Alpe Adria Cycle Path

The Route of the Alpe Adria Cycle Path

From Salzburg through SalzburgerLand to Carinthia

The Alpe Adria Cycle Path starts in Salzburg. A city known for its baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As the “gateway to the Alps,” Salzburg is the ideal starting point for this cycling journey to the sea. From the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the route follows the banks of the Salzach River through the Tennengau region, characterized by a harmonious blend of gentle hills, impressive mountain ranges, and idyllic villages.

©SalzburgerLand Tourismus, Eduardo Gellner

After crossing the Pass Lueg, cyclists are treated to spectacular views of rugged peaks and deep valleys. A particular highlight of this stage is the ride through the Gastein Valley, entering the Hohe Tauern National Park with its unspoiled nature and majestic mountain landscapes. Along the way, cyclists pass places like Werfen, famous for Hohenwerfen Castle, as well as Bischofshofen, St. Johann in Salzburg, and Bad Gastein. The main Alpine ridge is crossed via a short train transfer through the Tauern tunnel to Mallnitz in Carinthia, and later the route reaches the town of Spittal an der Drau.

From Carinthia through Slovenia to Grado

From Carinthia, the journey continues along the Drau River, where the landscape changes noticeably after crossing the Alps. The path leads from Villach uphill to Arnoldstein at the Austrian-Italian border and then to Tarvisio.

Greber/Skyshot

From Tarvisio, the route follows the old Pontebbana railway line through the picturesque Canal Valley along the Fella River—one of the highlights of the Alpe Adria cycle path. Several former railway stations have been revived with inviting eateries along the way. The path continues through the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where cyclists experience authentic northern Italy. It passes through flatlands and historic cities such as Udine and Aquileia, known for their Roman ruins and medieval churches. Eventually, the route reaches the Adriatic coast, ending in Grado. A seaside town with a Venetian old town and long sandy beaches. Here, by the sea, the journey on the Alpe Adria cycle path concludes.

Rich Culture and Nature along the Alpe Adria Cycle Path

The Alpe Adria cycle path offers numerous cultural and scenic highlights, making it a truly diverse experience. Along the way are historic towns and villages steeped in regional tradition. Salzburg is culturally significant. But smaller towns such as Werfen, Bad Gastein, Gmünd, Spittal an der Drau, and Villach also provide fascinating insights into local culture and history.

This variety continues in Italy. The Friuli Venezia Giulia region is known for its well-preserved medieval towns and rich winemaking traditions. The Roman ruins of Aquileia, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site, are particularly noteworthy.

©www.tomson.photography

Nature along the Alpe Adria cycle path is equally diverse. From the high alpine landscapes of the Hohe Tauern National Park to the rolling hills and vineyards of Friuli Venezia Giulia, cyclists experience a range of natural environments. The Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest protected area in the Alps, is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. The Canal Valley offers beautiful views of the region’s mountains and rivers. The ride along the Adriatic coast, with its sandy beaches and lagoons, marks the end of the tour.

Who Is the Alpe Adria Cycle Path For?

The Alpe Adria cycle path offers varied experiences and is appealing to both seasoned cyclists and families seeking a leisurely ride. The route is largely well-developed. Consisting mainly of dedicated cycle paths or quiet roads. And combines flat stretches with more challenging sections enriched by scenic beauty and cultural discoveries.

For ambitious cyclists, there are plenty of challenges. Especially during the Alpine crossing, where e-bikes can make the climbs more manageable—a necessity given the route’s length. At the same time, there are many easy sections suitable for less experienced riders or families. Thanks to the good infrastructure along the way, tours can be planned flexibly, and public transport is available for bypassing tougher sections if needed.

Greber/Skyshot

Practical Information: Planning and Organization

The Alpe Adria cycle path is well-signposted throughout, with plenty of information along the way. Detailed maps, elevation profiles, and sightseeing information can be found on the official website. The route can be ridden in either direction. Though many prefer the journey from Salzburg to Grado, as the more demanding stages are at the beginning, making the approach to the coast more relaxed.

Cyclists can choose from a wide range of accommodations along the route, from cozy guesthouses to comfortable hotels. Early booking is recommended, especially in the summer months, as the cycle path is particularly popular during this time. Many towns along the route offer bike rentals and repair services, ensuring cyclists are well-supported.

Reaching Salzburg is straightforward, as the city is well connected to the European rail and road network. Many take the opportunity to explore Salzburg and its cultural highlights before setting off.

For the return journey from Grado, there are also various options. Including direct train connections or special shuttle services for cyclists.

Important Information:

In spring 2025, the ÖBB Tauern Tunnel (Böckstein–Mallnitz) will be closed for construction. As an alternative to the regular cycle shuttle (Gastein/Schwarzach – Spittal/Mallnitz), there will be a scenic route along the Alpe Adria cycle path via the Lungau region and onwards to Carinthia.