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A fabulous 7 night cycling odyssey from Salzburg in Austria along the glorious Alpe-Adria cycle path to Grado on the Adriatic Coast near Trieste in Italy. Idyllic, mostly traffic-free cycling with jaw-dropping dramatic scenery through the heart of the Alps.
The 410 kilometre Alpe-Adria Cycle Trail is fast becoming one of Europe's most popular leisure cycling routes. Starting from the historic town of Salzburg, the route leads riders along scenic cycle paths through the Austrian regions of Salzburgerland and Corinthia before crossing into Friuli in Italy and finishing in the fishing village of Grado not far from Trieste on the Adriatic Coast.
Sights and scenes from the route between Salzburg and Gemona
Recent additions and improvements to the route have made it more attractive to leisure cyclists and, considering it bisects the Alps, the going is actually pretty easy, particularly in Italy. The scenery is the star of the show of course and throughout the route you will find yourself stopping to appreciate the alpine splendour that surrounds you. For the vast majority of the route you will be cycling on dedicated cycle paths or quiet country lanes which means you can relax and drink in the views without worrying about traffic.
Besides the scenery, the different cultural and culinary flavours of each region make this a highly enjoyable and memorable route.
It's a moderate route and as such if you opt for a regular bike you'll need a good level of fitness to enjoy it as there are some climbs to contend with along the way. E-bikes are a very popular option and bring the route well within the abilities of leisure cyclists with an average level of fitness.
This route is classed as moderate, you'll be covering about 60 kms each day and on the two hardest days you will climb around 500 meters in total. You'll mainly be cycling on well-maintained cycle paths and quiet roads. On a few short sections, where there is no alternative you will also ride on busier roads
Check in to your hotel and then spend the rest of day exploring this small but fascinating city. Your welcome briefing and bike handover will take place around 17:30.
Salzburg must-sees include the Getreidegasse, a marvellous, old-world shopping street where ornate, wrought iron signs depict what is being sold within. Here you can also visit the birthplace of the city’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived at No. 9 until he was 17 years old. The city’s most prominent landmark, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, is also worth visiting and don’t worry about the climb as there’s a funicular railway to whisk you to the top. Of course the city is also inextricably linked with the ever popular movie “The Sound of Music”, starring Julie Andrews, and tours are offered taking in the sites and landmarks that featured in the film.
Your first day’s cycling leads you south, out of the city and along the beautiful Salzach Valley beside the river of the same name. The wide green valley is bordered by towering peaks and dotted with pretty alpine towns and villages. The riverside cycle path is charming, peaceful and the scenery is sublime. Stop in the idyllic village of Hallein for coffee and cake in the tiny square beside the church. The path then wends its way through the verdant peaceful countryside, revealing fairytale farmhouses with blooming balconies in stunning settings. After the village of Golling you follow a main road along the Salzach Canyon to the village of Werfen. The 900 year old Hohenwerfen Castle stands guard over the pretty village and is an imposing sight. Nearby you will also find the largest ice cave in the world - worth a visit if you have time ( eisriesenwelt.at ). From Werfen an idyllic riverside path leads you first through the bustling town of Bischofshofen and then onto the pretty town of St. Johann im Pongau where you will stop for the night.
Your day starts with a leisurely ride alongside the Salzach river. After about 8kms the route leaves the river bank and heads uphill. The climb will get the blood pumping but it's quite short and once at the higher elevation, the views across the valley are simply stunning. The quiet lane leads you through a peaceful world of small farms, grazing cattle and fruit orchards. Further on, you leave the Salzach Valley behind and enter the wide and beautiful Gastein Valley. The cycle path leads you through idyllic alpine countryside as you gently ascend the valley, passing through the charming towns of Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein. Near the head of the valley, the beautiful old spa town of Bad Gastein awaits, its wonderful old and elegant hotels seeming to cling to the steep mountainside. The final climb to the town is a challenge if you are on a regular bike but, again, it's not that long (1.5kms) and you can always get off and walk up if it's too much. A little further along the road you arrive in the hamlet of Böckstein and here you board a small train with your bike for the 11 minute journey through the Tauern Tunnel to the Möll Valley. The trains run every hour so there is no mad rush to make a particular departure. You are now on the sunny side of the Alps, having just passed under the backbone of the famous mountain range. You’ll spend the night in a charming alpine town a little further down the Möll valley.
Important 2025 Update: Due to planned construction work, the Tauern Rail Tunnel is expected/estimated to be out of service from the beginning of the 2025 season through until mid July 2025. This may of course change! The itinerary will therefore be adapted during this period. Cyclists will spend the night in the Gastein Valley instead of the Möll Valley.
