Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
Overview
For those travellers who want to experience the very best that Austria has to offer by bike, the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour is an incredible adventure. Beginning in the cultured city of Salzburg, you will wind your way along the rivers and mountains of the Austrian Alps, eventually arriving in the charming town of Villach.
From breathtaking landscape views to delicious alpine foods and traditional Austrian culture, there is so much to do and see while out on this cycling tour, yet you will still wish that it was longer! Book your place on the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour to discover the natural beauty that awaits in the Austrian countryside!
Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour Overview
For those travellers who want to experience the very best that Austria has to offer by bike, the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour is an incredible adventure. Beginning in the cultured city of Salzburg, you will wind your way along the rivers and mountains of the Austrian Alps, eventually arriving in the charming town of Villach.
From breathtaking landscape views to delicious alpine foods and traditional Austrian culture, there is so much to do and see while out on this cycling tour, yet you will still wish that it was longer! Book your place on the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour to discover the natural beauty that awaits in the Austrian countryside!
Experience the high culture and history of Salzburg
Witness the charm of traditional Austrian villages and towns
Take in the natural beauty of Austria’s mountain landscapes
Taste delicious regional cuisines found nowhere else on earth.
Trip map for Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
Barbara C.
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We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
Arrival in Salzburg
After arriving in Salzburg, you will be able to enjoy some free time to explore the historic streets and impressive cultural displays that the city has to offer. You will be able to collect your rental bikes in the afternoon if you booked them.
Cycle to Golling
Your bike tour will begin today by leaving Salzburg behind and cycling through the Salzach Wetlands. From here, you will continue on to Hallein, which is well-known as a wealthy Celtic settlement due to the salt mines in the area.
After, you will passdthe Gollinger waterfall to arrive in the town of Golling, which is home to a lovely market square and an historic 13th Century castle.
Mountain Views on the Way to St Johann
Today you will ride from Golling up to Pass Lueg, enjoying the stunning mountain views along the way. Eventually, you will pass the so-called “Salzach-Öfen”, an imposing canyon that was carved out by the river. At the foot of mountain Hochkönig you reach Werfen, where the biggest ice cave in the world invites you to complete a loop through the bewitching world of shimmering ice (duration about 4 hours). After, you will make your way to Bischofshofen, before continuing on to St. Johann.
Explore the Gasteiner Valley and Train to Mallnitz
Day 4 of the tour will see you pass through Schwarzach and the Gasteiner Valley, enjoying beautiful views of the picturesque landscape along the route. After a tough uphill climb to the “Ausgleichsbecken”, which will see you cover 2,5km with an elevation change of 130m, you will cycle along a portion of the Klamm Tunnel before continuing on to the resort town of Bad Gastein.
Continuing on to Böckstein, you will take a short train ride to Mallnitz on the other side of the Alps. From here, a short downhill ride will bring you to your hotel for the evening.
Important: Due to construction work, the Tauernschleuse is expected to be out of service until 04.07.2025. The itinerary will be adapted during this period. You will spend the night in the Gastein Valley instead of the Möll Valley and will be transferred to Spittal.
Bike Through the Sunny South of Austria to Spittal
Today you will travel along the River Möll, cycling through impressive mountain landscapes with incredible views. After travelling through the “sunny south” of Austria, you will eventually arrive in Spittal an der Drau, which was an important junction for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Here, you can visit the Renaissance Porcia Palace, built in the 16th Century in the style of Italian palazzo – sometimes referred to as ‘the most beautiful Renaissance building north of the Alps’.
Cycle Along the River Drau
The last day of cycling on your tour will lead you slightly downhill along the River Drau, where you can take in the scenery and visit historical sites along the way. Eventually, you will reach the endpoint of the tour in Villach, with its beautiful old city, southern flair, and charming restaurants.
Departure from Villach
After waking up and enjoying one final breakfast in your hotel, you will pack your things and wave goodbye for an individual departure from Villach.
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Dates and prices for Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of the rooms that you need.
The departures for this tour are available every Saturday and Sunday, from April 26th to October 5th, 2024.
2025 Departures:
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person staying in a single room: from $1,475USD*
- Price per person sharing a double room: from $1,095USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
What’s included for Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Salzburg and after the tour in Villach are not included, but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour. This tour also includes 1 train ticket from Böckstein to Mallnitz per guest.
Also Included
- Welcome briefing
- Luggage transfers
- Detailed route
- Detailed travel documents (1 set per room)
- 1 train ride Böckstein – Mallnitz incl. your bike
- App for navigation and GPS
- Phone support
Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Bike rental
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Helmet (can be purchased locally)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Bike rental (helmet not included)
- Return transfer to Salzburg after the tour from Villach
Accommodation for Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour
How hard is the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 out of 5 in terms of difficulty. This route unfolds on mostly well-developed cycle paths, but you should be comfortable riding between 55 to 75 kilometres in a given day.
Do I need a visa to travel to Austria?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour?
6 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Salzburg to start this tour?
Fly into the Salzburg Airport (SZG) and take the train into the city.
Is the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour in English?
Yes, the travel documents and resources for this trip are in English.
Where does the Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour end?
The Across the Alps: Salzburg to Villach Bike Tour ends in the Austrian town of Villach. From there, you can take the train to either the Klagenfurt (KLU), Salzburg (SZG), or Ljubljana (LJU) airports.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are 21-gear male/female bikes, 7-gear unisex bikes, or e-bikes.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Austria?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Austria?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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