Alpe-Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado

You will arrive in Salzburg, a city celebrated for its baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. After checking into your hotel, you will have time to explore Salzburg’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers panoramic views, and Mirabell Palace, which has beautifully landscaped gardens. You can stroll through Getreidegasse, the charming shopping street where Mozart’s birthplace is located, and take in the city’s vibrant yet historic atmosphere.

You will cycle south from Salzburg, following the Salzach River through shaded wetlands and meadows. The first stop is Hallein, a historic town known for its salt mining past. Then, the route leads to Golling, home to the dramatic Golling Waterfall. After a gentle climb at Pass Lueg, you will pass through the Salzach Gorge, where towering rock walls rise above the narrowing valley. The path continues through Bischofshofen, famous for its ski jumping events, before reaching St. Johann. Here, the twin towers of Pongau Cathedral stand as a striking landmark in the heart of this charming alpine town.

Leaving St. Johann, you will bid farewell to the Salzach River and follow the Gasteiner Ache into the picturesque Gastein Valley. The route leads you through Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein before arriving at Bad Gastein. Nestled at the foot of the Hohe Tauern range, Bad Gastein features striking architecture and the iconic Gastein Waterfall. From Böckstein, you will board a short train ride through the Tauernschleuse tunnel, emerging on the southern side of the Alps in Mallnitz. Back on your bike, you will enjoy a thrilling descent into the Mölltal Valley.

You will begin the day cycling along the Möll River, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Carinthian Alps. Reaching Möllbrücke, the Drau Valley begins, offering a gentle downhill ride alongside the Drau River. Along the way, you may stop in Spittal to visit the Renaissance Palace Porcia. As you approach Villach, the valley opens into rolling plains. Framed by the Dobratsch mountain, Villach welcomes you with its charming old town, lively atmosphere, and inviting restaurants where you can sample Carinthian specialties.

You will begin the day with a train ride to Tarvisio, crossing the border into Italy and bypassing the steep ascent. In Tarvisio, a town at the crossroads of cultures, you can take a moment to explore its unique blend of Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian influences. From there, you will cycle along the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path through the serene Val Canale. The well-maintained route takes you gently downhill, surrounded by dense forests and the dramatic peaks of the Friulian Alps. The day ends in one of the picturesque villages nestled at the foothills of the Julian Alps.

You will cycle south through the Val Canale, leaving behind the rugged peaks of the Julian Alps. A worthwhile stop along the route is Gemona del Friuli. The town was meticulously rebuilt after a devastating earthquake, and its centerpiece, the leaning columns of the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, offers a unique glimpse into its past. As you continue, the landscape transitions from alpine forests to rolling vineyards, signaling your entry into the heart of the Friuli region. The day ends in Udine, a vibrant city known for its late Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Leaving Udine, you will cycle through the picturesque Friulian countryside, passing fields, small canals, and stretches of reed-covered wetlands. The route leads to Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a major city of the Roman Empire. Here, you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its intricate mosaics. As you approach the Adriatic coast, the salty breeze signals your arrival in Grado, a charming fishing town in a lagoon.

Your tour will conclude in Grado, a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea known for its sandy beaches and Venetian-style architecture. Before departing, you can explore Grado’s historic old town, characterized by narrow alleys, traditional squares, and the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia, which dates back to the early Christian period. A walk along the promenade offers a relaxing way to reflect on your journey from the Alps to the Adriatic.