The pleasure of cycling on the Alpe Adria cycling path from the city of Mozart to the Adriatic Sea
In a week across the Alps to the Adriatic Sea – that sounds like hard work! It is not quite as exhausting, if you choose the Alpe Adria cycle route. On the well marked paths the crossing of the Alps is also feasible for pleasure cyclists, because the ascent to the main ridge of the Alps is divided into two daily stages, the last one iwill be done by using the train. On your journey you will cross the idyllic Salzach valley, Bad Gastein, the impressive high mountain landscape of the Hohe Tauern, the sunny Trautal and the wildly rugged canal valley. Cycling on the Via Julia Augusta you pass Palmanova and Aquileia and get to the fishing village of Grado.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Individual arrival at the starting hotel in Salzburg. A bicycle trip could not start more impressively than in Salzburg, the city of Mozart. You are surrounded by so many Baroque monuments in this beautiful old town. Take some delicious Mozartkugeln (typical Austrian confectionary) on your journey to the sea.
DAY 2: Salzburg – St. Johann (approx. 70 km)
With a view of the fortress Hohensalzburg you leave the city. In the distance the mountains are already visible. The first section takes you along the Salzach. On the way you will pass the former summer residence of the Salzburge Bishops, Hellbrunn palace. For more than 400 years, the extraordinary water games have been a delight for youn and old. On the Tauern cycle path, the journey continues in the direction of Hallein, known for its crooked town-houses and above all for the white gold – salt. Another highlight on the way is the waterfall in Golling. The Pongau cathedral and the town of St. Johann are already visible on the horizon
DAY 3: St. Johann – Mölltal/Mallnitz (approx. 55 km + train)
The journey continues through the tranquil Gastein valley. Until the 20th century, it was only accessible along mountain paths and narrow roads. Framed by the peaks of the Hohe Tauern, you cycle along the Gasteiner Ache (river). Passing Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you reach the famous health resort Bad Gastein. The „Montecarlo of the Alps“, as the place is often called, is known for its many splendid hotels from the „Belle Époque“. The main attraction here is the Gastein waterfall, which has been the focal point of many artists and poets. From here you continue to Böckstein and get on the train along the Tauernschleuse (railway line) to Mallnitz. You cycle downhill towards your accommodation.
DAY 4: Mölltal/Mallnitz – Villach (approx. 75 km)
Today you cycle along the river Möll through the impressive mountain landscapes. This section of the cycle path is also known as the Glocknerradweg. It goes mostly slightly downhill and leads through the Hohe Tauern National Park up to Möllbrück. From there the Drau cycle path leads to Spittal, famous for its Renaissance castle of Porcia. The stage ends in the second largest city in Carinthia. Villach is not only famous for its Carnival, but also known for its Villacher Kirchtag (folklore festival). In addition, numerous places of interest await you. If you still have enough time, we recommend you to take a swim in one of the lakes around the city.
DAY 5: Villach – Venzone/surroundings (approx. 85-90 km or approx. 40-60 km + train, ticket not included)
Following the river Gail you leave Villach behind and shortly after you say goodbye to Austria and enter Italy. In the three-nation corner Italy-Austria-Slovenia extends the Kanaltal valley, whose main centre is the town of Tarvisio, on the Italian border. Here Austrians, Slovenes, Friulians and Italians have been living together for hundreds of years, because all the three big European language families – Teutons, Romans and Slavs – join there. The town of Tarvisio is not only one of the most important mountain resorts of Friuli Venezia Giulia, but it is also famous for its winter offer in this region. Continuing through the valley of Kanaltal you can admire the beauty of the Friuli-Alps-Region with an intact, unspoilt nature and vast, intact forests. If you want, you can take the train (ticket not included) to Ugovizza and shorten a part of the route.
DAY 6: Venzone/surroundings – Udine (approx. 60 km)
The small town of Gemona del Friuli, situated at the southern end of the Kanaltal Valley and at the foothills of the Julian Alps, is considered one of the most beautiful historic towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The town is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is well worth a visit. The wine prevails on today‘s stage Hills full of vineyards line your way and invite you to taste some local wine. The town of Udine, characterised by Venetian influences, radiates peace and tranquillity; over a coffee in the „piazza“ or a stroll through the city centre you can admire its impressive buildings of the late Gothic and Renaissance.
DAY 7: Udine – Grado (approx. 55 km)
Accompanied by the breeze of the Scirocco you pass through reed landscapes and water canals and arrive to Grado, a historic city of fishers and one of the most popular beach resorts on the Adriatic sea.
DAY 8: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay on the Adriatic Sea.
