Why you should cycle the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

From the majestic Alps to the Italian Adriatic

The idea of crossing the Alps by bike and pedalling all the way to the sea may be a daunting prospect for many. But it is certainly tempting, because every passionate cyclist would like to put this trophy on their shelves. You too, right?

But it’s not just the sporting challenge that makes the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path so attractive. It is the interplay of nature, culture, cuisine and history. Surely you are curious now. Rightly so! Stay tuned and let us whet your appetite for one of the most beautiful cycle paths in Europe! We’ll reveal our insider tips and tell you why a cycle tour along the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path will be particularly worthwhile!

Mysterious and impressive – the Alps

As you leave the Mozart city of Salzburg behind you and travel along the Salzach and the mountains get higher, bigger and more spectacular, you will inevitably realise: ‘I am actually cycling across the Alps!’ This is the moment you can be proud of your decision, but only for a short time, because then you’ll have to concentrate on cycling and the stunning scenery again. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether they need a camera. The view from Pass Lueg to the Tennengebirge, the impressive Hohenwerfen Castle in the middle of the Salzburg mountains and the moment you cycle through the Gastein Valley, surrounded by rock massifs, will join your holiday memories even without a camera.

Mountain panorama along the Drau cycle path

Crystal clear and cheerfully gurgling – Austria’s rivers

Do you also enjoy cycling along a river? It doesn’t just mean the legs are given a break thanks to the flat route – water simply has a magical attraction. First the Salzach accompanies us for a while and at Golling offers us a true natural spectacle that makes us aware of the immense power of water. The so-called ‘Salzachöfen’ is a narrow gorge through the northern high limestone Alps. In addition to the Golling waterfall, which plunges approx. 100 metres into the depths, the Salzachöfen are probably Golling’s most spectacular sight. The Gaststeiner Ache and the Mölll guide you to one of the most beautiful rivers in Austria – we’re talking about the Drau. The glittering play of colours and the crystal clear water will attract your gaze and won’t be forgotten.

Fortress Hohenwerfen in front of the mountains

Imposing sights – you will be amazed!

The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path scores points with our guests not only because of the breathtaking nature, it is also these ‘wow moments’ that leave your mouth open that make this trip so special. So the sight of the ski jumping slope in Bischofshofen certainly won’t bore you. Most of us will probably feel a little uneasy just looking at it from below. You will get goosebumps for two reasons when you visit the giant ice worlds in Werfen. Once because of the cold (please dress warmly and choose sturdy shoes – it’s frosty) and once because of the impressive landscape. On the Italian side of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path you will come across the ancient ruins of Aquileia shortly before you reach your destination. The so-called ‘Second Rome’ will take you back to the time of the ancient Romans and leave you in awe.

Moments to enjoy - you can never have enough of them

From a culinary point of view, the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path is heavenly. Both Salzburg and Carinthia are known for their irresistible, regional delicacies. And the Italian cuisine is the crowning glory of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path. Try the popular Salzburg Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) or the sinful Mozartkugeln. Carinthia spoils you with the famous Carinthian Schlipfkrapfen or a sweet Reindling. Northern Italy, or rather Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is best known for polenta. The simple corn dish is offered here in many different variations that you might not have known about before. When you arrive in Grado, you should definitely order a wonderfully creamy seafood risotto and a glass of Friulian wine – the formula for a perfect evening! Let yourself be pampered!

Festivals and events along the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

Every year at Pfingsten The Pfingstfestspiele will take place in Salzburg. Combine your cycling holiday with a musical feast for the ears!
Art & cuisine in Golling – for more than 20 years, this festival in July and August has delighted numerous culture lovers!
Since 2012, the 4-day Alpen Adria Harbour Festival has been held annually in Klagenfurt on Lake Wörthersee. The focus here is on the cuisine and music of the Alpe-Adria region!

The Grades Asparagus Festival takes place every year at the end of April. One of the tastiest products of this area is celebrated – the while asparagus from Fossalon.
The ‘Sabo Grando’ is the beginning of the famous Grado pilgrimage, the Perdòn di Barbana, which takes place on the first Sunday in July. On this Saturday, the small fishing village is transformed into a place full of light, sound and colours, and people dance, make music and party well into the night.
The so-called Karsthochzeit takes place every two years during the last week of August in Monrupino, near Trieste. It is an old event at which newlyweds are married according to the traditional Karst tradition.