Brief information about the Alps
They are the pride and joy of the German-speaking area and the most imposing high mountains in Europe – we are of course taking about the Alps, which are 1200km long and 250km wide and stretch across eight countries. In total, what is probably the most famous mountain range in Europe covers an area of around 200,000 square kilometres. And yet, it only ranks 34th in the global ranking of the largest mountains. In some countries the Alps only take up a small part of the national territory – others, such as Austria and Switzerland, consist almost exclusively of the Alpine region. It is therefore not surprising that the Alps are much more important in these countries than in others. The Alps are not only unspoiled land here, but also living space, recreational playgrounds and areas for economic use.
The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
Probably the most beautiful, most practical and best-known way to cross the Alps is to follow the Alpe-Adria cycle path. The famous cycle path from Salzburg to Grado and even Trieste has delighted a very wide audience of cyclists for years. With perfectly developed cycle paths, impressive mountain scenery, idyllic stage locations and an ideal mix of Austrian cosiness and Italian joie de vivre, the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path is one of the really, really bit cycle paths in Europe. And you will see: the almost 400 kilometres by bike will fly by!
Salzburg – Villach
From the Mozart city of Salzburg you always cycle with a slight tail wind through a rural idyll that couldn’t be more beautiful. Here Austria is just as one imagines Austria to be. On this tour, it is the beauty of nature that inspires our guests. Imposing mountains, wide valleys and quaint villages make up the character of this cycle tour.
- Do you want more detailed information? Then find out everything you need to know about the Salzburg – Villach cycle tour, the first part of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path.
Villach – Grado – Trieste
If you prefer to head south and prefer a mixture of mountains and sea, you should stick to the second part of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path. From sunny Villach you can get to Bella Italia very quickly and cycle towards the endless ocean.
- Further information on the second part of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path Villach – Grado – Trieste can be found here.
Villach – Grado
Certainly, some of you will think “I have arrived at the sea! I’d like to stay a few days and relax.” And you are right, because Grado really invites you to linger. After a week on the bike, you can enjoy a few days on the beach.
- The wonderful cycle tour Villach – Grado will impress you too. You can find all the information here.
Salzburg – Grado
To all the sporty cyclists and all those who are looking for a challenge even on holiday – you have found your dream holiday! Cycle the entire Alpe-Adria Cycle Path with Eurobike in just eight days, or alternatively in ten days, enjoy the most beautiful sides of Austria and Italy and at the end of the tour you can be proud, when you can look back at the 360 kilometres you have cycled.
- Here you can find the route, prices and dates for the cycle tour Salzburg – Grado.
Munich – Merano – Lake Garda
The Bavarian metropolis of Munich is the starting point of this cycle tour that takes you across the Alps from Bavaria via Tyrol to the sparkling Lake Garda in beautiful Italy. Bavarian hospitality, the charm of Tyrol and the Italian way of life welcome you on an unforgettable cycle tour through the Alps.
- Find out more about the Munich – Merano – Lake Garda cycle tour today.
Innsbruck – Bolzano
From the capital of Tyrol to the capital of South Tyrol with the majestic Alps always by your side! On perfectly laid out cycle paths you will become aware of the impressive atmosphere of the rock giants with every turn of the pedal. And don’t forget the wonderful Tyrolean delicacies!
- You certainly won’t regret booking this tour. Click here for the Innsbruck – Bolzano cycle tour.
Innsbruck – Verona – Venice
Our popular cycle tour Innsbruck – Verona – Venice promises impressive views, romantic cities, incomparable landscapes and lots of cycling fun. Who hasn’t always wanted to be able to say that they cycled from the Austrian mountains to the Italian Adriatic?
- Take the opportunity to book the cycle tour Innsbruck – Verona – Venice today.
The climate in the Alps
The weather in the Alps can of course not be lumped together. The climate in the various countries is too different due to their geographical locations. In the northern Alps, which make up most of the mountain range, there is a cooler, central European climate. The southern part of the Alpine region, on the other hand, is influenced by the Mediterranean climate. The mountains are generally an obstacle to the weather. They can cause unrest in the clouds. The weather can change quickly and produce violent storms, rain and thunderstorms. Another peculiarity in the Alpine climate is the foehn, a very warm fall wind that can quickly lead to headaches in sensitive people. In the Alps you should always be prepared for all eventualities, bring good rain gear and pack both short and long clothing in your suitcase.
The Alpine cuisine
The so-called Alpine cuisine was, and still is today, characterised by rural life on the alpine pastures and the secluded valleys of the Alps when little food was available to the farmers. Homemade items such as milk, cheese, butter, meat, speck and cereals were put into the pan. Hearty is probably the word that best describes the cuisine. It is a kitchen of the heart and tastes of love and care. Dishes such as the Schlutzkrapfen, Kaiserschmarren, Tyrolean dumplings and Kasnocken have stolen our hearts. Look forward to the incomparable cuisine of the Alpine region!
Germany
The Germany Alps are limited to the state of Bavaria and take up a small part of the national territory. The highest point in the Bavarian Alps is the Zugspitze at 2962 metres. However, Germany shares the mountain with Austria. It is located near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the south of Bavaria and north of Tyrol.
- Get more information about the cycling tours in Bavaria.
Austria
Austria is considered to be the Alpine republic par excellence. No wonder, because Austria has the largest share of the Alps with 54,600 km². Around 65% of Austria’s national territory is Alpine and almost a third of all alpine residents live in Austria. The highest mountain in the Austrian Alps, the Großglockner at 3798 metres, is located in the Eastern Alps between Carinthia and East Tyrol.
- Here you can find more cycling tours in Austria.
Switzerland
More than 40% of the Swiss national territory consists of the Alps. Therefore, Switzerland is also a country dominated by the Alpine landscape. The Dufourspitze, near the Italian border, is the highest point in Switzerland at 4634 metres. However, this mountain is not completely on Swiss soil, because the summit is only a few hundred metres from the Italian border. That is why the question of the highest mountain in Switzerland is a delicate one.
- All cycling tours in Switzerland at a glance.
Italy
The north of Italy is also becoming a popular travel destination for mountain-loving cyclists thanks to the presence of the majestic Alps. Especially the Dolomites, which are part of the southern Limestone Alps and offer us a perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable cycle tour. The world-famous Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, is located on both French and Italian territory. According to the Italians, the state border runs exactly over the summit, so their Monte Bianco would also be the highest mountain in Italy and not only in France. The French, however, see it differently…
- Discover more cycling tours in Italy.
Perfectly organised cycle tours in the Alps
A cycle tour through the Alps must be well organised. After all, you really shouldn’t have anything else to do during the tour other than concentrate on the views and relax. This will definitely work if you decide to take a Eurobike cycle tour. Because we are the leading bike travel specialists for cycle tours in the Alps and make crossing the Alps by bike child’s play. Perfectly maintained rental bikes, easy-to-understand travel documents, daily luggage transfer, comfortable hotels and reliable on-site support are all part of our service and make every cycle tour an unforgettable holiday experience!