Alpe-Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado
Cycle from Salzburg to Grado, crossing Austria and Italy on a scenic 410-kilometer route
Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg with its baroque charm and musical heritage
Ride through diverse landscapes, from the Hohe Tauern mountains to Friuli’s vineyards
Immerse yourself in history at Roman Aquileia and cultural gems like Gemona and Udine
Traverse the Alps with ease using a train connection through the Tauernschleuse
End your journey at the Adriatic coast, relaxing in Grado’s sandy beaches
Admire the colorful scenery of the northern Italy
Follow the winding valleys through the Alps
Explore medieval towns like Gemona del Friuli
Cycle through the tunnels on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
Cycle along the Salzach River
Enjoy traffic-free cycle paths
Ride past magnificent waterfalls
Watch the Drau River flow past
Visit culturally-rich cities like Villach
Celebrate the end of your day with a coffeee in Udine
Itinerary
You will arrive in Salzburg, a city celebrated for its baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. After checking into your hotel, you will have time to explore Salzburg’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers panoramic views, and Mirabell Palace, which has beautifully landscaped gardens. You can stroll through Getreidegasse, the charming shopping street where Mozart’s birthplace is located, and take in the city’s vibrant yet historic atmosphere.
Hotel in Salzburg
You will cycle south from Salzburg, following the Salzach River through shaded wetlands and meadows. The first stop is Hallein, a historic town known for its salt mining past. Then, the route leads to Golling, home to the dramatic Golling Waterfall. After a gentle climb at Pass Lueg, you will pass through the Salzach Gorge, where towering rock walls rise above the narrowing valley. The path continues through Bischofshofen, famous for its ski jumping events, before reaching St. Johann. Here, the twin towers of Pongau Cathedral stand as a striking landmark in the heart of this charming alpine town.
63 kilometers (40 miles)
Hotel in St. Johann
Leaving St. Johann, you will bid farewell to the Salzach River and follow the Gasteiner Ache into the picturesque Gastein Valley. The route leads you through Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein before arriving at Bad Gastein. Nestled at the foot of the Hohe Tauern range, Bad Gastein features striking architecture and the iconic Gastein Waterfall. From Böckstein, you will board a short train ride through the Tauernschleuse tunnel, emerging on the southern side of the Alps in Mallnitz. Back on your bike, you will enjoy a thrilling descent into the Mölltal Valley.
Train ride
53 kilometers (33 miles)
Hotel in Mölltal Valley
You will begin the day cycling along the Möll River, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Carinthian Alps. Reaching Möllbrücke, the Drau Valley begins, offering a gentle downhill ride alongside the Drau River. Along the way, you may stop in Spittal to visit the Renaissance Palace Porcia. As you approach Villach, the valley opens into rolling plains. Framed by the Dobratsch mountain, Villach welcomes you with its charming old town, lively atmosphere, and inviting restaurants where you can sample Carinthian specialties.
73 kilometers (45 miles)
Hotel in Villach
You will begin the day with a train ride to Tarvisio, crossing the border into Italy and bypassing the steep ascent. In Tarvisio, a town at the crossroads of cultures, you can take a moment to explore its unique blend of Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian influences. From there, you will cycle along the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path through the serene Val Canale. The well-maintained route takes you gently downhill, surrounded by dense forests and the dramatic peaks of the Friulian Alps. The day ends in one of the picturesque villages nestled at the foothills of the Julian Alps.
Train ride
66 kilometers (41 miles)
Hotel in Gemona
You will cycle south through the Val Canale, leaving behind the rugged peaks of the Julian Alps. A worthwhile stop along the route is Gemona del Friuli. The town was meticulously rebuilt after a devastating earthquake, and its centerpiece, the leaning columns of the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, offers a unique glimpse into its past. As you continue, the landscape transitions from alpine forests to rolling vineyards, signaling your entry into the heart of the Friuli region. The day ends in Udine, a vibrant city known for its late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
42 kilometers (26 miles)
Hotel in Udine
Leaving Udine, you will cycle through the picturesque Friulian countryside, passing fields, small canals, and stretches of reed-covered wetlands. The route leads to Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a major city of the Roman Empire. Here, you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its intricate mosaics. As you approach the Adriatic coast, the salty breeze signals your arrival in Grado, a charming fishing town in a lagoon.
