Alpe Adria Cycle Route: Salzburg to Trieste

Arrive individually in the Festival, Mozart, and cultural city of Salzburg. Winding alleys and squares beckon you to stroll, while charming cafes invite you to savour authentic Austrian coffee specialtiies. At every step, you'll immerse yourself in culture and history.

Through the shady meadows of the Salzach, you leisurely roll out of the festival and Mozart city of Salzburg, with the Salzach as your companion. The route takes you to Hallein, a Celtic town that used to be rich in salt mining. The main attraction is undoubtedly the world-famous Celtic Museum. Passing the Golling waterfall, your overnight stop of the same name is characterised by its pretty market square and the 13th-century castle.

From Golling, you cycle uphill to Pass Lueg-Höhe, enjoying the splendid view of the striking Tennengebirge mountains. The mountains draw closer to the Salzach, and the sound of the rushing water grows louder. You'll pass through the impressive "Salzachöfen," a gorge carved by the Salzach river. After Werfen, with its towering castle, you'll soon arrive in St. Johann. Here, unmistakably, like twin peaks, the towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise up.

Shortly after Schwarzach, you bid farewell to the Salzach River. From today onwards, the Gasteiner Ache river will accompany you through the wild and romantic Gastein Valley. Cycling through Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein, you'll make your way to the renowned spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein, nestled at the foot of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Here, you'll find a plethora of natural, historical, and architectural attractions. The town's centrepiece is the Gastein Waterfall, a subject of inspiration for many painters and poets. Now, you're just a stone's throw away from Böckstein, where a train from the Tauernschleuse will transport you to the other side of the Alps, to Mallnitz, in just 10 minutes. Once back in the saddle, enjoy the exhilarating descent to your hotel in the Mölltal.

Today, you'll cycle alongside the Möll River, through breathtaking high mountain landscapes. As you approach the village of Möllbrücke, you'll enter the Drau Valley, marking the beginning of the sunny south of Austria. Enjoy a leisurely ride for the last few kilometres to Spittal an der Drau. This town has a rich history, serving as a crucial transport hub for pilgrims during the Middle Ages, contributing significantly to its prosperity.

Almost effortlessly, you'll glide along the gentle downhill path beside the Drava River. About halfway, consider taking a break in the quaint market town of Paternion, where you can explore churches and castles of historical significance. A few more pedal strokes will bring you to Villach, where the charming old town awaits, exuding southern charm and offering cosy "Beisln" (taverns) and restaurants.

You begin by cycling along the Drava River for a while, but soon the cycle path takes you along the Gail River towards Italy. The motto at the border is "Servus Austria - Ciao Italia." In Tarvisio, you will be greeted in three languages, as Austrians, Slovenes, and Italians have lived together here for centuries. This is where all three major European language families - Germanic, Romance, and Slavic - converge directly.

In Italy, too, the cycle path is well-developed so you cycle leisurely downhill through the Canal Valley and admire the beauties of the Friulian Alpine region with its intact, untouched nature and extensive forests from the saddle. One of the pretty villages at the foothills of the Julian Alps serves as your overnight accommodation.

At the southern exit of the Canal Valley, you'll find one of the most beautiful historic towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta stands tall in the picturesque town of Gemona del Friuli and is sure to leave you inspired. As you continue on your journey to Udine, you'll notice the first vineyards appearing along the cycle route. Once you arrive in the city, immerse yourself in the "dolce vita" by enjoying a coffee in the main square or taking a leisurely stroll through the charming alleyways, where you can admire the late Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

A warm Scirocco breeze blows around your nose! You will 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 you reach your destination.

One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic, the historic fishing town of Grado, is not only known for its extensive sandy beach but also for its historic harbour and narrow alleys with cosy restaurants that exude Italian flair.

You'll ride your bike through the lagoon towards the Gulf of Trieste. As you return to the sea, you'll be greeted by a breathtakingly beautiful coastal landscape, and the world-famous Miramare Castle will be another highlight of today's bike tour. The historic port city of Trieste serves as a fitting and impressive conclusion to your journey.

Leave your bikes in Trieste and make your way home. Alternatively, spend extra nights in the historic port city.