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c Uwe Geissler_Kaernten Werbung
c Gert Perauer_MTG

So many reasons for cycling holidays in Carinthia!

From the romantic landscapes and easy bike paths of Lake Millstatt, to long distance challenges like the Alpe Adria, and thrilling mountain bike trails, Carinthia has everything you need for incredible cycling holidays. Well-formed and waymarked bike paths with stunning views, as well as bike hire and facilities for bike maintenance and repair, make Austria a super destination for the perfect bike holiday with friends or family.

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Franz Gerdl
Simone Attisani
Kärnten Werbung
Franz Gerdl

Top ideas for cycling holidays: Austria’s favourite cycle routes

We have picked a few of our favourite cycling holiday routes in Carinthia, on the sunny side of the Alps.

Lake Faak cycling holidays

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Martin Hofmann_Region Villach Tourismus GmbH

Lake Faak has plenty to offer cycling fans. There is a gentle circular tour for beginners, exploring the lakeside paths and the nature reserve. In the woods you will find fun parkours and single-track routes for mountain bike holidays.

Or make a day of it on the Burgrunde Lake Faak bike route from Lake Faak to the Finkenstein Castle Arena via the idyllic Lake Aichwald, where you might just have to go for a swim in warm weather.

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The Lake Ossiach bike path

Martin Hofmann_Region Villach Tourismus GmbH

c_Martin Jordan_Region Villach EBike

Here’s another beautiful easy circular route suitable for all levels of experience and with stunning views of Lake Ossiach. Starting and finishing in Annenheim, the bike path follows the lakeshore

closely and passes through pretty villages and past the beautiful Ossiach Abbey. This will be a highlight of your cycling holiday. Austrian treats await at wayside pubs and cafes.

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Lake Millstatt cycle route

Mountainbiken bis zum Gipfel - MTB Archiv Thomas Graf Fotograf Andreas Gasser

Jörg Reuther_Millstätter See Tourismus GmbH

Make sure you take your time cycling around Lake Millstatt because there so much to enjoy along the 30-kilometre cycle route. This is a popular day trip for good reason, and if you get tired riding

around the gorgeous lake you can even take your bike aboard the Peter Pan cycle boat for part of the way. There are some lovely bakeries and restaurants on the route for delicious snacks.

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R3 Carnic Alps Cycle Path

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c nassfeld.at tinefoto.com
Uwe Geissler_Kaernten Werbung

Enjoy stunning views of the Carnic and Gailtal Alps as you cycle through charming villages and flower-filled meadows. The Carnic Alps Cycle Path (also known as the R3) runs alongside the border with Italy beside the Gail River.

Start from Hermagor and you’ll find this well-paved cycle path is slightly downhill a lot of the way, and mostly traffic-free – making it perfect for people who are new to cycling holidays.

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The Drau Cycle Route

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Drauradweg Funactive Rent Toblach

The Drau cycle route passes by Lake Millstatt on its way from Sillian to Lavamund, following the river Drau over several stages. This is a beautifully maintained cycle route (the R1) and there are plenty of opportunities to swim in lakes

and enjoy meals at roadside pubs. One of the most popular stages is from Spittal to Villach in Carinthia – which takes around one-and-a-half hours and you can return by train if legs get tired.

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The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

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Vreni Frost

This epic long distance cycle path sweeps through 410 kilometres from the mountains of Austria to the shores of the Adriatic in Italy, and some of the most delightful

stages pass through Carinthia’s beautiful valleys and towns. Experience the warmth of Carinthian hospitality at the end of each day of cycling at a roadside guesthouse.

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Top tips for making the most of your cycling holiday

Get the most out of your cycling holiday and don‘t let equipment failure or poor preparation spoil your fun. Make sure your mountain bike holiday or leisure cycling trip is the best it can be by following these few simple tips:

Spend some time on your bike – do some training and get a few kilometres under your wheels in the weeks or months before the trip. You will increase your enjoyment and get more benefit from your cycling holiday.

Plan your bike holiday in advance. Decide which routes you may want to tackle and make sure everyone in your group or family has the same expectations. You may need to book accommodation if you are embarking on a multi-day bike tour. Make sure to build in a few rest days and alternative options for days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Speaking of the weather, be prepared for any circumstance and carefully pack the right clothing for sun, rain and wind – sometimes all in one day!

Decide whether to take your own bike or hire one in Austria. You may even like to hire an ebike to take some of the effort out of your cycling holiday. If you are going to transport your own bike, consider how that will be done and what sort of container you need.

There is no quicker way to spoil a bike holiday that with equipment letting you down. A cycling holiday will put extra demands on your bike so make sure it is in top condition before you start. Test the brakes and gears, replacing brake pads and cables.

Check your travel insurance policy to ensure all your planned activities are covered. Also have a look at your home insurance policy because it may cover your bike when you are travelling abroad.

Refuelling is important when you are cycling so plan your snacks and drinks for your cycling holiday. Austria has plentiful wayside cafes and restaurants but you should always carry appropriate food and plenty of water with you.

Family cycling holidays in Carinthia

Family cycling holidays are a fantastic way to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Here are a few hand-picked easy trails that are wonderful for families. Take your time, plan in plenty of snack stops, and have fun with your family.

The Hochosterwitz Tour

The Hochosterwitz Tour is perfect for your family cycling holiday itinerary in Austria. Passing through the St. Veit area with views of the Nock Mountains, this lovely cycle path starts and finishes at the St. Georgen Abbey and passes by the impressive Hochosterwitz Castle and through the Wolschart Forest. This is an easy 21-kilometre circuit ride for all the family, only ascending 200m and with plenty of options for rest stops, from cafes and pubs to guesthouses serving Carinthian specialities.

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Nassfeld Tourismus

The R9B Family Bike Tour in the Malta Valley

This family cycle route through the delightful Malta valley is 34 kilometres long and rated ‘moderate’ but there is only 175m of height gain and there are so many wonderful places to stop along the way you will hardly notice the distance. Spend the day following the Malta River, passing through small towns, seeing Carinthia’s highest waterfall, browsing in the artist town of Gmünd, and eating in rustic alpine restaurants.

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Joerg Reuther_Millstaetter See Tourismus GmbH

E Bike Downhill mit Blick auf den Millstätter See

The Six-Lake Circuit

This circular full-day route in the Klopeiner See region is perfect for leisure cyclists and families. The six lakes of the title are Klopein, Klein, Turner, Gösselsdorf, Sonnegg and Pirkdorf. As well as the beautiful lakeland views, you will pass through charmingly authentic villages and by peaceful monasteries and roadside eateries. This is a moderate ride over 54 kilometres and takes around four hours of cycling to complete.

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So many reasons for cycling holidays in Carinthia!

Top ideas for cycling holidays: Austria’s favourite cycle routes

Lake Faak cycling holidays

The Lake Ossiach bike path

Lake Millstatt cycle route

R3 Carnic Alps Cycle Path

The Drau Cycle Route

The Alpe-Adria Cycle Path

Top tips for making the most of your cycling holiday

Get the most out of your cycling holiday and don‘t let equipment failure or poor preparation spoil your fun. Make sure your mountain bike holiday or leisure cycling trip is the best it can be by following these few simple tips:

Family cycling holidays in Carinthia

Family cycling holidays are a fantastic way to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Here are a few hand-picked easy trails that are wonderful for families. Take your time, plan in plenty of snack stops, and have fun with your family.

The Hochosterwitz Tour

The R9B Family Bike Tour in the Malta Valley

The Six-Lake Circuit

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