The Alpe Adria cycling route is a long-distance cycling adventure in Europe that is a must-do for cyclists that love spectacular landscapes and beautiful towns.
The journey takes you from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea in Italy; the full Alpe Adria Cycle Path from Salzburg winds through towering mountain peaks, passing green hills covered in forests, wildflower meadows, vineyards, and many noteworthy medieval towns and UNESCO cities, before finishing on the alluring Italian coast in Grado.
We chat with Freddy Mair the founder of FunActive Tours to find out more about this iconic adventure. Freddy shares his highlights of the Alpe Adria route, including a suggested itinerary and essential tips.
Get ready for a rewarding cycling challenge through Austria and Italy…
Part 1: Alpe Adria cycling route
Give us an overview of the Alpe Adria cycling route
The Alpe Adria bike route is a border-hopping cycling route that connects the mountains of Austria with the Adriatic Sea in Italy. In Austria, it is known as the Alpe Adria Radweg and in Italy the Ciclovia Alpe Adria.
This long-distance cycling journey spans 410 kilometres; it starts in the Austrian city of Salzburg and finishes in the port town of Grado on Italy’s Adriatic coastline.
However, the route length can be shortened if you choose to ride just part of the route. More information on this is below.

A map of the full Alpe Adria cycling route from Salzburg to Grado (photo credit: FunActive Tours)
Terrain
The magical journey that is the Alpe Adria begins in the Austrian Alps near Salzburg. It climbs into the alpine peaks of the High Tauern before heading through the valleys of the Möll and Drava rivers and the Villach basin. The route passes between the Julian and Carnic Alps. It briefly touches the alluvial plains of the Fella and Tagliamento rivers. Finally, it reaches the eastern edge of the Venetian Plain and the Adriatic coast.
Some of the cycling paths included on the route are sections of the popular Drava Cycle Path in Austria, which is considered one of the best cycle paths in Europe. As well as a section of the scenic Glockner Radweg Cycle Path from Möll, also found in Austria.
Surfaces
The Alpe Adria Cycle Path features a mix of asphalt surfaces and gravel paths; it takes place on a range of traffic-free cycle paths and low-traffic roads. Approximately 10% is on asphalt roads, 10% off-road and the rest of the route takes place on cycle paths.
Signposting
The Alpe Adria Cycle Path is a signposted cycle route; the signs use the German name for the route, Ciclovia Alpe Adria Radweg (CAAR) and its logo.
Guests cycling the route on a FunActive Tour use an app to easily follow the route and navigate each day, this also provides useful place of interest and how to reach them.
What is the difference between the Alpe Adria Trail and the Alpe Adria Cycle Path?
Be aware! There are two variations of the Alpe Adria, one is a trail for walkers and the other is a cycle route for cyclists. In this article we focus on the cycle route.
The Alpe Adria Cycle Path was initially developed in the 2000s and launched in 2012. The project sought to connect existing cycle paths and old, unused infrastructure to create a long-distance cycling route through Austria and Italy.
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Why is the Alpe Adria cycling route a ‘must do’?
The Alpe Adria is a varied place-to-place journey that combines spectacular nature with fascinating cultural gems.
Here are a few more reasons to add the Alpe Adria to your cycling wishlist:
A border-hopping adventure
There’s something hugely enticing about a cross-border adventure.
Cycling the Alpe Adria involves cycling through both Austria and Italy, enabling cyclists to experience two different cultures in one ride; it’s an ever-changing journey with new landscapes, heritage and architecture to experience every day. The food is also notably different between the two countries.
The contrast from the start of the route surrounded by the Alpine scenery of Austria’s Salzburgerland, versus the end in Italy at the Adriatic coastline is vast and adds to a sense of completing a unique adventure.
UNESCO cities and towns
The Alpe Adria cycling route kicks off in style from the historic city of Salzburg.
The city’s fairytale-like old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996 and is packed with beautiful Baroque buildings that are overlooked by the impressive medieval castle, the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Other gems on the Alpe Adria cycle route include the Italian city of Palmanova. This unique star-shaped fortress city was built in 1593 by the Republic of Venice as a utopian military settlement. It’s widely considered a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning. To enter Palmanova you’ll cycle through impressive city gates, such as the Porta Aquileia.
The ancient Roman city of Aquileia is also a site of significant historical importance. In its heyday, it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the Roman Empire and played a crucial role in religion and trade.
Today it’s a much smaller, quiet town but remnants of its grand past remain. If you have time, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is worth a visit; it boasts a beautiful 4th-century mosaic floor. You’ll also find a treasure trove of Roman artefacts in Aquileia’s Archaeological Museum.
Alpine scenery
Leaving Salzburg, the first section of the Alpe Adria bike route cycles through the beautiful and imposing mountain landscapes of the Alps.
It’s the opportunity to immerse yourself in some of Europe’s most idyllic natural landscapes with mountain views in abundance; you’ll cycle through peaceful valleys home to wildflower meadows, forests, waterfalls and picturesque Alpine villages such as Dorfgastein.
Highlights include cycling the gorgeous Gastein Valley surrounded by the Hohe Tauern mountains and the scenic stretch along the Glockner Radweg Cycle Path through the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Beer and wine
In Austria, the route takes you very close to the Hofbräu Kaltenhausen brewery. It was founded in 1475 and it is the oldest brewery in Salzburger Land. Up until 2010, Kaiser and Edelweiss were brewed here before their production was moved elsewhere.
Once the route crosses into Italy, cyclists cycle through the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This corner of Italy is home to one of Italy’s most productive wine regions, the Collio.
From Venzone to Udine you’ll cycle through many vineyards producing local wines including the light and zesty Friulano white wine. We provide suggested bike-friendly wineries that guests can visit during their FunActive Tour to enjoy a wine tasting.
Flexible train journeys
The Alpe Adria bike route includes a mandatory train ride from Böckstein train station to Mallnitz in Austria. There is no other option for cyclists due to the lack of roads here. Cyclists have a dedicated bike carriage on the train with many bike racks; this train takes you through the 8-kilometre Tauernbahn Tunnel and takes approximately 11 minutes.
You can also make use of the local railways to help reduce daily mileage and provide more flexibility. There are trains from Tarvisio or Ugovizza in Italy to Venzone on day 5 of our FunActive 8-day itinerary. Find out more below.

