From Salzburg to Villach

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.

You roll leisurely out of the festival and Mozart city of Salzburg through the shady Salzach floodplains, with the Salzach as your travelling companion. The route takes you to Hallein, a Celtic town once rich in salt mining. The main attraction is undoubtedly the world-famous Celtic Museum. Passing the Gollinger waterfall, your overnight stay in the town of the same name is characterised by its pretty market square and 13th century castle.

From Golling you cycle up to Pass Lueg-Höhe, enjoying the view of the marvellously striking Tennengebirge mountains. The mountain gets closer and closer to the Salzach and the roar of the water gets louder and 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 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 village, which has been the subject of many painters and poets. Now it's just 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 thrilling descent to your hotel in Mölltal.

Please note: Due to construction work, the Tauern lock is expected to be out of service until 4 July 2025. During this period, the itinerary will be adjusted for all arrivals until 02.07.25. You will spend the night in Bad Gastein/surroundings (bike approx. 40 km) instead of in Mölltal and will be transferred to Spittal tomorrow.

Today you cycle along the River Möll through impressive high mountain landscapes. The Drau Valley begins in Möllbrücke 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 owes its prosperity in part to them. You cycle along the Drau on a gentle downhill almost of your own accord. Halfway along the route, you should take a break in the small market town of Paternion with its interesting churches and castles. 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.

For all arrivals until 02.07.:

Transfer from the Gastein Valley to Spittal in the morning (approx. 2 hours) and continue by bike to Villach (approx. 42 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.

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