The Alpe Adria Cycle Route is one of Europe’s most scenic long-distance itineraries, linking Salzburg in Austria to Grado on the Adriatic Sea.
The journey unfolds over a series of well-marked stages, each offering a distinct mix of alpine views, historic towns, and relaxing countryside.
Stage 1: From Salzburg to Bischofshofen
The route begins in Salzburg, a UNESCO-listed city renowned for its baroque architecture and musical heritage. Leaving the city, cyclists follow dedicated paths through green valleys and riverside landscapes until reaching Bischofshofen, a town framed by the Alps and known for its ski-jumping tradition.
Stage 2: From Bischofshofen to Bad Gastein
This stage leads deeper into the mountains, passing through quiet villages and narrow valleys. The ascent continues toward Bad Gastein, a historic spa town famous for its Belle Époque buildings, thermal waters, and dramatic cliff-side setting.
Stage 3: From Bad Gastein to Spittal an der Drau
Cyclists cross the Tauern mountains via the Böckstein–Mallnitz railway tunnel before descending into Carinthia. This stage can be divided into two parts: a first section with alpine scenery and a second part with gentler terrain, following rivers and forests on the way to Spittal an der Drau.
Stage 4: From Spittal an der Drau to Villach
The itinerary continues along the Drava River, offering relaxed cycling and open landscapes. Villach awaits with its vibrant centre, cafés, and blend of Austrian and Italian influences.
Stage 5: From Villach to Tarvisio
Entering the border region, the route becomes more forested as it climbs gradually toward Tarvisio. This area is known for alpine lakes and panoramic viewpoints across Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
Stage 6: From Tarvisio to Venzone
Once in Italy, the path follows the Alpe Adria greenway, a converted railway route with long tunnels, bridges, and wide mountain panoramas. The descent leads to Venzone, a beautifully rebuilt medieval town surrounded by impressive stone walls.
Stage 7: From Venzone to Udine
The landscape becomes softer, with vineyards, villages, and countryside roads. Udine welcomes visitors with elegant squares, Venetian-style architecture, and a relaxed urban atmosphere.
Stage 8: From Udine to Grado
The final stage crosses the plains of Friuli, touching historical sites before reaching the lagoon and the seaside town of Grado. Its beaches, canals, and waterfront promenade provide the perfect closing chapter to the Alpe Adria adventure.
To support your Alpe Adria journey, we offer a flexible bike rental service designed for long-distance travel.
Choose from our touring bikes, e-bikes, and gravel bikes, all fully serviced and equipped for multi-day rides. We deliver your bicycles directly to your hotel in Salzburg, ensuring a smooth start, and collect them in Grado at the end of your trip, even if the pick-up and drop-off locations are in different cities. This service removes logistical complications and allows you to focus entirely on enjoying the route from the Alps to the Adriatic coast.
Information and bike rental quote requests to booking@velocerental.com
On the left, our customers in Salzburg during the bike delivery
On the right, in Grado at the end of the Alpe Adria, returning us the bicycles
On the left, our customers in Salzburg during the bike delivery
On the right, in Grado at the end of the Alpe Adria, returning us the bicycles
