Crossing the Alps by bike

THE CHALLENGE THAT BECOMES AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

Crossing the Alps by bike seems to be an almost impossible task for many cycling holidaymakers. But with every cycle tour you take, you suddenly notice how your athletic ambition grows and you catch yourself looking for the next challenge. Are you also dreaming of crossing the Alps on your bike? Eurobike’s cycle tours make this dream tangible. Would you dare to do it? It’s easier than you think!

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.

Our most beautiful cycle tours in the Alps

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.

(5)
Tour character
Medium
Austria

Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Salzburg – Villach

7 Days | Self-guided Tour
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(21)
Tour character
Medium
Italy / Austria

Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Villach – Grado – Trieste

7 Days | Self-guided Tour
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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.

(31)
Tour character
Medium
Italy / Austria

Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Villach – Grado

6 Days | Self-guided Tour
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(68)
Tour character
Medium
Italy

Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Salzburg – Grado

8 Days | Self-guided Tour
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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.

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!

(4)
Tour character
Medium
Germany / Italy / Austria

Munich – Lake Garda

11 Days | Self-guided Tour
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(14)
Tour character
Medium
Italy / Austria

Innsbruck – Bolzano

8 Days | Self-guided Tour
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Abano Terme

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?

(7)
Tour character
Easy
Italy / Austria

Innsbruck – Venice

10 Days | Self-guided Tour
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Useful information about cycle tours in the Alps

Loose cows in the Alps

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!

The cycling destinations in the Alps

View of the Zugspitze, hiking paradise

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.

Sheep at the foot of Hochkoenig

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.

UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau Aletsch

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.

Mountain lake with view to Mont Blanc

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…

Group of cyclists

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!

With Eurobike in the footsteps of Hannibal – only much more comfortable!

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Vanessa Bräumann
“Dare to cross the Alps with Eurobike! We are available to answer all your questions and look forward to your booking!”
Vanessa Bräumann, Travel specialist & Team lead assistant
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