Salzburg to Venice

Cycling through two Austrian regions, i.e. the states of Salzburg and Carinthia, which extend along two rivers featuring two completely different characters, and also among the magnificent Alpine peaks, then relaxing in a spa (Bad) in the Gastein valley before crossing the mountain barrier in a train and reaching the Austrian border at the city of Villach, which albeit being located at the foot of the Alps shows the Mediterranean spirit, is a worthy experience. What follows is a quick visit to Tarvisio in Italy only to turn back to the Slovenian Alpine village of Kranjska gora located in the area surrounding the Julian Alps, which feature somewhat lower peaks but are of no lesser beauty. The Fusine lakes just before the Slovenian border, as well as the emerald green waters of the Zelenci nature reserve (the word “zelenci” reads as “greens” in Slovenian) just a few kilometres apart indicate a change in the pace of the tour.

Running from Kranjska gora to the valley of Radovna, which is one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys, the tour reaches a Slovenian gem – the famous Lake Bled. Another train ride following the scenic Bohinj railway takes the group out of the Alpine region into the lower Soča valley, a European Destination of Excellence. The cycling starts again in the lovely town of Kanal with the path running along the emerald Soča river, which is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. It is a smooth transition to the Mediterranean climate. In the Tuscany-like landscape of Goriška brda/Collio, which is covered with vineyards and orchards, one can already feel the sea breeze, the tour leaving the mountains, which remain to be seen only on the horizon. Home to many world-famous wine growers and known by excellent food, this area is the best overture to paying a visit to the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The terrain is quite flat here, so the last days of cycling include easy cruising among the historic towns, fishing villages and nature parks until reaching Lido di Jesolo, a 15 kilometres long beach, which makes up the Venezian Lagoon. The iconic destination is here to be explored. The toor is suitable for e-bikes and can be arranged also in the opposite direction, from Venice to Salzburg.