New! Alpe - Adriatic Sea

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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. Along the Tauern Cycle Path we reach Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer in the afternoon. From there we take the Ramseiden-Runde, a beautiful panoramic trail directly at the foot of the Steinernes Meer, to the tranquil village of Maria Alm.

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 14 kilometers are relaxed on secondary roads in the direction of Zell am See. Here we leave the bike route and reach the Salzach Valley on a magnificent panoramic path with views of the Tauern. Up 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 altitude 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 valley sides 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 Tauern lock and cross the Tauern ridge 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.

From Spittal we first cycle a good 400 meters in altitude at the foot of the Goldeck to Stockenboi. The quiet valley extends through the Gailtal Alps to the picturesque Weißensee. At the Hermagorer Bodenalm in the middle of the Weißensee Nature Park we treat ourselves to a first break in the magnificent alpine landscape. Shortly afterwards we are already at the Weißensee. Following the southern shore we reach the short ascent to the Kreuzbergsattel and finally the tranquil Gitschtal, which we follow to Hermagor. There we reach the Gailtal and follow the course of the river below the densely forested steep Karnischer Hauptkamm to Hohenthurm near Arnoldstein. Fast gravel stretches, regionally typical villages and the view always directed to the prominent local mountain of Villach, the Dobratsch, it goes rapidly to the east. At Tarvisio we cross the border into Italy, follow a railroad cycle path further in the direction of Slovenia and pay a visit to the picturesque Weissenfels Lakes below the mighty mountain massif of the Mangart. After that, we will go to the ski jumping and ski jumping hills of Planica, where training jumps worth seeing regularly take place in the summer. Finally, our accommodation is in the well-known winter sports resort of Kranjska Gora.

Two long climbs await us today. We start on the historic military road, the so-called "Russian road". Here 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 repeatedly 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 swimming trunks. Shortly after Bovec, the second long climb with 1,000 meters of altitude awaits us. Of this, 400 meters of altitude run on a very quiet pass road. The rest on an old unpaved military road through a beautiful mixed beech forest to the ridge of the Stol, which is characterized by barren pastures. From here we have a gigantic view of the Julian Alps and all the way to the Adriatic Sea. We have to let this scenery work its magic on us. This is one of the great highlights of the tour. On the south side of the ridge, an unpaved military road again leads into the deep green valley of the little river Nadiža. A little quieter than through the Soča valley, but on no less picturesque paths, we reach the idyllic village of Kobarid only a little later.

On the tracks of the Giro d'Italia of 2022 we cycle in. 1,000 meters up to the ridge of Kolovrat. There is an interesting open-air museum on the twelve devastating Isonzo battles that claimed unimaginable numbers of victims during the First World War between Italy and Austria-Hungary. Nature has laid a dense green mantle over the events that took place more than 100 years ago. Nevertheless, the traces cannot be overlooked. Only in recent years has the narrow border ridge road, which we follow further south, been asphalted almost throughout. Between the war sites at Kolovrat near Kobarid and Sabotin near Gorizia lie about 50 kilometers, which we drive along a lonely mountain road. In the constant ups and downs we are offered fantastic panoramic views between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Shortly before reaching Gorizia, we have the opportunity to climb Mount Sabotin. From the open-air military museum at the summit with its old positions, caverns and numerous display boards, we have a great view of our stage destination.

The final stage offers once again everything that makes a gravel bike tour. On remote unpaved 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. Following the former railroad line through the lonely and rugged Val Rosandra, we finally reach the lively center of the old harbor town of Trieste and on to the historic pier "Molo Audace". Further it goes now only swimming.