We are delighted that you are interested in a holiday along the Drau River in Carinthia and Slovenia and would like to offer you the following information:

The mountain village of Toblach is situated in the Puster Valley in the middle of the Dolomites, in the very northern part of Italy. The source of the Drau is located here as the foot of the imposing Neunerkofel and the Drau Cycle Path also begins here. For a brief stretch the river flows in a northerly direction before turning sharply to the East where it flows in the direction of the Black Sea. Only a few hundred metres away the streams flow towards the Etsch River and then on towards the Mediterranean. Rocky pinnacles up to 3000 metres high tower above the wide river valley. The mountains ensure a unique and impressive backdrop for the first few kilometres of the trip towards neighbouring Austria. In East Tirol the mountains gain a friendlier and greener appearance before once again becoming more imposing. The Drau and its tributaries flow rapidly through wild ravines and near Lienz they join together with the wild streams from the glaciated Hohe Tauern mountain range. The snow-covered massive mountains of the Großglockner to the left and the pale limestone mountains of the Lienz Dolomites and the Carinthian Alps contrast impressively with one another.

From this point onwards along the Drau cycle path freewheeling is the name of the game. Without any large ascents or tough sections the next 75 km are mainly downhill until you come to Spittal. Attractive detours include a trip to the idyllic Lake Weissen or through the parallel-running valley: Gailtal. The world at the foot of the towering mountain range bordering Austria and Italy is an idyllic one. Hearty Alpen cheese, spicy bacon, fresh butter and steaming polenta are produced by farmers on both sides of the border in harmony with nature. While summer temperatures soar in other regions, the mountains remain at a cool and comfortable temperature. Sporting activities in the healthy climate are great for your physical wellbeing and cool nights ensure a healthy and restful sleep.

The castle ruins of Landskron tower over the town of Villach and the Carinthian Lake District. The second largest town in the state surprises visitors with its numerous parks and gardens, Baroque and Gothic churches and a long carnival tradition. To the east of the town are the famous Carinthian Lakes, close to the Drau Cycle Path.  Why not take a short trip to the famous Lake Wörth and take a dip in the cooling waters?  

The Drau Cycle Path leads to the south of the lakes and past the Carinthian capital town of Klagenfurt, through the magical Rosental Valley and onto the gunsmith town of Ferlach. Impressive rock-faces, mountains and lakes ensure that the landscape en route is interesting. Near Völkermarkt you will cross over the border into neighbouring Slovenia. From here on, you will be cycling along the Drava through a very peaceful, wooded region with remote villages until you come to Maribor. The town has numerous attractions waiting to be discovered including the Town Castle and the Cathedral. In the Lent region of town there is something very special for visitors to view; here on the banks of the Drava you can admire the oldest vine plant in the world which is over 400 years old.

As you can see, there is a lot to discover along the Drau Cycle Path. We are looking forward to hearing from you!