Palmanova City, also known as the “star city”
Are there any variations you can make to the Alpe Adria cycling route?
The Alpe Adria cycling route can be tackled in several ways to suit your cycling needs, timescales and fitness abilities.
This article specifically focuses on the long-distance route from Salzburg to Grado, but there are other options to consider. For example, you could just choose to ride one of the following:
- From Salzburg to Villach (200 km): The most challenging stretch of the route takes in the Alps mountainsIt is suitable for more experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness.
- From Villach to Grado (210 km): This is the easiest section of the journey and is most suitable for leisure cyclists looking for a more relaxing ride, or families. You can also consider adding on an extra 40 kilometre extension to the port city of Trieste.
It’s also worth noting that there are tons of places you can stop off at along the route, or make small diversions for. If you have the time, these can be great fun.
FunActive Tours also offers an alternative version of the Alpe Adria Cycle Trail that dips briefly into northeast Italy, before heading into Slovenia and finally finishing in Trieste.
How challenging is the Alpe Adria cycling route?

Elevation map for the Alpe Adria cycle tour from Salzburg to Grado
The Alpe Adria trail starts with roughly two days of gentle climbing. There’s then a nice descent to the Villach basin, another climb and finally a couple of days on a gently descending path down to Grado.
The first section in Austria from Salzburg to Villach covers 200 kilometres and features more challenging, mountainous terrain, including some sharp, short climbs, especially before Bad Gastein. A bit of training beforehand should help ensure you are comfortable tackling the multiple days in the saddle and tougher climbs.
However, the route features more gentle terrain and less elevation from the Austrian town of Villach and through the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This makes riding from here a good option for leisure cyclists and families with older children looking for a more gentle cycling tour with packed with sightseeing opportunities.

