Itinerary

Individual journey to the festival, Mozart and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and dreamy cafés invite you to enjoy genuine Austrian coffee specialities. Breathe in culture and history at every turn.

Leave Salzburg and head south. Cycle through shady meadows along the Salzach to Hallein, a Celtic town that was once rich in salt mining. Hallein surprises with a romantic old town centre with small alleyways, archways and houses with magnificent facades. You pass the rushing waterfall in Golling and continue along the well-maintained cycle path to St. Johann. The towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise up here like double mountain peaks.

Shortly after Schwarzach, you bid farewell to the Salzach; from today, 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, which offers a variety of natural, historical and architectural sights. The landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the centre of the town, which has been the subject of many painters and poets.

In the morning, it's just 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. You cycle along the Möll river through impressive high mountain landscapes. At Möllbrücke, the Drau Valley begins and with it the sunny south of Austria. The last few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau are a leisurely ride. The town was already an important transport hub for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and owed its prosperity in part to them.

Note for all arrivals up to and including 02.07.2025: 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 adapted and you will be transferred from Bad Gastein to Spittal (approx. 2 hours). Today you can take a lovely cycle tour along the Drau to Sachsenburg and back, approx. 45 km.

You cycle along the Drau almost by yourself on a gentle downhill stretch. Halfway along, you should take a break in the small market town of Paternion with its churches and castles worth seeing. Pedal hard a few more times and you will reach Villach, the heart of which is the charming old town with its southern flair and cosy pubs and restaurants.

At first, you cycle along the Drau for a while. But soon the cycle path leads you along the Gail towards Italy. ‘Servus Austria - Ciao Italia’ is the motto at the border. In Tarvisio you will even be greeted in three languages. This is because Austrians, Slovenians and Italians have lived together here for centuries and all three major European language families - Germanic, Romanic and Slavic - meet here directly.

The cycle path is also well developed in Italy, so you can cycle comfortably downhill through the Canal Valley and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region from the saddle. Venzone, a beautiful Friulian village, lies at the southern end of the Canal Valley. Take the train from there to Udine. Once in the city, enjoy the ‘dolce vita’ at a café in the ‘Piazza’ or during a stroll through the alleyways and admire the late Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

A warm Scirocco breeze blows around your nose! You 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. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, not only has an extensive sandy beach, but also a historic harbour and narrow streets with cosy restaurants that exude Italian flair.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.

Tour character

Easy to moderate

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 undulating, although the most challenging section between St. Johann and the Gastein Valley can be bridged by train.

Prices & dates

Sustainability with Rückenwind
Join us in contributing to even more sustainability! Decide in favour of our digital route book and thus against the printed version. As a thank you, you will receive a discount of € 20,- per room.

Prices per person in EUR

Services & extras

Services

Included

8 nights as listed
breakfast
Personalised tour information (DE, EN)
Well-prepared route description
Detailed travel documents, 1 per room (DE, EN, FR)
1 train journey Böckstein - Mallnitz incl. bike
1 train journey Villach - Tarvisio incl. bike
Luggage transport
Navigation app and GPS data
Bike hire insurance
7-day service hotline

Excluded

Arrival and departure
parking fees
Spa and local taxes where applicable
transfers
Optional sightseeing
Travel insurance and personal expenses.

Please note: 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 adapted and you will be transferred from the Gastein Valley to Spittal.

Extras

Arrival / parking

Public garage approx. 80,00€ / week
Salzburg railway station
Salzburg Airport
The return journey by public transport is only possible with a change of trains

Return transfer

Return transfer by minibus to Villach every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs from Grado per person €175.00; for own bike an additional €39.00; reservation required, payable in advance.

Hotels

Salzburg: Arcotel Castellani 4**** The ideal starting point to discover Salzburg. Surrounded by its own park, it is only a few minutes' walk to the historic city centre. The historic manor house has been lovingly remodelled and extended into a comfortable hotel. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere on the terrace and in the excellent restaurant. You will also feel particularly at home in the newly designed deluxe rooms.
Website

St. Johann: Hotel Brückenwirt 4**** More than 150 years ago, the Brückenwirt inn in St. Johann im Pongau was founded as a local pub. Your hosts at the Hotel Brückenwirt combine tradition and the future into a harmonious unit that must continue to be nurtured. Particular attention is paid to the hotel's resources. Sustainability and environmental awareness are guiding principles that inspire your hosts anew every day. The deluxe rooms booked for you are furnished according to the latest standards without forgetting the hotel's roots. The swimming pool and sauna provide additional relaxation.
Website

Bad Gastein: Hotel Salzburger Hof 4**** The hotel has been offering traditional hospitality with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains for over 100 years. The spacious spa & wellness area harmonises body and soul. The kitchen team will spoil you with Austrian specialities before you round off the evening in the elegant hotel bar.
Website

Spittal: Post Hotel mit EigenART This unique hotel is located directly on the historic main square of Spittal an der Drau. It is unique because the hotel does not fit into the classic hotel clichés at all. A hotel that surprises at every turn, from the hotel's own altar at reception, to the completely different themed rooms, its own shopping arcade, the in-house brewery, the coffee roastery and the legendary wood-fired pizzeria. An entertaining stay is therefore guaranteed.
Website

Villach: Hotel Palais26 Located directly on the main square, the hotel first impresses with its magnificent Renaissance façade. The city palace was built around 1500 and has only recently been remodelled into an enchanting boutique hotel. Relax not only in the cosy, modern superior rooms, but also in the small wellness area and the exclusive roof terrace with its magnificent mountain views. You will be spoilt with culinary delights in the Charles restaurant.
Website

Tarvis: Hotel Edelhof 4**** Alpine chic awaits you just a short walk from the centre of Tarvisio. In this family-run hotel, lots of wood and stone have been used to create a particularly cosy atmosphere in keeping with the surroundings. Chef Diego serves seasonal cuisine in the La Stube restaurant. In the modern, small wellness area you can relax in the sauna, whirlpool or Turkish bath.
Website

Udine: Hotel Ambassador Palace 4**** In the heart of the city and just a few steps from the historic centre, the hotel welcomes you with excellent service and elegant rooms. Toast to an eventful day with an aperitif in the American Bar before savouring Italian delicacies in the restaurant.
Website

Grado: Villa Erica 4****

This very charming villa dates back to the 19th century and is located in the centre of Grado. Situated directly on the pedestrian zone, you can walk to the historic centre or the sea in just a few steps. Cool drinks are served in the bar or on the terrace. Here you have a front row seat to watch the colourful hustle and bustle. Accommodation is also available in the beautiful Villa Bernt.
Website

Further information

Further important information in accordance with the "Pauschalreisegesetz" (Package Travel Act) can be found here!