Alpe Adria: Salzburg Grado by Bike

• Travelling time: 7 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Why we love it: Alpe Adria Ciclovia is one of the most evocative route in Europe. You'll have the chance, indeed, to ride in the Alps, through cites and old villages. In the end, after the exploration of the natural wonders, monuments and local cultures, you'll then reach the Adriatic Sea.
• Length: 410 km
• Total Elevation Gain: 2615 m
• Way to travel: Bike and train
• Cost: Può variare in base alla tratta scelta. It varies depending on the route chosen
• Our Advice: Plan in advance the routes and the stops.

The Ciclovia Alpe Adria Radweg is the most popular and evocative route in Europe. Morevore it has also won the 'Oscar of Cycloturism'. It is extended for 400 Km from Salzburg (Austria) to Grado (Italy). The route Alpe Adria crosses Austria, ending on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. There are, conventionally, 8 different stops. Find them out!

Stop 1: Salzburg-Bischofshofen

(55 Km)

Mozartplatz is the perfect starting point for the Ciclovia Alpe Adria Radweg. Nearby the square flows, indeed, the river Salzach. Along the river, there is a cycle path linked directly to the cities of Hallein, Golling and Pfarwerffen. The route will lead you to Bischofshofen.

ATTRACTIONS

• Salt mine
• Railtrack bob-sleigh
• Golling waterfalls
• Burg Hohenwerfen

Stop 2: Bischofshofen-Bad Gastein/Mallnitz  

(56 Km)

This route has steep climbs in the middle of lawns and farms. Once in Bockstein, you'll need to take a train (OBB) that in 10 minutes will lead you to Mallnitz.

ATTRACTIONS

• Solarbad Dorfgastein 
• Gasteiner Badesee
• Tauernschleuse Mallnitz

Stop 3: Mallnitz-Spittal an der Drau

(44 Km)

This 3rd stop begins at Mallinitz's station. Here there's a way down the hill, along which you'll admire the alpine sourroundings. 

ATTRACTIONS

• National Park BIOS
• Niederfalkenstein castle
• Kreuzeckbahn
• Museum fur Volkskultur

Stop 4: Spittal an der Drau-Villach

(41 Km)

The trail continues along the railway and the motorway. Once you arrive in the surroundings of Villach, you will ride in a thick wood.

ATTRACTIONS

• Ferry Drauschiffahrt
• Spa (Karnten Therme)

Stop 5: Villach-Tarvisio

(36 Km)

At this point in the Ciclovia Alpe Adria, you will reach the last Austrian city (Thorl Marglern). Then you'll arrive to the Italian border.

ATTRACTIONS

• Klosterburg Arnoldstein

Stop 6: Tarvisio-Venzone

(62 Km)

This trail was originally an old railway, then it was converted into a cycle path. Along the way, you can admire panoramic views of Val di Saisera. In the end, you will arrive to Venzone, passing old tunnels, historical villages, and abbeys. 

ATTRACTIONS

• Lussari Mountain
• Malborghetto Valbruna
• Venzone's Mummies

Stop 7: Venzone-Udine

(56 Km)

From Venzone you then reach Udine. You can choose between two different ways: one crossing Gemona, the other one, instead, continues on the right bank of river Tagliamento. 

ATTRACTIONS

• Cavazzo Lake
• Osappo Fort
• San'Andrea de Meis' Tower and Church

Tappa 8: Udine-Grado

(58 Km)

The last route of Ciclovia Alpe Adria Radweg starts from Piazza Libertà in Udine. This path crosses different villages and cities, such as Aquileia. During the final tour of the route, you must swim in the Adriatic Sea to regenerate yourself at the end of this spectacular experience. 

ATTRACTIONS

• Dome of Udine 
• Aquileia
• Lagoon of Grado 
• Marine Spa of Grado 
• Grado's Baptistery 

For Cycletourism and Green-tourism lovers, Alpe Adria Radwg is unmissable. During this experience, you will collect lots of memories, share them with us!

Author: Francesca Palmitessa