Individuall arrival in Salzburg
(ca. 50 km)
With a view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, you leave the city. The mountains are already visible in the distance. The first section takes you along the Salzach river. On the way, you pass the former summer residence of the Salzburg prince-bishops, Hellbrunn Palace. For more than 400 years, the extraordinary water features have delighted young and old. The journey continues along the Tauern Cycle Path towards Hallein, famous for its warped town houses and above all for its white gold - salt. Below the Tennengebirge you cycle towards your stage destination Werfenweng, but first you have to overcome a few metres of altitude. The mighty 11th-century castle of Hohenwerfen towers high above you.
(ca. 60 km)
The journey continues through the tranquil Gastein Valley. Until the 20th century, it was only accessible via mountain paths and narrow roads. Framed by the peaks of the Hohe Tauern, you cycle along the Gasteiner Ache. The Montecarlo of the Alps, as Bad Gastein is often called, is known for its many magnificent hotels from the Bel Époque period, which dominate the townscape. The main attraction is the Gastein Waterfall, which is fed by a total of 17 springs and provides an extra dose of health. If you are early enough, you can still take the mountain railway to the summit and enjoy the Alpine panorama.
(ca. 70 km)
Instead of following the original Alpe Adria cycle path, we suggest an alternative through the tranquil Dösental valley. On the old railway line, an 8 km long descent leads down to the Glockner Cycle Path and along the Möll River. The varied landscape will not allow you to get bored. The stage destination of todays journey is Millstatt, situated on the lake of the same name. At around 141 m, Lake Millstatt is the deepest lake in Carinthia.
(ca. 80 km)
Along the lake with its crystal-clear water, which is even of drinking water quality, you cycle around the lake for a while and then overcome a small ridge that brings you into the Drau valley. After this detour, the Alpe-Adria route leads along the leisurely flowing Drava, where surprises await you time and again. Soon the direction of travel changes and you head off to the south. First along the Gail, which is ideal for cooling off on hot summer days, you cross the border to Bella Italia. In the border triangle between Austria, Slovenia and Italy lies the small town of Tarvisio..
(ca. 120 km)
The fifth stage is one of the longest of this trip, but there are hardly any climbs to overcome. Fortified with cappuccino and brioche, you start the stage through the Canal Valley. It is framed by the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps. You cycle along the disused railway line through a total of 22 tunnels. Dont miss the delicacies along the way. Shortly before Venzone, you cross the Tagliamento, one of the last near-natural rivers in Europe, before you reach the Friulan lowlands. Not only the vegetation changes, but also the temperatures continue to rise. Enjoy the evening on the Piazza della Libertà in Udine, with its typical Italian flair.
(ca. 55 km)
Cycling through the vineyards you continue your journey. The first highlight of todays stage is Palmanova with its 16th century star-shaped fortress. Across the 6-cornered main square, the route leads out of the Unesco World Heritage Site again and to Aquileia. Built in 180 BC, it was one of the most important economic centres of the Roman Empire. Numerous excavation sites and a huge floor mosaic in the Byzantine Basilica are vivid witnesses to this period. A 5 km straight leads through the lagoon to Grado, the destination of your journey. After a total of 420 km you have reached the Italian Riviera.
Individuall departure, or prolongation
