Salzburg to Lake Bled Self Guided Bike Tour 2026

We recommend arriving in Salzburg a day of two prior to the tour to get over jetlag and to enjoy the city and especially the picturesque Altstadt (old town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head off today through the lovely Salzach Valley to the 900-year old Hohenwerfen Castle, perched on a rock 113 metres high above the market village of Werfen. It’s among Europe’s oldest and most well-preserved castles. Surrounded by the Tennengebirge, Hagengebirge and Hochkönig mountain ranges, this is a sight not to be missed. Time permitting; take a side trip high above the valley to the glacial caves of Eisriesenwelt. You’ll spend the night at the popular alpine sports town of St. Johann. (B)

Cycling distance: 65km
Elevation gain: +560m / -390m

Following a cycling path through the beauty of the Gastein Valley and the stunning Liechtensteinklamm (Liechtenstein Gorge), you’ll stop at the beautiful spa town of Bad Gastein, with a waterfall forming a unique centrepiece to the town. From here it’s onwards through Tauerntunel, which emerges at the sunny southern side of the Alps. You’ll spend the night in the alpine village of Mallnitz, amid the vivid colours of the Hohe Tauern National Park. (B)

Cycling distance: 57km
Elevation gain: +900m / -260m

Today, it’s into the heart of the ancient province of Carinthia, where you’ll glide downhill into the Molltal Valley amid the majesty of 3000-metre mountain peaks. The highlight of the day will be the Kreuzeck cable-car running high above the Drau Valley, providing outstanding panoramic views. (B)

Cycling distance: 30km
Elevation gain: +160m / -780m

A relatively easy descent today which takes you along the Drau River as it meanders its way through the lakeside town of Spitall an der Drau, and its impressive ancient Roman city of Teurnia. Then on to Villach, the meeting point of the valleys where you’ll leave the alpine climate behind for a decidedly more Mediterranean feel! (B)

Cycling distance: 54km
Elevation gain: +180m / -250m

Pop into the Italian border town of Tarvisio for a pizza and cappuccino before following the scenic cycling path which takes you along the old railway line crossing the Italian-Slovenian border and onwards through the emerald beauty of the Sava Valley. The magnificent Dobratsch Mountain will dominate your view as you head on to the resort of Kranjska Gora for the night. (B)

Cycling distance: 54km
Elevation gain: +590m / -280m

For your final day, you will head back into the heart of the Triglav National Park. The route takes you alongside the Sava Dolinka River as it cuts its way south to join the Sava Bohinjka, where it becomes the Sava River, the longest in Slovenia. From Mojstrana you will head into the Krma Valley. This lush green valley leads through a peaceful forest littered with WW2 monuments and traditional farmhouses, one of which has been adapted into a museum. You can have lunch in the mountain hut at the foot of Triglav, the mightiest mountain in the Julian Alps, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery deep in the heart of this beautiful alpine landscape. From here, you will head through the Radovna Valley between the Pokljuka and Mežakla plateaus. As you exit the valley, take a short detour to the stunning 1.6km long Vintgar Gorge, carved 150m deep into the mountains by the Radovna River. The gorge was discovered by chance by the town mayor in 1891, who then set to work building walkways to open the gorge up to the public. (B)

Cycling distance: 40km
Elevation gain: +290m / -620m

After breakfast, your tour ends. (B)