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Alpe Adria Cycle Path for Families

From Salzburg to Villach on the Alpe Adria route

Cycle tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self-Guided
Easy
from
859.00 GBP
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A diverse cycling vacation begins in the city of Mozart, Salzburg, leading you through the picturesque Salzachtal Valley, the wild and romantic Gastein Valley, and the idyllic Drautal Valley to Villach, located in the sunny heart of Carinthia. Along this route, you'll be able to marvel at the magnificent mountain backdrop, as well as the sparkling lakes and rivers.

Whether you're travelling by bike between Salzburg and Villach, you'll encounter peaceful river scenes, thundering waterfalls, rugged mountain peaks, and deep gorges. Of course, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes like 'Salzburger Nockerl' and 'Kärntner Kasnudeln.' So, what are you waiting for?

The Alpe Adria Cycle Path connects Mozart's city of Salzburg in Austria with the Adriatic Sea in Italy. In part 1 you cycle in six stages from Salzburg to Carinthia's second city, Villach. The Alpe Adria Cycle Path leads you through an impressive landscape via old railway lines and numerous tunnels.

Details about the family-friendly bike tour from Salzburg to Villach

This family-friendly cycling adventure commences in Salzburg, known for its musical heritage, and leads you through the charming Salzach Valley, the wild and enchanting Gastein Valley, and the idyllic Drau Valley, ultimately arriving in the sunny heart of Carinthia, Villach. As you pedal along this scenic route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of majestic mountains and the shimmering lakes and rivers that dot the landscape.

For families, the Alpe Adria Cycle Route offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions. Cyclists of all ages can revel in the tranquillity of the riverside paths, witness the exhilarating rush of waterfalls, take in the awe-inspiring sight of jagged mountain peaks, and explore the depths of picturesque gorges.

This impeccably designed cycle path is perfectly suited for family excursions, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable journey from Salzburg to Carinthia. It's an experience that will captivate both young and old, making it an ideal vacation for the whole family.

Highlights of the family-friendly cycling holiday to Villach

  • Mozart city of Salzburg: The Dom, Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Von Trapp family residence, Mirabell Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace.

  • Porcia Renaissance and Castle: The stopover in Spittal an der Drau is all about culture. Renaissance enthusiasts can rejoice! In this town, you can visit the most beautiful Renaissance building in the northern Alps, Porcia Castle.

  • Mölltal: In this valley, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the impressive mountain panoramas.

Worth knowing about the family-friendly Alpe Adria Cycle Path

You will cover approximately 175 kilometres in eight days on well-developed cycle paths and quiet service roads. With daily stages of 20 to 30 kilometres, there is plenty of time for relaxation and enjoyment. During the two train journeys, you can enjoy a well-deserved break.

This tour has been graded as Easy.

Important: You do not need to be in a family group to book this tour. The route is ideal for those looking to book a cycling holiday for the first time or would prefer shorter distances each day.

Alpe Adria Cycle Path for Families
Easy
Cycle tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self-Guided
from
859.00 GBP
Book now Book

Itinerary

Arrive individually in the enchanting Mozart town of Salzburg. Explore its charming winding alleyways and squares, perfect for 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.

Hotel (example): Hotel Goldenes Theater

Embark on your bike tour from Salzburg, pedalling 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.

Hotel (example): Hotel Golingen

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.

Hotel (example): Brückenwirt

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.

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 ambience 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.

Hotel (example): Hotel Ertl

Savour 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.

Hotel (example): City Hotel Villach

Departure from Villach or spend extra nights in the city or surrounding region.

Route map and overview

Medium

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 per person in GBP

Services & Information

Further information about this cycling holiday

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
  • Train ride Böckstein-Mallnitz including bicycle
  • Train ride Schwarzach-Gasteiner Tal including bicycle
  • 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, suitcase labels)
  • GPS data available on request
  • Service Hotline

Not included

  • Tourist tax, if applicable, is to be paid locally
  • Costs for children under 6 years (eg cot) are payable locally
  • (Optional) Transfer back to Salzburg every Saturday morning, costs €99 per person, surcharge for own bicycle €29 per bicycle. Reservation required, payment in advance
  • Airport: Salzburg, Vienna or Munich Airport(s)
  • Train: Salzburg station
  • Parking: Parking space approx. €15 per day, to be paid on site, reservation not possible. Public garage approximately €70 per week
  • Return: The return journey by public transport from Villach to Salzburg has good connections, direct trains run every two hours, and the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours. Costs approximately €35 per person, excluding the bicycle. Check out www.omio.com
from
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