Drau cycle path
From Sillian to the lakes of Carinthia
The Drau Cycle Path leads through the four regions of South and East Tyrol, Carinthia and Slovenia. On the other side of the main chain of the Alps, you can experience southern flair and carefree joie de vivre. A cycle tour along the Drau combines warm Alpine bathing lakes with rugged mountain formations and lively towns with dreamy villages. The Drau Cycle Path was the first cycle path in Europe to be certified with 5*****. From tranquil San Candido on the Italian-Austrian border, the Drau Cycle Path takes you to the Alpine town of Lienz and on to the cultural town of Spittal. Continue from lively Villach to Lake Wörthersee or through the landscaped gardens of the Rosental valley to the warmest bathing lake in Europe, Lake Klopeiner See.
Enjoy a cycling holiday south of the main Alpine ridge in a favourable climate.
2024 on the winners' podium
First place
The German cycle travel magazine "Bike&Travel" once again called for a big reader vote last year.
Over 29,000 votes were cast for the most popular cycle tours in the categories ‘Germany’, ‘Alps’ and ‘Europe & Elsewhere’.
We are particularly proud that the Drau Cycle Route is one of the winners:
1st place category ‘The most popular Alpine tours’: Drau Cycle Path in Carinthia
TOP sights on the Drau cycle path
THE BEST FISH ALONG THE DRAU AT FISHERY STEFFAN
on Lake Klopeiner See
Cosy huts in unspoilt nature - what more could you want? The cuisine goes perfectly with it: Carinthian pasta specialities, international and vegetarian dishes. Exquisite fine brandies - this is what Falstaff says in the Restaurant Guide 2020. The Fishery Steffan in St. Kanzian on Lake Klopeiner See, in a quiet location, is definitely an insider tip for all fish lovers. The terrace offers an outstanding view of the green Drau.
THE BEST KASNUDELN ALONG THE DRAU
at the Hotel Rosentaler Hof
The 4****Hotel Rosentaler Hof is known far beyond the borders of Carinthia for the best dumplings stuffed with cream cheese. Regionality is a top priority here. The hotel is located in St. Jakob im Rosental, directly on the Drau cycle path. The country hotel is suitable for a longer stopover of several nights.
EGGER-LIENZ-GALLERY
at Bruck Castle
The Egger-Lienz Gallery in Bruck Castle houses the largest collection of works by the Austrian painter alongside the Leopold Museum in Vienna, the Province of Tyrol and the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum in Innsbruck. The presentation presents the entire oeuvre from historicism to expressionism. A must for all art lovers.
OCHSENSCHLUCHT
near Berg im Drautal
The Ochsenschlucht is a wild and romantic gorge with special geological features. Every 10 years, the ‘Berger Jedermann’ is performed in this unique natural setting.
PORCIA CASTLE
in Spittal an der Drau
Porcia Castle in Spittal an der Drau was built in the 16th century. It is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in the style of an Italian palazzo south of the Alps. The three-storey arcades and the rich stucco and relief decoration of the castle earned it the title of ‘most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps’ by art historians. Cultural events are regularly organised in the castle courtyard.
LANDSKRON CASTLE
The Khevenhüller family developed Landskron into a prestigious Renaissance castle before ownership disputes and fires left only ruins.
Landskron Castle is one of the region's landmarks and attracts many enthusiastic visitors with its magnificent viewing terrace, a gourmet restaurant and a breathtaking bird of prey show.
SEESPITZ RESTAURANT IN THE FALKENSTEINER SCHLOSSHOTEL
in Velden at the Lake Wörthersee
The modern Seespitz restaurant in Velden is located directly on the shores of Lake Wörthersee. Not only does it offer gourmet cuisine, it also boasts a breathtaking view of the lake and the beautiful mountains. It offers fresh and light à la carte cuisine, prepared with a personal touch. The Seespitz Restaurant also invites cyclists to enjoy an aperitif or refreshing cocktail, as well as coffee and sweet temptations from the hotel's own patisserie.
VILLACH
The heart of the region beats in the Drau town of Villach, the second largest town in Carinthia, with its picturesque pedestrianised streets and cafés. The town is considered the gateway to the nearby the Lakes Faaker See and Lake Ossiacher See as well as the Villach Alps. On the main square, the church tower of the parish church of St Jakob offers a sweeping view. Villach is perfect for strolling, relaxing and shopping.
GERLITZEN
View the size and beauty of Lake Ossiacher See from above - on the Gerlitzen. It is one of the southernmost Nockberge mountains and an excellent vantage point. The mountain railway takes you up to 1,800 metres above sea level. There is a dense network of hiking trails and excellent restaurants on the mountain.