Tour
Look forward to the festival, Mozart and cultural city of Salzburg. You will be tempted by winding alleys, squares for strolling, dreamy cafés with genuine Austrian coffee specialties, and colorful culture and multifaceted history at every turn during a leisurely stroll. You will stay overnight at the 4**** Arcotel Castellani or equivalent.
Through shady meadows along the Salzach River you cycle south from Salzburg to Hallein. Take a break here in the medieval heart of the city. Stroll through the narrow streets and across the wide squares of the historic salt and Celtic town. Hallein will surprise you with a romantic old town, historic archways and houses with magnificent facades. Passing the rushing waterfall, you will then roll past Golling. On the well-developed Salzach cycle path you cycle more or less always directly along the river bank to St. Johann. Unmistakably - like double mountain peaks - the towers of the Pongau Cathedral rise up from afar. Look forward to the little town and enjoy the special atmosphere of this little shopping paradise. Whether modern or traditional, friendly stores invite you to browse, cozy inns and inviting restaurants promise a nice evening. You will spend the night in the 4**** Hotel Brückenwirt or equivalent.
Another 7 kilometers of cycling along the Salzach River to Schwarzach. From here the Gasteiner Ache accompanies you through the wild and romantic Gastein valley. Via Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein you will enjoy cycling through the Hohe Tauern National Park to the famous spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein. Marvel here at the impressive villas from the Belle Époque period built on the steep slopes. The town's landmark is the waterfall in the middle of the town. Surrounded by peaks that top the three-thousand-mark, Bad Gastein is the Monte Carlo of the Alps! You will spend the night at the 4**** Salzburger Hof or equivalent.
In the morning you will cycle quickly to Böckstein, from where the train will take you comfortably to the other side of the Alps to Mallnitz in only 10 minutes ride. Enjoy the Mölltal, which got its name from the small river Möll. The Möll rises at the Großglockner and flows into the Drava only 80 km later. Be fascinated by the white water of the Möll and the impressive high mountain landscape. Look forward to the Drau Valley, because this is where the sunny south of Austria begins. Almost by itself, your bike will roll gently downhill along the Drau River. In today's stage town Spittal, visit Porcia Castle, one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Austria! You will spend the night at the Post Hotel with EigenART or equivalent.
Today you will mostly roll along the banks of the Drava River from one small highlight to the next. Excavations of an early Christian church near Molzbichl, an archaeological museum and the Dobratsch Nature Park near Villach await you. Stroll through Villach in the afternoon and discover the old alleys and idyllic arcaded courtyards. You will spend the night at Hotel Palais26 or equivalent.
In the morning you still follow the Drava River, but already a little later you cycle across the Austrian-Italian border. Tarvis is located in the border triangle of Italy-Austria-Slovenia and so the inhabitants here speak three languages. Visit the late-Gothic parish church of Saint Peter and Paul, which dates back to a 14th-century chapel built under a Bamberg bishop. Stay overnight at the 4**** Hotel Edelhof or equivalent.
Also in Italy the cycle path is well developed and so you cycle comfortably downhill through the Canal Valley, admiring from the saddle the beauties of the Friulian Alpine region with an intact, untouched nature and vast forests. Almost like iron was transported in the 15th century, you follow the course of the Tagliamento River before turning off towards Udine just after Gemona. But before that, take a break in Gemona, because it is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Marvel at the beautiful facade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. Afterwards you will cycle through fields and meadows from one village to the next. Look forward to Udine, a small town with flair, where "dolce vita" becomes tangible. Marvel at the Palladio Gate and the Venetian clock tower in Piazza della Liberta, one of the most beautiful squares in northern Italy, and don't miss out on an espresso or capuccino. Stroll through the historic center, marvel at the Duomo and at the Castello on the hill above the city. You'll stay at the 4**** Hotel Ambassador Palace or equivalent.