An easy day today as you descend gently along the Mölltal Valley. Charming villages, towering granite peaks, sparkling mountain streams and vivid green meadows create picturesque scenes that will live long in the memory. In the village of Kolbnitz you may wish to take a break and ascend to 1200m on the cogwheel railway for some lovely views across the valley. Follow the Drau River on it’s gentle descent, passing the bustling town of Spital an der Drau. Your goal today is the large town of Villach located at the meeting point of four valleys. The weather tends to come from the south here and you may notice a distinctly mediterranean feel to the place. Enjoy a stroll through the lovely old-town centre or, if you’re still feeling active, head to nearby Lake Ossiach for more cycling, a walk or even a swim.
Important 2025 Update: Due to planned construction work, the Tauern Rail Tunnel is expected/estimated to be out of service from the beginning of the 2025 season through until mid July 2025. This may of course change! The itinerary will therefore be adapted during this period. During this period cyclists will be transferred from their hotel in the Gastein valley to Spittal in the Möll valley where they will continue the ride to Villach (40km).
The day starts with a short train ride across the Italian border and up the valley to the town of Tarvisio. You can of course cycle this section of the Alpe Adria Cycle Path but be aware you will climb about 500 meters over a distance of 30 kilometres.
Alighting in Tarvisio with your bike you begin to follow the route of an old railway line that has been converted into a fabulous and very scenic bike path. After a short and gentle ascent, the route starts to descend along the Canale Valley. The path almost feels like a roller coaster as it reveals one stunning scene after another. You'll cycle through tunnels, across bridges and around mountainsides all on a dedicated, traffic-free cycle path all the while marvelling at the tumbling rivers, high granite peaks and thick pine forests of the Julian Alps. Every now and then you pass what is very obviously an old station platform, reminding you that this was once a working railway. At the end of the day you will spend the night in or near the Friulian town of Gemona.
Today's ride starts in the mountains but finishes in the lowland plains of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. As you bid the mountains goodbye, maybe stop to admire Gemona's majestic cathedral. Pressing on along the cycle path you will begin to see vineyards which belong to the region's small scale but high quality wine makers. Besides producing some nice Cabernet -Sauvignons and Merlots the region is also fast gaining a reputation for its excellent Prosecco. Your destination today is the bustling city of Udine. After checking in to your hotel take a stroll through the winding historic streets of the old town to Piazza della Libertà with its gothic town hall.
Leaving Udine you may begin to feel the warm Scirocco wind as the surrounding landscape changes once again. Canals, wetlands and reed beds line the route as you head towards the coast and the Gulf of Venice. Take time to stop in the Roman city of Aquileia to admire the ancient buildings before following the causeway road across the glistening lagoon to the historic fishing town of Grado, journey's end. Depending on the weather and your mood you may choose to head for the beach, the historic harbour or enjoy a lazy stroll along the narrow streets lined with tempting restaurants.
After breakfast it is time to head for home or your next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular Plus bike, a gravel bike or an electric bike.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 148cm. If you wish to have a male specific bike with crossbar, the minimum height is 165cm.
The regular Plus bike offers a step up in terms of components (hydraulic Magura brakes HS 11, Shimano Deore XT) and the crossbar frame provides a more sporty riding position. High quality, suntour suspension forks ensure a comfortable ride on these bikes. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 155cm.
The gravel bike will suit keen cyclists who are used to riding a road bike and appreciate a sporty riding position. At 12kg they are the lightest bikes offered on this tour. Wide tyres, a solid carbon fork, hydraulic disk brakes and a GRX rear derailleur with 20 gears ensure safety and comfort on your bike tour. These bikes come equipped with pannier, lock, repair kit and pump. Minimum height: 155cm.
Electric bikes with unisex frame are also available. Minimum height: 148cm
Adult helmets are available to buy at the time of booking the trip. Sizes: XXS-M (52-57 cm) or S-L (56-60cm) only. However, we do always suggest you bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality 3 and 4 star hotels.
Salzburg: Hotel Goldenes Theater
St. Johann: Brückenwirt
Mölltal Valley: Erlebnishotel Mölltal
Villach: Palais 26
Venzone: Hotel Pittis
Udine: Hotel Clocchiatti Next
Grado: Hotel Fonzari
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night
Fly to Salzburg airport and then take the regular public bus into the city. Alternatively you can also fly to Munich airport followed by a commuter train into the centre and then an intercity train to Salzburg – total journey time approx 2.5 hours.
At the end of the holiday you can fly home from Trieste Airport (also known as the Aeroporto Friuli-Venezia Giulia), which is just 11 miles from Grado. It's also easy to reach Venice Marco Polo airport using public transport and the journey time is roughly 2.5 hours
Research trains here.
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