River Drau Bike Path
One of my favourite tours is the River Drau bike path. I have completed this tour three times. I enjoy it so much because it has a variety of scenery, from the mountains, farmland, and rivers to the many lakes in Carinthia. This bike path is relatively flat, so regardless of your fitness level, you can enjoy this tour on an e-bike.
I joined the River Drau bike path at Sachsenburg and followed it right through to Lavamünd. The Drau and Alpe-Adria bike paths down to Villach are the same path. This is where they split: the Alpe-Adria path turns south to Italy, and the River Drau bike path continues east.
Millstättersee
I suggest visiting the Millstätter See as part of your tour. The route is close to Spittal, just take the bike path signs in that direction.
Millstätter See is the 2nd biggest lake in Carinthia. It is deep and fairly steep-sided, which gives you some stunning views. The lake is 12 km long and has a path all the way around, which is a total of 28 km. This fairly flat path takes you through woods, by the lake and past houses with lovely gardens. In my opinion, it is an enjoyable 3-hour round tour. Include it on your tour and make it a stopping point. An overnight by a lake where you can swim or enjoy dinner by the water will be a highlight.
Faakersee
If you don’t fancy Mallstätter See, you can also include Faakersee (Lake Fakker). The lake has a backdrop of the Karawanken mountains, which separate Austria from Slovenia. This provides a stunning setting for cycling around this area. Nothing too steep, and some lovely rolling hills and excellent views.
Wörthersee
On my tour, I stayed in Velden on Wörthersee, one of Austria’s most popular holiday destinations. Velden is full of places to eat and drink. There is a Casino and a full range of hotels. From the ridiculously expensive right across to the affordable. Wörthersee is a large lake with ferries that crisscross the lake to help you explore all of it. With the bars, watersports, and cosmopolitan feel of the resort. You would be excused for thinking that you had arrived in a Mediterranean resort.
Schloss Velden Hotel is at the front and centre of the resort. It gives the feeling of high price tags and money. In the 1990s, the hotel was used as a film set for an Austrian series. Now, it’s part of the luxury group Leading Hotels of the World. Unfortunately, it’s a bit out of my price range, but it is definitely worth a look and some photos.
Rosental – Drau River bike path
After a restful night in Velden, I headed to Klopeinersee through the Rosental on the River Drau bike path. This section is particularly stunning with the Ferlacher Reservoir. The water turns into the most incredible shades of green. A backdrop of mountains adds to the theme of green, and you can’t help but stop and enjoy the views. Along this section, there are tree-lined parts of the track, which really helps on a hot day. If you want a lunch stop, you must get off the path and into one of the villages. Therefore, it may be best to take a packed lunch with you. I enjoy stopping by the river for some reflection time with the sounds of nature around me.
Klopeinersee
In German, a lovely saying is “klein aber fein” (small but fine or nice). This accurately describes the Klopeinersee, which is said to be the warmest lake in Austria. I can confirm, as it felt like a warm bath when I went swimming. As I stayed for two days in Klopeinersee, I could explore the area more thoroughly. There is beautiful farmland, orchards and smaller lakes, such as the Turnersee to the south. The towering mountains in the distance frame this area. This means that it’s very picturesque, so photo stops are a must.
As with all the lakes in summer, many people are making the most of their summer holidays. One of the benefits of being on a bike is that you can get away from the crowds. As a result, you can enjoy peace and quiet to absorb the area’s beauty.
Onwards to Lavamünd
From Klopeinersee, heading towards Lavamünd, you will follow the path to the Völkermarker Reservoir. The Drau River path takes you over a bridge where a wall separates you from the cars. This bridge gives you fantastic views across the water and back towards the mountains that border Austria and Slovenia.
The next section takes you away from the river and through farmland and small villages. I love this countryside because it’s through farmland with animals, and you can sneak a peek at the gardens.
Eventually, you must cross the river again via a very high bridge. Don’t rush this part, as the views from the bridge are breathtaking. As you are on the bike path, you can stop midway and take photos. Even if, like me, you are not that keen on leaning over a bridge when you are high up. Just keep breathing and do it! I guarantee these will be the photos you will keep looking at long after your bike tour.
The Hanging Bridge
Just after the bridge, you come to the Hanging Bridge. Previously, when I crossed this bridge, I was terrified. The reason is that I don’t like the movement of a footbridge over a high gorge. However, this time, I just went straight over it and felt so pleased with myself. I had to focus on my breathing, and I will admit to swearing a little when a young chap started jumping up and down on it. But I did it, and it’s amazing how much an e-bike tour can strengthen your confidence and make you brave.
Once you are across the hanging bridge, it is pretty much downhill all the way to Lavamünd. This town marks the crossover with the Lavant bike path. Therefore, if you go right, you are in Slovenia or left to the Lavant bike path. This is a good place to have coffee, lunch, or an overnight stop.
This is where I left the Drau River bike path as I headed to Wolfsberg. After five days in Carinthia, I was sad to leave the Drau River bike path. I really enjoy this route, as it is full of fantastic scenery, and it is one that I will repeat again in the future.
What I like about this route:
- The lakes in Carinthia are always special if you love being next to the water.
- The path is relatively flat, which means that everyone can give it a go.
- Central tourist spots are popular for a reason and are always nice to visit.
- Scenery away from the ‘tourist’ hot spots is incredible, especially with the mountains as your backdrop.
- The Drau River bike path is well signposted and easy to follow, which means you don’t constantly need to look at a map.
Websites to help you plan your holiday in this area:
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