No fewer than ten cycling stages connect Mozart's city with the Adriatic Sea through the Alps. The Alpe Adria cycle path leads you through an impressive landscape via old railway lines and numerous tunnels. The interplay of cultural highlights, stunning natural areas, delicious cuisine and charming towns makes the Alpine crossing a pleasure trip on two wheels!
Details about the bike tour from Salzburg to Grado
After saying "goodbye" to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, you will set off for Italy on the Austrian cycle paths: After a long walk in the old town of Salzburg, take the bike towards St. Johann Im Pongau. Accompanied by a fantastic natural landscape, you will enjoy cycling further to the Carinthian region. Genuine traditions, tasty dishes and warm hospitality: you can experience all this by bike through Austrian nature.
Once in Grado, you will be overwhelmed by a feeling of happiness! The Italian flair, the charming old town and the incredible warmth will brighten your mood.
The highlights of the Alpe Adria cycling holiday at a glance
City of Salzburg: Visit the Dom, Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, Mozart's Birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Von Trapp Family Residence, Mirabel Palace and Hellbrunn Palace.
Porcia Castle: The stopover in Spittal an der Drau is all about culture. All Renaissance enthusiasts can rejoice! In this town, you can visit the most beautiful Renaissance building in the northern Alps, Porcia Castle. You must experience this!
Grado: Let your soul wander at the end of the trip in the charming fishing village. The restaurants in the alleys of the old town spoil you with pizza, pasta and fine wines. Just awesome! The historic harbour and the extensive beach on the Adriatic coast make this city very special.
Worth knowing about the bike tour from Salzburg to Grado
In ten days you will cover approximately 375 kilometres on well-developed cycle paths. With daily stages of 55 to 75 kilometres, there is plenty of time for relaxation and enjoyment. Would you like to catch your breath? During the two long train journeys, you can treat your body to a well-deserved break and recharge your batteries.
Individual arrival in the festival, Mozart and the cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleys and squares invite you to stroll and dreamy cafes to real Austrian coffee specialities. You breathe culture and history at every turn.
You cycle leisurely out of the Mozart city of Salzburg through the shady Salzach meadows, the Salzach is your companion. It goes to Hallein, a Celtic town that used to be rich in salt production. The main attraction is undoubtedly the world-famous Celtic Museum. Beyond the Gollinger waterfall, your overnight stay of the same name is marked by the pretty market square and castle from the 13th century.
From Golling you will cycle up to the Pass Lueg-Höhe, enjoying the view of the beautifully striking Tennen Mountains. Now the mountain is getting closer to the Salzach and the rumbling of the water is getting louder. You pass the so-called "Salzachöfen", an imposing gorge created by the Salzach. After the imposing towering castle, St. Johann is quickly reached. The towers of Pongau Cathedral tower unmistakably, like twin mountain peaks, above all,
Shortly after Schwarzach, you say goodbye to the Salzach, from today the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein Valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein, you will cycle to the famous spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein at the foot of the Hohe Tauern, which offers a variety of natural history and architectural sights. Its landmark is the Gastein waterfall in the centre of the village, the inspiration of many painters and poets. Now it is only a stone's throw to Böckstein where a train from the Tauern lock takes you across the Alps to Mallnitz in just 10 minutes. Back on your bike, you can enjoy the quick descent to your hotel in the Mölltal.
First, you cycle along the Möll River through impressive high mountain landscapes, in Möllbrücke the Drautal begins and with it the sunny south of Austria. For the last kilometres, you cycle at your leisure to Spittal an der Drau. The city was already an important transport hub for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and partly owed its prosperity to this.
You will cycle almost alone along the Drau with a gentle descent. Halfway through you should definitely take a break in the small town of Paternion with its remarkable churches and castles. Step on the pedals a few more times and you have reached Villach, whose heart is the beautiful old town with its southern flair and the cosy "restaurants" and restaurants.
Climb the mountain to Tarvisio by train. The bike path is well-developed in Italy, so you can comfortably cycle downhill through the Kanaltal and admire the beauty of the Friulian Alpine region from the saddle with untouched nature and extensive forests. One of the pretty villages at the foot of the Julian Alps serves as a residence.
One of the most beautiful historic towns of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is located at the southern exit of the Kanaltal. The cityscape of Gemona del Friuli is formed by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and will certainly inspire you. On the way to Udine, the first vines appear along the cycle route. After arriving in the city, feel "La Dolce Vita" with a cup of coffee on the "Piazza" or walk through the alleys and admire the buildings of the late Gothic and Renaissance styles.
A warm breeze from the Scirocco is blowing your face! You drive through wide reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. In any case, you should plan a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, the so-called "Second Rome", before reaching your destination of the journey. One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing village of Grado not only inspires with its expansive sandy beach, historic harbour and narrow streets with cosy restaurants that also radiate Italian flair.
Day
10
Return trip or extension
Route information
You mainly cycle on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side streets. Only some parts of the stages also lead to busy roads or unpaved roads. In general, the route is slightly undulating, with the most demanding section between St. Johann and the Gastein Valley being bridged by train.
Luggage transfer(s) max. 1 piece of luggage 20 kg per person
Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
(Optional) Transfer back to Salzburg every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, costs €169 per person, surcharge for own bike €29 per bike. Reservation required, pay in advance
Arrival information
Airport: Salzburg Airport
Train: Salzburg Station
Parking: Parking is approximately €15 per day, to be paid on-site, reservation is not possible. Public garage approximately €70 per week
Return: From Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado station, train ride with 1 change, travel time approximately 5.30 hours. Costs approximately €50 per person excluding bicycle. Check www.omio.com for the correct dates and rates
Sample hotel list
This is a sample hotel list. Hotels will be booked depending on availability.