Drauradweg - Drau cycle path

Ride Duration: 5 Days - 1 week

Location (nearest city or town): Villach, Austria

Ride Type : Touring


Introduction: At the beginning the route winds its way through the spectacular Dolomites.  The ride then opens  somewht to the valley.  Along the way it is dotted with charming towns and true Corinthia farms.

The Drau cycle path is 366 km long and runs from the source of the Drau or Drava near Dobbiaco/Toblach in Italy along the river through Austria's East Tyrol and Carinthia (Südkärnten) to Maribor/Marburg in Slovenia. This may eventually be extended it all the way from Maribor to the Black Sea.  But for now, I think you can agree the 366 km is quite a nice long unspoilt ride.

The route is a dedicated cycle path all the way.  New attractions and many additions to the existing infrastructure, such as the Santa Lucia suspension bridge, have been built along the R1. The Drau bike trail mostly runs along the riverbank on paved paths, but sometimes (very little) also uses side roads with little traffic. In Slovenia, the Drau cycle path is keeps to the south side of the river on small, quiet country roads.

Apart from a few exceptions, the Drau cycle path is well signposted. Green signs with R1 on them in East Tyrol and Carinthia and K1 in Slovenia show you the way.

Divided up into sections, stage one (Dobbiaco to Lienz) is around 46 km long, the second (Lienz to Spittal) about 75 km, the third (Spittal to Villach) about 38 km, the fourth (Villach to Völkermarkt) about 89 km and the final stage five (Völkermarkt to Maribor) about 117 km.

Map Description:

Druaradweg - Drau River Cycle Path Destination 1 Toblach, Italy Destination 2 Lienz, Austria Destination 3 Spital a.d. Drau Destination 4 Lienz, Austria Destination 5 Völkermarkt, Austria Destination 6 Maribor, Slovenia

   Additional Information
   ( 1= Lowest and 10 = Highest )
[ 0 = Looking for more Information on this Trail ]

   Fun Factor Rating : 8

   Scenic Sights and Views: : 8

   Endurance Required: : 8

   Technical Skills Required: 3

   Trail Head Information: Green signs with R1 are clearly marked on the trail.  The trails swtched back and forth on both sides along the Drau river for the lenth of the ride.


   Accommodation List: There are many businesses near or on the Drau cycle path itself that cater specially for cyclists' needs.  Not necessary, but might be a good idea to plan ahead wher you will be staying that night.



   Other Information: If you want to do the whole trail, adults should allow four to seven days, depending on your group, level of fitness and how interested you are in the many sights and attractions on the way.  Much of the The Drau cycle path is also ideal for children, as ther is no traffic, but certainly not seven days in a row.