(photo credit: ©wisthaler.com)
What is the best bike for the Alpe Adria?
On FunActive Tours, most of our guests on Alpe Adria bike tours use an e-bike.
However, for those who prefer more of a challenge, the Alpe Adria Cycle Path is also suitable for gravel bikes and leisure-style touring bikes with tyres that are suitable for off-road terrain.
Gravel bikes are better suited than road bikes due to the mix of gravel and asphalt terrain found on the route.
Give us a feel for what each day is like
All metrics in this article are approximate.
The below is based on our 8-day Alpe Adria cycle tour from Salzburg to Grado.
For alternate Alpe Adria itineraries, including 5-days to 11-days, with different starting and finishing points, see our full range of FunActive Tours here.
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Distance: 0 km
Notes
A rest day to explore the beautiful city of Salzburg. This vibrant, historic city has a lot to explore, whether you’re a fan of Mozart, the sound of music, or simply love soaking up café culture. Salzburg has been wowing tourists for years and is a great place to start your Alpe Adria cycling tour. You could easily add in another day here!
Day 2: Salzburg to Bischofshofen/ St.Johann
Distance: 60 km
Notes
Departing from Salzburg, you cycle beside the Salzach River, enjoying views of Hellbrunn Palace and its stunning gardens. Following the peaceful Tauern Cycle Path, you gently begin your ride up into the High Tauern mountains. The town of Hallein is a refreshing pit stop and is renowned for its charming, crooked houses and rich history tied to salt mining.
Today’s route concludes in the picturesque alpine town of Bischofshofen/St. Johann. Located in the heart of Austria’s ski region, Bischofshofen is a popular ski town in winter and is home to a large ski jump. There are beautiful mountain peaks you can admire from the town.
Day 3: Bischofhofen/ St. Johann to Bad Gastein
Distance: 55 km
Notes
On the second day of cycling you leave Bischofhofen and cycle through the green Gastein Valley, along the Gasteiner Ache River. The hills on either side of you are densely covered in trees and you’ll pass by many Alpine chalets. Further in the distance are the impressive snowcapped Hohe Tauern mountains. It’s all very scenic!
You can refuel in the village of Dorfgastein or the town of Bad Hofgastein, before heading on to your next overnight stop in BadGastein, situated in a high valley (there’s quite a climb to reach it!). The town boasts panoramic mountain views and beautiful Belle Époque architecture. There’s also an impressive waterfall in the centre of town.
Day 4: Bad Gastein to Villach
Distance: 79 km
Notes
After a short cycle ride to Bockstein, you hop on a train that takes you through the 8-kilometre Tauernbahn Tunnel to Mallnitz.
After arriving at Mallnitz, you cycle towards Möll, passing through one of the most scenic sections of the Alpe Adria path, the Glockner Radweg Cycle Path in the Corinthia region of Austria.
After a gentle descent through Hohe Tauern National Park, you eventually join the Drava Cycle Path to reach Spittal an der Drau. This noteworthy Austrian town has a rich history, including the historic Renaissance Castle of Porcia.
After exploring Spittal, you continue to the lively city of Villach and your next overnight stop. Villach has a fantastic thermal spa called the Kärnten Thermae for anyone looking for a relaxing pot cycle soak!
Day 5: Villach to Venzone
Distance: 40-60 km circa or 85-90 km (dependant on if train travel is used)
Notes
Departing Villach, you cycle along the scenic Gail River before crossing into Italy; there are no border checks but you may have to show your passport if the police stop to identify you.
After crossing the border into the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, you head to the town of Tarvisio which sits at the crossroads of Italy, Austria and Slovenia and is surrounded by expansive valleys and forests.
From here, or a little further on at Ugovizza, you can choose to take a train (not included in the tour price) to the historic village of Venzone. Or you can continue cycling to your next destination for the day.
Taking the train is a good option for anyone who wants to save time or would prefer a more relaxing end to the day. For those that would prefer to cycle you ride on the Pontebanna railway line which has been converted into a cycle path.
Venzone is a medieval gem; its historic centre is enclosed by walls dating back to the 13th century and is home to beautiful medieval architecture and cobbled streets set against a breathtaking backdrop of Alpine scenery.
Day 6: Venzone to Udine
Distance: 55 km
Notes
The journey begins with a ride to the town of Gemona del Friuli. Leaving here you leave the Alpine scenery behind and enter the rolling hills of Friuli’s Collio wine region, cycling alongside many vineyards. There is the opportunity to try the local Friulano white wine and a local winery this day, amongst other locally grown wines, including Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Refusco and Merlot (for lovers of red wine).
Your overnight stop is in the city of Udine; the city is heavily influenced by Venetian culture and has a grand medieval centre, the Piazza della Libertà. This beautiful piazza is adorned with Greek statues and Roman columns. It’s a beautiful place for an evening wander. You could easily spend a day or two here if you have time!
Day 7: Udine to Grado
Distance: 60 km
Notes
The last leg of the Alpe Adria cycling route winds through scenic Italian landscapes on route to your final destination in Grado. Before you get there, you’ll pass through two UNESCO World Heritage cities that are well worth factoring some time in to explore if you can, Palmanova and Aquileia.
Once you’ve had your fill of history (and gelato!) you take on the last push to the popular beach resort of Grado. A five kilometre causeway cuts over the Adriatic lagoons and takes you to Grado’s sun-kissed beaches, a pleasant old town with Roman roots to explore and the Nazario Sauro promenade to take a stroll on.
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Part 2: Practicalities of cycling the Alpe Adria
What is the best time to cycle the Alpe Adria?
The best time to experience the Alpe Adria Cycle Path is from mid-summer to autumn (July to October).
Although summers can be hot and more crowded in the popular tourist hotspots, this is the best time to explore the Alpine landscapes by bike. Any earlier and you risk wetter conditions or even snow in the mountain resorts.
Early autumn is a particularly lovely time to enjoy Alpe Adria cycling, with the wine region in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in full harvest and pleasant temperatures ranging from 12°C to 22°C.

