Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg-Villach

Cycle through the sunny heart of Carinthia

The starting point of the first part of the Alpe Adria cycle route is beautiful Salzburg. From the city of Mozart, you cycle through the lovely Salzach and the eventful Gasteinertal to Villach in the sunny heart of Carinthia. On this cycle tour, you will always be accompanied by a fantastic mountain landscape. Small towns full of culture, picturesque lakes and regional delicacies make the cycle route something extraordinary.

Book this holiday: Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Villach

Details about the bike tour from Salzburg to Villach

Leisure cyclists and nature lovers will enjoy the bike ride through the two beautiful regions of Austria because this trip is all about nature, culture and gastronomy. You cycle in five stages from Salzburg to the second city of Carinthia, Villach. 

The Alpe Adria cycle path leads you through an impressive landscape via old railway lines and numerous tunnels. The interplay of cultural highlights, outstanding natural areas, delicious cuisine and charming towns and plenty of time for fun activities along the way.

The highlights of your cycling holiday at a glance

  • Salzburg: Culture and history await on every corner. The streets and squares invite you to stroll around or explore in more detail.

  • Golling Castle: The 13th-century hilltop castle is in the heart of the market town of Golling an der Salzach. In addition to the imposing building, the beautiful market square and the Gollinger waterfall are also worth a visit!

  • The warm hospitality and regional delicacies: On the road from Salzburg to Carinthia, nature inspires you to enjoy the ride even more.

Route information about the cycling holiday from Salzburg to Villach

You can comfortably cover approximately 200 kilometres by bicycle in seven days on well-developed paths. Every day there are stages between 35 and 55 kilometres on the program. Good fitness is recommended because the route has some slopes and an e-bike is recommended. The demanding route between St. Johann Im Pongau and the Gasteinertal can be covered by train.

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.

Read a detailed day-by-day tour report of the Alpe Adria Cycle Path cycle tour on our Active on Holiday blog.

Book this holiday: Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Villach

Tour information
Medium
  • 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total cycling distance: approx. 195 km
Steven Rittey
Steven Rittey
+44 1706 618 155 Contact
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Itinerary

Arrive individually in the enchanting Mozart town of Salzburg. Explore its charming winding alleyways and squares, perfect for leisurely strolls. Don't miss the opportunity to savour Austrian delicacies at a traditional café. Immerse yourself in culture and history with every step you take.

Embark on your bike tour from Salzburg, pedaling through the shaded Salzach lowlands along the riverside. Your journey takes you to Hallein, a city once enriched by salt excavation, making it a thriving Celtic hub in the past. One of the highlights is the renowned Celtic museum. Continuing along the river, you'll encounter the stunning waterfall, the picturesque market square, and the historic 13th-century fortress in Golling.

ca. 30 km

As you travel from Golling to Pass Lueg, revel in the breathtaking vistas of the majestic mountain range. The subtle incline will hardly be noticeable. The mountains draw nearer, and the sound of rushing water grows louder. Traverse the impressive "Salzach-Öfen," a grand canyon carved by the river. At the base of Mount Hochkönig, you'll arrive in Werfen. Before continuing to Bischofshofen, enjoy a final glimpse of Hohenwerfen Fortress. A few kilometres further, you'll reach St. Johann. The unmistakable towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise like double mountain peaks.

ca. 35 km

Soon after leaving Schwarzach, you'll bid farewell to the Salzach and follow the course of the Gasteiner Ache through the wild and romantic Gastein Valley. Pedal through Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein to reach the renowned spa and winter sports haven of Bad Gastein, nestled at the foot of the Hohe Tauern.

This area is a treasure trove of natural wonders and architectural marvels. A short distance away lies Böckstein, where you can catch a Tauernschleuse train to Mallnitz on the other side of the Alps in just 10 minutes (at a self-paid cost of around €5 per person). After the train ride, take the reins again and enjoy an exhilarating downhill ride to your Mölltal hotel.

ca. 60 km
Böckstein – Mallnitz

Set out along the banks of the Möll River and pedal through a spectacular mountain landscape. As you reach Möllbrücke, you'll enter the Drautal Valley, basking in the sunny ambiance of Austria's southern region. Enjoy a leisurely pedal over the final kilometres to reach Spittal an der Drau. During the Middle Ages, this city played a vital role as a junction for pilgrims, contributing to its prosperity.

ca. 30 km

Savor the delights of this route as it gently descends along the Drau River. Be sure to plan a stop in Paternion, where you'll find captivating churches and palaces. In a short distance, you'll arrive in Villach, a charming old city exuding southern flair, complete with inviting pubs and restaurants.

ca. 40 km

After breakfast, your journey comes to an end. Or will you continue to enjoy the sun in Villach for a few more days?

Route information

You mainly cycle on well-developed cycle paths and quiet side streets. Only a few stretches also lead to busy roads or unpaved paths. In general, the route is slightly hilly, whereby the most demanding section between St. Johann and the Gasteinertal can be bridged by train.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights. All bookings are ABTA-protected.

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

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

Saturday, Sunday
Season 2
11.05.2024 - 24.05.2024
07.09.2024 - 27.09.2024

Saturday, Sunday
Season 3
25.05.2024 - 06.09.2024

Saturday, Sunday
Alpe-Adria Cycle Path Salzburg-Villach, AT-AARSV-07X
Base price
839.00
879.00
959.00
Single room surcharge 259.00 259.00 259.00

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

Season 1
Apr 27, 2024 - May 10, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024
Saturday, Sunday
Season 2
May 11, 2024 - May 24, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Saturday, Sunday
Season 3
May 25, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024
Saturday, Sunday
Alpe-Adria Cycle Path Salzburg-Villach, AT-AARSV-07X
Base price
Single room surcharge
839.00
259.00
879.00
259.00
959.00
259.00

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

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
Villach
Double room p.p.
Single room surcharge
89.00
59.00
89.00
55.00
99.00
59.00
89.00
55.00
109.00
59.00
89.00
55.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Salzburg
  Season 1
Apr 27, 2024 - May 10, 2024
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024

Saturday, Sunday
Season 2
May 11, 2024 - May 24, 2024
Sep 7, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024

Saturday, Sunday
Season 3
May 25, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024

Saturday, Sunday
Salzburg
Double room p.p. 89.00 99.00 109.00
Single room surcharge 59.00 59.00 59.00
Villach
Double room p.p. 89.00 89.00 89.00
Single room surcharge 55.00 55.00 55.00
Price
21-Speed Unisex Bike
Unisex E-Bike
27-Speed Bike PLUS
21-Speed Men's Bike
7-Speed Unisex Bike
89.00
229.00
149.00
89.00
89.00
Prices per person in GBP

Our rental bikes

Included services and travel information

Services

Included

  • 6 nights as described, including breakfast
  • Train ride Böckstein-Mallnitz including bike
  • Personal welcome meeting (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer(s) max. 1 piece of luggage 20 kg per person
  • Travel folder 1x 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 Saturday morning, costs €99 per person, surcharge for own bike €29 per bike. Reservation required, pay in advance
Travel 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: The return journey by public transport from Villach to Salzburg has good connections, there are direct trains every two hours, and travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. Costs approximately €35 per person, excluding the bicycle. Check www.omio.com
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 Golingen 

www.golingen.at  

St. Johann 

Hotel Brückenwirt 4**** 

www.hotel-brueckenwirt.at 

Mölltal 

Erlebnishotel Mölltal 3*** 

www.erlebnishotel.at 

Spittal 

On The Way 24 4**** 

www.ontheway24.com  

Villach 

Hotel City 4**** 

www.hotelcity.at  

 

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