Exploring Italy To Austria: A Biking Adventure

Cycling from Italy to Austria is a popular route for tourists, with many companies offering organised tours. The Alpe-Adria cycle path is a famous route that covers 410 kilometres, starting in Salzburg, Austria, and ending in Grado, Italy. The route takes cyclists through the Italian Adriatic, the Austrian-Italian border, and enchanting cities like Taravisio and Udine. The Emerald Trails is another project that promotes cycling routes in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of North-East Italy and western Slovenia. Alternatively, you can cycle from Innsbruck, Austria to Bolzano, Italy, a route that takes you through vineyards and orchards and past mountains and lakes.

The Alpe-Adria cycle path from Salzburg to Grado

The Alpe-Adria cycle path is a cross-border, long-distance cycle route that takes riders from Salzburg, Austria, to Grado, Italy, in eight days. The route covers 410 kilometres and is considered one of the most scenographic cycling routes in Europe, offering continuous surprises for cyclists.

The path integrates old railway tracks and numerous tunnels, making the Alpine crossing a pleasure tour on two wheels. The route takes riders through the Austrian county of Carinthia and the Italian towns of Tarvis, Gemona, Undine, and Aquileia, before reaching Grado on the Adriatic shore. Along the way, cyclists will experience idyllic spots, beautiful tourist sights, and impressive landscapes.

Stage 1: Salzburg to Bischofshofen (53 km)

The first stage begins in the Old City of Salzburg, also known as the City of Mozart. Riders will cycle southwards next to the River Salzach, passing through the old Celtic town of Hallein and enjoying the refreshing waters of Golling Waterfall and the beautiful Bluntautal valley. The route then leads into the mountains of Salzburg's Limestone Alps, past numerous natural monuments, high rock faces, and impressive gorges.

Stage 2: Bischofshofen to Bad Gastein (52 km)

The second stage follows the reservoirs on the middle Salzach to Schwarzach, then climbs into the Gastein Valley. A bike path leads from the entrance of the valley to Bad Gastein, a magnificent location with the Gastein Waterfall in its centre. Along this stage, riders will be accompanied by the mountains of the Salzburg Alps and will catch glimpses of the glaciated peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountains.

Stage 3: Bad Gastein to Mallnitz-Spittal an der Drau (59 km)

This stage begins in the Gastein Valley or Mallnitz and takes riders into Carinthia, one of Austria's most important tourism regions. The route generally follows the Lower Mölltal valley, nestled amidst 3,000-metre-tall mountains. Notable sights along this stage include the town centre of Obervellach, Falkenstein Castle, Bernitz Waterfall, and the Teurinia Roman Museum outside Spittal.

Stage 4: Spittal an der Drau to Villach (39 km)

In this stage, riders will cover around 40 kilometres and will encounter small highlights like the excavations of an early Christian church outside Molzbichl and the "Carantana" museum. They will also pass through Villach's nature park and enjoy its hot springs.

Stage 5: Villach to Tarvisio (37 km)

This stage takes riders alongside the Gail River and through the Dobratsch Nature Park. Pedalling through small villages, cyclists gradually approach the Italian border, crossing it at Thörl-Maglern. Just beyond the border, the route follows an abandoned railway line to Tarvisio.

Stage 6: Tarvisio to Venzone (61 km)

The cycling route from Tarvisio to Dogna is well-equipped with signs and runs on the former disused railway Pontebbana. After Dogna, cyclists head south along National Road n.13 towards Chiusaforte and then Resiutta. The town of Moggio Udinese is reached by crossing the bridge over the river Fella.

Stage 7: Venzone to Udine (55 km)

The cycling route from Venzone to Udine is called the "Ippovia of Cormor Valley". It is not paved but is equipped with signs and runs along the Cormor River. To cross Udine, cyclists will use a combination of ordinary urban roads and existing cycling roads.

Stage 8: Udine to Grado (59 km)

To reach Grado from Udine, cyclists will use a mix of ordinary urban roads and existing cycling roads. The route is equipped with signs and runs partly on a bike path and partly on local roads. To reach the centre of Grado, cyclists will need to follow a stretch of the Regional Road No. 352, paying close attention to the motorized traffic.

Innsbruck to Bolzano via the Inn and Adige rivers

Cycling from Innsbruck to Bolzano via the Inn and Adige rivers is a great way to explore the Tyrol region and the Dolomites. Here is some information to help you plan your trip:

Route Overview:

• The total distance of the route is approximately 74 to 77 miles (119 to 124 km), depending on the exact starting and ending points.
• The route can be completed in one long day or spread over multiple days, depending on your fitness level and preferred pace.
• The route follows the Inn River, which originates in Switzerland and flows through Innsbruck, and the Adige River, which flows through Bolzano and into the Adriatic Sea in Italy.

Transport Options:

• By Train: There are direct trains available between Innsbruck and Bolzano. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes, and the train departs three times a day. This option allows you to avoid the hassle of navigating the route by bike and provides a more relaxed way to enjoy the scenery.
• By Bus: There is also a direct bus option between the two cities, with buses departing every four hours. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. However, this option may require you to transport your bike on the bus, so be sure to check the bus company's policies.
• By Car: If you prefer to drive, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. This option provides flexibility and allows you to make stops along the way. Keep in mind that you will need to arrange your own transportation back to the starting point or consider a one-way car rental.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Border Crossing: When travelling between Innsbruck and Bolzano, you will be crossing the border between Austria and Italy. Make sure you have the proper identification documents and visas, if required, for both countries.
• Bike Transport: If you plan to take your bike on public transport or in a car, be sure to check the policies and restrictions of the train or bus company, or rental car provider. Some companies may require disassembling or folding your bike and placing it in a bag to transport it.
• Cycling Conditions: The route may include a variety of cycling conditions, from dedicated bike paths to shared roads with motor vehicles. Be prepared for different terrain and consider the safety precautions necessary for riding on roads with traffic.
• Accommodation: If you plan to spread the trip over multiple days, research and book accommodation along the route in advance. This can include camping, hostels, or hotels, depending on your preferences and budget.
• Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before embarking on your trip and be prepared for potential changes in weather during your journey. Ensure you have the appropriate clothing and equipment for varying conditions.
• Food and Water: Plan your food and water stops along the route to ensure you stay energised and hydrated. Research restaurants, grocery stores, or markets along the way that can cater to your needs.