Today you cycle through wide reed landscapes and along small water channels towards the Gulf of Venice. Take a break in the small town of Palmanova (population approx. 5500), which was laid out as a planned town and bastion at the end of the 16th century and whose star-shaped layout has been preserved to this day. Special planning features were once relatively wide regular streets, so that the soldiers could get from the center (parade ground) to the defenses (city walls) in the fastest way. On your bike route to the Adriatic coast you should definitely stop in Aquileia. The historic Roman city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Remains of the Roman city have been uncovered in parts such as the forum and the inland port. In Aquileia, also visit the medieval basilica from the 11th century, which is famous for its early Christian floor mosaics. The mosaics are among the most important in the country! Now it's only about 10 km to Grado. Look forward to one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic with an extensive sandy beach and a historic fishing town. End the evening and your trip in the narrow streets with cozy restaurants and Italian flair. You will stay overnight at the 4**** Hotel Laguna Palace or equivalent.
Today your varied cycling tour ends after breakfast.
Several tunnels are being renovated along the main traffic route via the Tauern motorway, which may cause serious delays during the peak travel period in 2024. Please take this into account when planning your journey home from Grado or Salzburg.
Map
Prices / Dates
Services / Info
- Accommodation incl. breakfast
- Room with shower/bath/WC
- Luggage transport
- Map of bike trails with marked route
- Digital route guidance via smartphone app for almost all journeys
- Tips for tour preparation
- Touristic information
- 7 days hotline service
- personal tour information
- 1 train ride Böckstein - Mallnitz incl. bike
- 1 train ride Venzone - Udine incl. bike
Below you will find specific information about the individual bike tour Salzburg - Grado. If you have any further questions about this trip, just give us a call: Tel.: 06421 - 886890.
Arrival by car
In Austria there are tolls and freeway fees. Vignettes are compulsory on the freeways in Austria. Vignettes can be purchased at German gas stations just before the border or at the border.
Arrival by train
The Arcotel Castellani is about 4 km from the train station. A cab costs about € 15, alternatively, you can use the city bus No. 3, stop "Akademiestraße", from there it is about 3 minutes (about 230 m) walk to the hotel. Journey time approx. 20 minutes, cost approx. € 3,- per person (as of November 2022).
Fahrplanauskunft Deutsche Bahn
Parking possibilities at the starting hotel
The Arcotel Castellani Salzburg has parking spaces outside, cost approx. € 20,- per day and a public parking garage cost approx. € 95,- per week. Reservation is not possible.
Condition of the cycle paths
You will cycle mainly on well-maintained cycle paths and quiet side roads. Only a few sections are on roads with heavier traffic or unpaved roads. Overall, the route is gently hilly, whereby the most demanding section between St. Johann and the Gastein Valley can be bridged by train.
Tour information and bike handover
The personal tour information with subsequent bike handover takes place on the day of arrival between 17:00 - 19:00. The exact time will be announced by the reception upon arrival. If you do not wish to attend the tour information, documents and rental bikes will be left at the arrival hotel. A short message in advance is very welcome!
Available rental bikes
For this trip you can choose unisex bikes either with 7-speed hub gears and coaster brake or 21-speed derailleur gears in different frame heights as well as 8-speed electric bikes with coaster brake. Simply indicate your bike preference when booking.
Return transfer to the starting point of the trip
You can book an organized return transfer in advance from Grado to Salzburg. The return transfer takes place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday departure around 09.30 am with the shuttle bus including bike. Advance booking is required.Travel time about 5.5 h, depending on traffic. Alternatively, a return trip by train from Grado to Salzburg is only possible with several changes. First you have to take the bus to Udine (Grado - Cervignano - Udine, duration: approx. 1,30 hrs.), then you have to take the train to Salzburg with a change in Villach (duration: approx. 4 hrs., 1x change in Villach, costs approx. 65,00 €).
