommodation.
Hotel example: Hotel Pittis
On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the cycle route. Once you have arrived in the city, feel the "dolce vita" with a coffee on the "Piazza". You will cycle 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. The historic fishing town of Grado is not only impressive because of its extensive sandy beach.
Hotel example: Hotel Fonzari
Departure or extension.
Overnight stays in 3*** and 4**** hotels
Breakfast
Return transfer to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs per person € 175,-, for own bike additionally € 39,-; reservation required, payable in advance
With rental bike incl. rental bike insurance:
Unisex 8-speed electric bike
hub gears
High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry
Body height approx. 148 cm - 195 cm
46 cm "xs" | 46 cm | 51 cm | 56 cm
PLUS 20/27-speed rental bike
Derailleur gears with freewheel
Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame
Body height approx. 155 cm - 205 cm
46 cm | 50 cm | 51 cm | 55 cm | 60 cm | 63 cm
Eurobike gravel bike
Gravel bike 20-speed
derailleur gears with freewheel
Very sporty, roadworthy premium rental bike with diamond frame
Body height approx. 155 cm - 195 cm
49 cm | 55 cm | 57 cm | 59 cm
Personal tour information (DE, EN)
Luggage transfer
Well-prepared route description
Detailed travel documents 1 x per room (DE, EN, FR)
Navigation app and GPS data
Service hotline
Tourist tax, if due, not included in the tour price!
Detailed information
Due to construction work, the Tauern lock is expected to be out of service until 04.07.2025. During this period, the itinerary will be adjusted and you will be transferred from the Gastein Valley to Spittal.
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Salzburg train station
Salzburg airport
Hotel parking lot, costs approx. € 12,- to € 25,- per day
Public garage, costs approx. € 80,- to € 115,- per week
The return journey by public transport is only possible with a change of trains
Tauernautobahn tunnel construction sites: Several tunnels are currently being renovated along the main traffic route on 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 by train. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
Rental bike not included!
1 train ride Böckstein - Mallnitz incl. bike
Austria
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