AdriaBike route: Tarvisio to Portorož, Trieste, Venezia, Padova and Ravenna

The AdriaBike route is a three-week transnational cycling adventure that takes riders from the Italian Tarvisio near the Austrian border, through the Julian Alps in the Save and Soča/Isonzo valleys, and over the Slovenian Karst to the Slovenian Adriatic coast between Koper and Piran. From there, the route follows the Adriatic coastline to Venice, where it splits into two options. The first option is a coastal ride over the Lido and Pellestrina to Chioggia, while the second option is a detour through the Venetian hinterland, passing through Padova and the thermal landscape of the Euganean Hills, including Abano, Montegrotto, and Battaglia Terme. The route then continues south to the Emilia-Romagna region, ending in Ravenna and is characterised by the natural landscape of the Po Delta and the touristy coastal towns with their long sandy beaches between Lido di Volano and Marina di Ravenna.

The AdriaBike route can be divided into three sections, each designed to be completed in a week, for a total of three weeks:

• The first section starts at Tarvisio, where it connects with the Ciclovia Alpe-Adria Radweg near the border with Austria, and makes an arc through Slovenia before reaching the coast at Portorož on the Croatian coast.
• The second section follows the Adriatic coast from Portorož, passing through Trieste and heading towards Venezia.
• The third section begins in Venezia and heads towards Padova, before continuing on to Ravenna.

The total length of the shorter main route via the Lido di Venezia is around 795 kilometres. The parallel route via Padova, which is slightly further inland from the coast, is 890 kilometres, making it 100 kilometres longer. These lengths do not include the different excursions, variants, or connecting routes that are also part of the AdriaBike experience.

The AdriaBike route is supported by an excellent roadbook available in English, German, and Italian, which gives an overview and description of the entire route. This roadbook can be found on the official AdriaBike website or through other tourism websites. Additionally, AdriaBike is part of the Eurovelo 8 route, which crosses Italy, connecting France and Croatia.

The Drauradweg and Ciclovia Alpe-Adria Radweg

The Italian section of the Ciclovia Alpe-Adria Radweg is known as the FVG1, which stands for the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This section is mostly traffic-free, following the course of an old railway line from Venzone to Udine and Grado. The FVG1 connects with the FVG2 (Eurovelo 8) in Cervignano, allowing cyclists to continue on to Venice or Trieste. The route is well-signed, but it is recommended to know the names of towns and cycle routes along the way. The best time to cycle the route is from May to September, as the mountain sections can be cold outside of this period.

The Drauradweg, or the River Drau Cycle Path, is another international cycle route that connects Austria and Italy. The route begins in Toblach, Italy, and leads to Maribor, Slovenia, passing through Lienz and Spittal an der Drau in Austria. The Drauradweg connects with the Ciclovia Alpe-Adria Radweg in Spittal an der Drau. The route follows the Drava River and is mostly flat, with some minor climbs. The Drauradweg is well-signed and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Emerald Trails: Kobarid and Tolmin in Slovenija with Gorizia and Cevedale del Friuli in Italy

The Emerald Trails is a project promoting cycling routes in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of North-East Italy and western Slovenia. It includes a circular route linking Kobarid and Tolmin in Slovenia with Gorizia and Cevedale del Friuli in Italy. The website for the route is bike-alpeadria.com, where you can find interesting mountain bike and road routes in the 'familiarisation tours' and 'connecting tours' sections.

The Dolina-Soče tourist promotion organisation website also provides a guide and map of the Emerald Cycling Trails. The map is excellent, although the PDF gets blurry when enlarged. Paper copies can be obtained from tourist offices in the area or by emailing the Tolmin Tourist Information Office.

The AdriaBike route, which can be found on adriabike.eu, is another option for cyclists. It has three sections, each designed to be ridden in a week, for a total of three weeks:

• It starts at Tarvisio, where it connects with the Ciclovia Alpe-Adria Radweg near the border with Austria, and makes an arc through Slovenia before reaching the coast at Portorož on the Croatian coast.
• It then follows the Adriatic coast from Portorož via Trieste to Venezia.
• From Venezia, it heads for Padova and then Ravenna.

The AdriaBike website also offers an excellent roadbook in English, German, and Italian that gives an overview and description of the whole route.

Kobarid, located along the Emerald Trails, is a great starting point for a bike ride. The area offers a rich history, fabulous cuisine, and rural beauty. From Kobarid, you can follow the Soča River towards Most Na Soči and then Nova Gorica just over the border from Gorizia, Italy. This route takes you through ancient forests, tranquil villages, and offers vast panoramas of the surrounding landscapes.

Cycling from Kobarid towards Cividale del Friuli in Italy is mostly flat or downhill. This route follows the valley of the Nadiža (Natisone) river and includes quiet surfaced roads, with unsurfaced options available as well. The final section follows a signed cycle route into Italy.

Frequently asked questions