Your hosts
The hosts for this trip will be in Charme Hotels specially selected by us. The accommodations correspond almost throughout to a national 4****- standard.
Arcotel Castellani in Salzburg: The hotel is located just a few minutes' walk from the old town. Deluxe rooms await you with king-size beds, inviting sitting areas, free Internet access, air-conditioning and more. In the restaurant Salieri you will be spoiled with an upscale Austrian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Hotel Brückenwirt in St. Johann: Modern deluxe rooms with traditional charm including views of the mountain landscape and free WiFi await you. The restaurant offers a menu that is adapted according to season and time of year, and places high value on regional products. A swimming pool with outdoor pool and sauna provide additional relaxation.
Hotel Salzburger Hof in Bad Gastein: Comfortable beds, wireless Internet and other amenities await you in the rooms. For the physical well-being provide four different restaurant and a bar with dancing and entertainment. Relax in the spa and wellness area with swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas and experience showers.
Post Hotel with EigenART in Spittal: This unique hotel is located directly on the historic main square of Spittal an der Drau. A hotel that amazes at every turn, from the in-house altar at the reception, to the completely different themed rooms, to its own shopping arcade, in-house brewery, coffee roastery and legendary wood-fired pizzeria.
Hotel Palais26 in Villach: The hotel is perfectly located right in the pedestrian zone. The rooms are furnished in a modern-purist style with historical details and equipped with, among other things, free Wi-Fi. In the hotel's own restaurant Charles with garden you can expect varied, culinary highlights and refined drinks. Relax in the small wellness area and on the exclusive roof terrace with magnificent mountain views.
Hotel Edelhof in Tarvis: Look forward to a small, family-run hotel in sunny and quiet surroundings on the edge of the forest, yet only a few steps from the town center. The rooms are furnished in typical Alpine style and impress with natural materials and handmade furniture. The restaurant La Stube awaits you with all kinds of delicacies and the small wellness area invites you to relax.
Hotel Ambassador Palace in Udine: In the heart of the city and just a few steps from the historic center, the hotel welcomes you with excellent service and dignified rooms. Toast the eventful day with an aperitif in the American Bar before enjoying Italian delicacies in the restaurant.
Hotel Laguna Palace 4****S in Grado: A modern, welcoming and stylish hotel awaits you with picturesque views of the Grado lagoon. The light-flooded rooms captivate with Mediterranean flair and magnificent views of the sea. The spacious rooms are simply but at the same time stylishly furnished and have, among other things, WLAN and air conditioning. Indulge in culinary delights in the Laguna Sky Restaurant with panoramic view or in the cozy Restarant La Bricola in a casual and informal atmosphere on the first floor of the hotel. The spa area with panoramic pool also awaits you with a fantastic view.
Cycling in Austria and Italy
In Austria there is no helmet requirement, but wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Since 2011, cyclists in Italy have been required to wear high-visibility vests outside built-up areas at night (half an hour before sunset to half an hour before sunrise). In addition, high visibility vests are compulsory when cycling in tunnels with road traffic.
Weather/ Climate
The climate in Austria can be classified as the humid-warm temperate zone. The ideal time for cycling is therefore spring, summer and autumn. Upper Italy is still in the Central European climate zone (cold winters). From the Po Valley on, the temperate-subtropical transitional climate begins. The center and the south of the country are characterized by mild-humid winters and dry-hot summers. During the summer months it is advisable to pack light, easily washable clothes, and for the evenings light woolen clothes should not be missing in the luggage. For the rest of the year it is recommended to bring transitional clothes and warmer woolen clothes.
Extra costs, which are not included in the travel price
A possible tourist tax is not part of the travel price and is therefore to be paid locally.
7 days hotline service
If the bicycle chain is broken, floods make the further journey impossible or other bad surprises are waiting for you: We are available 7 days a week for you and organize help as quickly as possible.
Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.
Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.
I provide you with advice and assistance
Siriphon Nuphim