53 kilometers (33 miles)
Hotel in Grado
Your tour will conclude in Grado, a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea known for its sandy beaches and Venetian-style architecture. Before departing, you can explore Grado’s historic old town, characterized by narrow alleys, traditional squares, and the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia, which dates back to the early Christian period. A walk along the promenade offers a relaxing way to reflect on your journey from the Alps to the Adriatic.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path offers an extraordinary journey from Salzburg, caught in an alpine embrace, to the sunny shores of the Adriatic in Grado.
This iconic 410-kilometer route blends the natural beauty of the towering Alps, rolling vineyards, and coastal lagoons with the cultural richness of historic Italian towns and picturesque Austrian villages.
Designed to be accessible for most cyclists, daily distances range from 40 to 70 kilometers, with well-maintained paths ensuring a smooth ride throughout the journey.
Starting in Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its baroque architecture and musical heritage, the route takes you through Austria’s scenic Salzach Valley and into the breathtaking Hohe Tauern National Park.
The train connection through the Tauernschleuse ensures a comfortable transition over the Alps, leading to Italy’s tranquil Val Canale and beyond.
Cultural highlights include the historic Roman city of Aquileia, with its impressive basilica and ancient ruins, and Gemona del Friuli, lovingly rebuilt after an earthquake as a symbol of resilience.
The vibrant city of Udine offers a touch of Italian “dolce vita,” with its lively piazzas and Venetian-inspired architecture. The journey culminates in Grado, a charming seaside town known for its sandy beaches, Venetian harbor, and fresh seafood.
The route is designed for comfort and convenience, with accommodations arranged in cyclist-friendly hotels and luggage transfer services provided. Detailed route materials, including GPS tracks, ensure easy navigation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Whether riding through Austria’s alpine valleys, Italy’s vineyard-covered hills, or the peaceful lagoons of the Adriatic, the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cycling enjoyment.
Location
Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Thus, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:
1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.
2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.
3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.
4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.
5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.
We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Many of our tours pass through popular tourist destinations with limited accommodation options. The best-selling tours are often fully booked for the summer before spring arrives.
The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are usual in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.
Generally, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the ideal times for cycling, depending on the tour. Summer is also a fantastic choice because Austria has a milder climate, especially in the Alps.
Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.
Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If there’s a significant difference in fitness levels among group members, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.
Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.
We always pick locations and starting points which are reachable by public transport. Our travel agent will extensively advise you on the most optimal option.
All our tours take place in well-developed areas, ensuring you are always close to essential infrastructure and never isolated. Additionally, our agent is available by phone every day to assist with any emergencies. Your travel materials will also include a list of bike repair workshops with contact information, so you can easily access expert assistance for issues like flat tires and other repairs.
Each morning, you will leave your luggage at the hotel reception, where it will be collected by our taxi service and delivered to your next hotel. Your luggage will typically arrive by late morning or early afternoon. For your convenience, your travel materials will include the contact details and schedules of the taxi services handling the transportation.
Most of our tours are recommended for individuals aged 12 and older who have some cycling experience. However, the Drau Cycle Path is a family-friendly option, as it features mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths away from main roads. That said, younger participants should be confident cyclists, and parents are encouraged to assess whether this tour is suitable for their family.
On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.
Yes, bike transfers are often available when needed—such as before, after, or during your trip. Bikes are typically transported in secure vehicles or trailers designed for bicycles. You may need to notify the provider in advance, and some services require the bike to be clean or partially disassembled. Exact procedures vary depending on location and logistics.
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