(photo credit: ©wisthaler.com)
Where to stay on the Alpe Adria cycling route?
Remember to double-check accommodation bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking as policies often change.
FunActive Tours uses a range of 3 and 4-star hotels on the route, as well as agriturismos (accommodation based on a farm). These aim to give a flavour of the area you are staying in. Each accommodation also has secure bike storage.
Getting to Salzburg
You can fly into Salzburg airport (SZG).
If you are booked onto a FunActive Alpe Adria bike tour we will transfer you from the airport to your first accommodation.
Getting home from Grado
There are a couple of airport options to fly home from, including Trieste (TRS) and Venice Marco Polo (VCE).
Airport transfer from your hotel is not included in the price of a FunActive Tour, but it is available upon request for an additional charge and includes the option to include a transfer back to Salzburg.
Alterntively, there is a train you can take to Trieste that allows bikes on. Check ahead of booking to see if a reservation is needed.
Austrian-Italian border
Crossing the border into Italy is simple and there are no passport checks involved.
Public transport
If you plan to use public transport as part of your Alpe Adria cycling trip, do some planning in advance to check about the rules and regulations regarding bikes.
Trains are generally the best option in this region and most have space for bikes, but some will require a reservation in advance that will come with an additional cost, this includes high-speed trains like Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca and intercity trains.
What to pack
Be aware! Temperatures in the Austrian Alps tend to be cooler than in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, especially in May. Even in the summer months, the weather can change quickly in the mountains, with heavy rain showers possible. Pack warm layers for the evening and a lightweight, packable waterproof.
Alternatively, hot weather is common particularly the further south you cycle in the summer and can be equally challenging. Light, breathable layers, sunglasses and suncream are essential to keep you comfortable in these conditions.
Take a look at this article for more detailed cycling holiday packing suggestions.

Gemona del Friuli
Language
English is widely spoken throughout the regions you cycle through.
It’s always nice to learn the local language so you can say hello and thank you whilst exploring. It’s also worth noting that Austria’s official language is German.
Here are the basics:
German
- Good morning: Guten morgen
- Goodbye: auf Wiedersehen
- Hello: hallo
- Thank you: danke
Italian
- Hello/ goodbye: Ciao
- Good morning: Buongiorno
- Thank you: Grazie

Exploring traffic-free cycle paths on the Alpe Adria cycling route (photo credit: ©wisthaler.com)
Highway code and travel information
As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Austria are here, you can also see these for Italy here.
You should also read and follow Austria and Italy’s highway code.
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Part 3: Why book a FunActive Tours of the Alpe Adria?
We offer multiple bike tours along the Alpe Adria Cycle Path, catering to a variety of cycling abilities, goals and needs. Whether you want to experience the full 410-kilometre journey, or would prefer to sample a gentler section, we’ve got something to suit everyone.
Experience
We’ve run Alpe Adria bike tours for over 15 years.
We are also located close to the route, with offices in Friuli Venezia Giulia, and have tons of local expertise and knowledge among our team. This gives us a great understanding of the Alpe Adria route so we can ensure you have the best possible experience.
Comprehensive support and services
We take the stress out of organising your Alpe Adria logistics! We’ll sort everything from your accommodation to luggage transfers and airport transfers.
You’ll also benefit from mechanical support from our team of experts (should you need it) and comprehensive holiday insurance.
Finally, we also provide you with detailed route notes and maps to navigate each day, so all you have to do is turn up and concentrate on the cycling.
Flexibility
The routes offer options for cyclists of all levels, from easy to more challenging.
We even have e-bike options available to assist with the uphill sections.
Our tours can also be easily customised to suit your needs! Get in touch with your requirements and we’ll see how we can help.

(photo credit: ©wisthaler.com)
What’s the best way for people to find out more about your cycling holidays?
We’d love to help you start planning your Alpe Adria adventure!
Take a look at our range of Alpe Adria cycling holidays on our website to find out more.
Will you cycle the Alpe Adria Trail?
A big thank you to Freddy for taking the time to share his expertise on the Alpe Adria cycling route. We think this Alps to sea adventure sounds like a beautiful route and have added it to our cycling wishlist!
Looking for more cycling inspiration for cycling in Italy? Don’t miss these articles:
- How to plan a cycling holiday in Northeast Italy
- Guide to Friuli Venezia Giulia
- The Parenzana bike trail
- 4 best cycling routes in the Dolomites
- Cycling the Via Francigena
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Sponsor Message
Want help organising your Italy cycling holiday?
We’ve been organising bike tours in northern Italy since 2002 and would love to help you plan yours.
Get in touch and let's discuss the best holiday for you.
Head over to our website so we can start helping you plan your perfect northern Italy cycling trip.
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