The “Drau Radweg” (Drau cycle path) is one of the most beautiful routes in Europe and is suitable for the whole family.
This route, which was also popular with Gustav Mahler, who used to stay in Dobbiaco and at Lake Wörth, aims to unite Alta Pusteria with Carinthia in an ideal way. It starts in Dobbiaco/Villabassa in the Dolomites and leads through the Pusteria Valley to Lienz, following the cycle path along the Drava River in the midst of a picturesque landscape. Continuing along the Gail Valley cycle path from Kötschach-Mauthen, you will come across small villages and old farms in this romantic valley. The Carinthian lakes are waiting for you!
Other Drau tours with different durations and routes are available.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Alta Pusteria
Individual arrival at the hotel with private parking space available or nearby (included). Information meeting with delivery of the bike (if booked) and information material. Those arriving in the morning can visit Lake Dobbiaco or Lake Landro and enjoy the view of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. There is also the possibility to go climbing in the Dobbiaco adventure park or to go to the Gustav Mahler zoo.
Day 2: Alta Val Pusteria (Villabassa/Dobbiaco) – Lienz 50 km
We leave Villabassa/Dobbiaco and arrive in San Candido (visit the Romanesque church) near the Italian border near Prato alla Drava. From here a gentle descent begins, which will take you gently to Lienz, one of the sunniest towns in Austria.
What you can do with your family:
Wichtelpark Sillian, one of the most beautiful playgrounds in Alta Pusteria in Sillian
Loacker World of Goodness with Moccaria in Heinfels
Galitzenklamm, a waterfall with adventure park for the whole family
“Osttirodler summer toboggan run (open until 5 pm)
Moosalm” petting zoo behind the starting point of the toboggan run
Day 3: Lienz – Berg im Drautal 35 km
We leave Lienz and follow the route of a Roman trade route to Oberdrauburg, a town rich in museums and mills, where wheat is still processed today. The route continues to the destination of the day, Berg im Drautal.
Attractions for children and the whole family:
Roman town and Aguntum museum immediately after Lienz
Outdoor swimming pool in Berg
Day 4: Berg- Spittal/around 45 km
Cycling through an idyllic landscape you will reach Spittal. Along the way you can visit the Greifenburg adventure park. You will have the opportunity to take a cycling trip to Lake Millstatt (Millstätter See), where you can swim. You will cycle along the “culture walk” from Upper Carinthia to “Spittal an der Drau”, where you can visit Porcia Castle and its museum of folk culture (in July and August there are also theatre performances here).
Day 5: Spittal – Villach 40 km
On the way to Villach, Carinthia’s second largest town, you can make a few stops to visit the mycological museum, Elli Riehls’ puppet world, the archaeological excavations or stop at lakes to cool off, such as the Ossiacher See or the Faaker See.
Villach, with its square and adjoining streets, is a lively town with a touch of the Mediterranean. The old town centre, with its many views reminiscent of Italy, is the scene of a variety of events. On this day, you are spoilt for choice as to what to do. You can cycle along the Ossiacher See lake and take a boat trip to regenerate with a swim before returning to Villach. Or visit Landskron Castle with its “Adler Arena” (birds of prey and flying exhibitions) and the “Affenberg”, a mountain with around 145 Japanese macaques that roam freely in the park.
Day 6: Villach – Lake Ossiach – Villach 45 km
The Seebach river points the way out of Villach. You soon see the ruins of Landskron Castle towering high above the valley. After a few kilometres you reach the Ossiacher See. The villages along the lake are greeted from afar in an idyllic landscape surrounded by mountains. The clear water of the lake is an irresistible temptation to take a refreshing dip before ending the bike tour back in Villach.
With its square and adjoining streets, it looks like a lively town with a touch of the Mediterranean. The old town centre, with its many views reminiscent of Italy, is the scene of a variety of events. On this day, you are spoilt for choice as to what to do. You can cycle along the Ossiacher See lake and take a boat trip to regenerate with a swim before returning to Villach. Or visit Landskron Castle with its “Adler Arena” (birds of prey and flying exhibitions) and the “Affenberg”, a mountain with around 145 Japanese macaques that roam freely in the park.
Day 7: Villach – Klagenfurt 45 km
At first you will follow the direction of the river Drava. You will pass through a landscape which, despite the passage of time, still looks unchanged to this day. You arrive at the famous Wörthersee, where you can enjoy swimming and boat rides – pure fun for the whole family. Possibility of shortening the route with the ferry on Lake Wörthersee (not included). Through colourful and traditional villages you will reach Klagenfurt. A stroll through the historic centre of this romantic town will round off your cycling holiday.
Attractions in Klagenfurt:
– Minimundus, the small world at Wörthersee (150 models of famous buildings)
– Happ Reptile House, Austria’s largest reptile house (about 1,000 animals)
– Planetarium Klagenfurt
Day 8: Klagenfurt
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
