Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado

From the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea

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.

This tour has been graded as Medium. Find out more about our cycling holiday difficulty levels.

You can read more about the Alpe Adria Cycle Path in our detailed guide.

Tour information
Medium
  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total cycling distance: approx. 310 km
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Enjoyment and Culture on the Alpe Adria Trail

Itinerary

Individual arrival in the festival, Mozart and the cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleyways and squares invite you to take a stroll and languorous cafés entice you to sample genuine Austrian café-specialities. You live and breathe culture and history literally with every step you take.

 

You depart from the festival and Mozart city of Salzburg, embarking on a leisurely cycling journey through the shaded Salzach wetlands, with the river Salzach as your constant companion. Your route leads you to Hallein, a once-prosperous Celtic town renowned for its salt mining heritage.

A prominent highlight here is the globally acclaimed Celtic Museum. Continuing onwards, you'll encounter the stunning Gollinger waterfall before reaching your day's destination, Golling. This charming village boasts an attractive market square and a 13th-century castle that adds historical charm to your journey.

Starting from Golling, you'll cycle uphill to the summit of Pass Lueg, treating yourself to panoramic vistas of the remarkably distinct Tennengebirge mountains. As you pedal, the mountains gradually draw nearer to the Salzach River, and the resonating sound of rushing water grows more pronounced. Along the route, you'll pass by the awe-inspiring "Salzachöfen," a grand gorge sculpted by the Salzach River.

Continuing your journey, you'll encounter the prominent Werfen with its towering castle, marking your approach to St. Johann. Standing tall, reminiscent of twin peaks, are the steeples of the Pongau Cathedral, leaving an indelible impression on the landscape.

Initially, you cycle along the river Möll through the impressive alpine landscapes today.

The Drautal-valley starts in the village of Möllbrücke and hence the sunny South of Austria. Nearly effortlessly your bike rolls in a slight descent along the river Drau. In Spittal you get to visit the Renaissance-palace ‚Porcia‘ – sometimes called the ‚most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps‘.

Just a bit more pedalling and soon you have reached Villach, with its enchanting old part of town, Southern flair and inviting pubs and restaurants.

Today's journey begins with a scenic ride alongside the river, guiding you through breathtaking alpine landscapes. The Drautal Valley unfolds as you reach the village of Möllbrücke, marking the gateway to Austria's sunny southern region. You'll leisurely pedal the last remaining kilometres to reach Spittal an der Drau. With roots dating back to the Middle Ages, this town has long served as a vital hub for pilgrims, contributing significantly to its historical significance and prosperity.

With remarkable ease, you continue your journey, gently descending alongside the flowing river Drau. Around halfway, we suggest a pause in the charming market town of Paternion, where notable churches and palaces await your exploration. A bit more pedalling and before you know it, you'll find yourself in Villach. This delightful destination boasts an enchanting old town, exuding a delightful Southern ambience and featuring a variety of welcoming pubs and restaurants.

Ascend the mountain to Tarvisio using the train service. Once in Italy, take advantage of the well-maintained bike path that allows for a comfortable downhill ride through the Kanaltal Valley.

As you pedal, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the untouched beauty of the Friulian Alpine region, surrounded by vast forests and untouched nature. Your destination for the day is one of the charming villages nestled at the base of the Julian Alps, offering a picturesque and serene setting for your stay.

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 gentle warm breeze from the Scirocco gently caresses your face as you cycle. Your route leads you through expansive reed landscapes and charming water channels, guiding you toward the Gulf of Venice. An absolute must is a stop in the Roman city of Aquileia, often referred to as the "Second Rome," before you arrive at your journey's final destination.

The historic fishing village of Grado awaits you, standing as one of the Adriatic's most beloved seaside resorts. Here, you'll be captivated by its vast sandy beach, historic harbour, and quaint narrow streets adorned with inviting restaurants, all exuding the unmistakable charm of Italian culture.

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.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights

Price calculation and check availability: ​​​​​​​Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado

Place of arrival: Salzburg
  Season 1
27.04.2024 - 10.05.2024
28.09.2024 - 05.10.2024

Daily
Season 2
11.05.2024 - 24.05.2024
07.09.2024 - 27.09.2024

Daily
Season 3
25.05.2024 - 06.09.2024

Daily
Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado, AT-AARSG-10X
Base price
1,269.00
1,399.00
1,459.00
Single room surcharge 399.00 399.00 399.00

Hotel information: You will stay in carefully selected 3*, 4* hotels and guesthouses.

Season 1
Apr 27, 2024 - May 10, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024
Daily
Season 2
May 11, 2024 - May 24, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Daily
Season 3
May 25, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024
Daily
Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado, AT-AARSG-10X
Base price
Single room surcharge
1,269.00
399.00
1,399.00
399.00
1,459.00
399.00

Hotel information: You will stay in carefully selected 3*, 4* hotels and guesthouses.

Season 1
Apr 27, 2024 - May 10, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024
Season 2
May 11, 2024 - May 24, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Season 3
May 25, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024
Salzburg
Double room p.p.
Single room surcharge
Grado
Double room
Single room surcharge
85.00
59.00
89.00
35.00
85.00
59.00
89.00
35.00
99.00
59.00
89.00
35.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Salzburg
  Season 1
Apr 27, 2024 - May 10, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024

Daily
Season 2
May 11, 2024 - May 24, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024

Daily
Season 3
May 25, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024

Daily
Salzburg
Double room p.p. 85.00 85.00 99.00
Single room surcharge 59.00 59.00 59.00
Grado
Double room 89.00 89.00 89.00
Single room surcharge 35.00 35.00 35.00
Filter
21-Speed Unisex Bike
Unisex E-Bike
27-Speed Bike PLUS
21-Speed Men's Bike
7-Speed Unisex Bike
109.00
259.00
175.00
109.00
109.00
Prices per person in GBP

Our rental bikes

Included services and travel information

Services

Included

  • 9 nights as described, including breakfast
  • Train ride Böckstein-Mallnitz including bike
  • Train ride Villach-Tarvis including bike
  • Personal welcome meeting (German, English)
  • 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.

Salzburg 

Hotel Goldenes Theater 4**** 

www.gt-hotel-salzburg.com 

Golling 

Hotel Pension Golingen 3*** 

www.golingen.at  

St. Johann 

Brückenwirt 4**** 

www.hotel-brueckenwirt.at 

Mölltal 

Erlebnishotel Mölltal 3*** 

www.erlebnishotel.at 

Spittal 

On The Way 24 4**** 

www.ontheway24.com 

Villach 

Palais 26 4**** 

www.palais26.at  

Venzone/surroundings

Albergo Pittis (Osoppo) 3*** 

www.hotelpittis.com 

Udine 

Hotel Clocchiatti Next 3*** 

www.hotelclocchiatti.it  

Grado 

Hotel Rialto 4**** 

www.hotel-rialto.net  

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