New! Alpe - Adriatic Sea

From Bad Reichenhall we quickly reach the Saalach River and soon cross the border into the province of Salzburg. Through beautiful forests, along deep gorges and mountain streams, we reach the Tauern Cycle Path near Lofer. Again and again there are fantastic views of the Leoganger Steinberge and the Berchtesgaden Alps. By early afternoon we have covered most of the altitude. Along the Tauern Cycle Path we finally reach the tranquil village of Maria Alm via Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer.

Our longest stage leads from Maria Alm in Salzburger Land to Spittal an der Drau, just a stone's throw from Lake Millstatt. The first 40 kilometers are a relaxed ride on the Tauern Cycle Path via Zell am See into the Salzach Valley and on to the entrance to the Gastein Valley. An alternation of bike paths, gravel roads and narrow country roads lets the landscape pass by. An unavoidable road tunnel with a separate bike lane and a good 200 meters of elevation later, we find ourselves in the Gastein Valley. The valley is known for its spas and the sophisticated charm of Bad Gastein, which hugs the steep sides of the valley along a waterfall located in the middle of town. A mixture of dilapidated buildings, noble five-star hotels, wild high mountain scenery of the Hohe Tauern in the background, decaying casinos and new gold rush atmosphere gives the place an exciting ambience. At Böckstein we reach the highest point of today's stage and cross the Tauern lock by train. As soon as we see daylight again, we are in Carinthia. Now we continue, partly on an abandoned railroad line, partly on bike paths, through the Mölltal valley until we reach our stage destination Spittal shortly after joining the river Drau.

Today we just barely crack the 100 kilometer mark. From Spittal, we head to Lake Millstätter See, whose picturesque shoreline we will follow for a few kilometers. Passing Rothenthurn Castle, we return to the river Drau and follow the cycle route to Villach. After a short visit to the city center, we leave the Drava cycle path and follow the Alpe Adria cycle path towards the Italian border at Arnoldstein. Today, a wonderful cycle path runs along an abandoned railroad line. This leads us to Kranjska Gora in Slovenia. Along the way we have the opportunity to make two short detours: First to the picturesque Weissenfels Lakes below the mighty mountain massif of Mangart, then to the ski flying and ski jumping hills of Planica, where training worth seeing regularly takes place in the summer.

Today, the longest climb of the tour awaits us. On the historic military road, the so-called "Russian Road", we work our way up a good 800 meters in altitude to the Vršič Pass at 1,611 meters. Shortly after the start, we experience the first highlight of the day with Lake Jasna. The rugged limestone walls of Prisank are reflected in the crystal clear water of the small artificial lake. A little later we find ourselves in the Triglav National Park. In addition to the impressive natural scenery, several serpentine roads with cobblestones await us. Along the way there is also a Russian chapel dedicated to the Russian forced laborers who died during the construction in the First World War. From the top of the highest Slovenian mountain pass, we roll into the Soča Valley, probably the most scenic part of the Triglav National Park. A rapid descent with countless curves brings joy after the long ascent. In the upper Soča Valley between the villages of Trenta and Bovec, the Soča often runs spectacularly in narrow gorges. The numerous wooden suspension bridges are popular photo motifs along the route. There are also several swimming spots where we can jump into the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Don't forget your bathing suit! After the obligatory photo stop at the famous Napoleon Bridge, we finally reach the idyllic village of Kobarid.

A varied route along the Soča leads us through the famous festival town of Tolmin. After the reservoir at Most na Soči, the river squeezes through a deep gorge. On narrow farm roads and through tiny remote villages we reach Kanal. Even a short push stretch of about ten minutes awaits us here. In Kanal we can fortify ourselves in one of the traditional restaurants and with a lot of courage jump from the diving tower on the bridge into the Soča. With or without increased adrenaline level, we continue south following the river. Shortly before the stage destination, we finally climb Sabotin via an old military road in the forest. From the open-air military museum at the summit with its old positions, caverns and numerous display boards, we have a super view of our stage destination Gorizia and, with good visibility, even as far as the Adriatic Sea.

The final stage offers once again everything that makes a gravel bike tour. On remote dirt roads we reach the coast through the barren Mediterranean karst landscape. Along the Slovenian-Italian border we discover again and again signs of a changeable history of the region. From orphaned observation towers we can overlook the magnificent landscape. The closer we get to the rugged rocky coast, the more spectacular it becomes. We follow a unique panoramic route on historic paths with sea views to the south. Finally, we reach Trieste just a stone's throw from the center. There we leave the unpaved route and reach the center through the narrow streets of the old port city and further on to the historic "Molo Audace". Further it goes now only swimming.