Lavant Bike Path
One of Austria’s lesser well-known bike paths, the Lavant Bike path, is one to consider. It runs from Reichenfels to Lavamünd over 57 km through the Lavanttal.
If you start in Reichenfels, it is all downhill through this rugged and charming valley. It takes you through the mountainous and sharp-sided valleys in the north to the wider valley further south.
The valley is historical, with Castles & Abbeys, which protected this area from invaders, dotted all the way through it. It is easy riding through this valley, which is mainly on a cycle path. There are parts which are on the main road, but these weren’t too busy.
Wolfsberg – Lavant Bike Path
I stayed in Wolfsberg overnight, a charming town with a beautiful old town leading up to the castle that overlooks the town. With the river running through the town, there are plenty of spots to stop and admire the views.
Hotel Torwirt
My hotel was the Hotel Torwirt, which is a beautifully restored hotel right at the ‘gates’ to the old town. The owners are keen to provide what you need as a cyclist and continue improving their facilities.
For e-bikers, they offer:
- Incredibly comfy beds
- Excellent e-bike garage with charging points
- Clothes washing facilities
- Hose if your bike needs cleaned
- Early check-in if the room is ready
- A historical hotel which adds to its interest
What I liked about this area:
- The abbey at St Paul & oldest town in Carinthia, St Andrä.
- Wolfsberg has a very pretty old town with cobbled streets and an imposing castle keeping watch over the town.
- Plenty of pit stops along the route are designed with cyclists in mind.
- Diversity of the mountains in the north to the open valley in the south
Combination
Combine this route with one of the other routes in this area of Austria. Such as the River Drau in the south or the River Mur in the north. This will add to your variety of scenery and cycling experiences.