Wie lang ist der Drauradweg?

Der Drauradweg führt von Südtirol bis zur Mündung der Mur in Kroatien. Der gesamte ausgeschilderte Abschnitt von Toblach bis Varaždin misst rund 510 km. Die Einzellängen der Etappen können je nach Quelle und Streckenvariante leicht abweichen.

Welche Etappen führen durch Villach?

Villach liegt am Übergang von Etappe 3 auf Etappe 4 des Drauradweges. Etappe 3 führt von Spittal an der Drau nach Villach und ist 39,7 km lang. Etappe 4 führt von Villach nach Ferlach und ist 51,5 km lang. Villach eignet sich ideal als Zwischenstopp für einen Ruhetag zwischen den beiden Etappen.

Wie schwierig ist der österreichische Abschnitt?

Der österreichische Abschnitt des Drauradweges gilt als leicht bis mittelschwer. Die ersten fünf Etappen von Toblach bis Lavamünd sind überwiegend flach und für Familien, Genussradler und E-Bike-Fahrer geeignet. Die Etappen 6 und 7 durch Slowenien und Kroatien sind stellenweise anspruchsvoller.

Wo startet der Drauradweg?

Der Drauradweg startet am Bahnhof Toblach in Südtirol, nahe der Quelle der Drau. Toblach ist per Bahn aus Richtung Lienz, Innsbruck und Bozen erreichbar. Wer nur den österreichischen Abschnitt fahren möchte, startet alternativ in Sillian in Osttirol.

Drau cycle path R1: Cycling vacation with a stopover in Villach

The Drau Cycle Path R1 is one of the most beautiful long-distance cycle paths in Europe and runs along the Drau from its source in Toblach in South Tyrol to the mouth of the Mur in Croatia. In total, it passes through Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. In the middle of it all is Villach, an ideal stopover for cyclists. With predominantly flat to slightly hilly routes on well-maintained, mostly car-free embankment paths, the cycle path along the Drau offers real enjoyment for everyone – from leisure cyclists to experienced touring cyclists.

Villach as a stage destination

Villach is one of the most beautiful stops along the Drau Cycle Path in Carinthia. The town is located right at the intersection of two stages and, with its lively old town, Mediterranean flair and surrounding bathing lakes, offers everything cyclists need for a real break. Whether it’s a refreshing dip in Lake Faak or Lake Ossiach, a stroll through the town center or a boat trip on the Drau – Villach is the ideal place to recharge your batteries for the next stage.

Particularly practical: there is a free bike butler service directly on the Drau cycle path on the Drau promenade, where you can safely leave your bike while you explore the city.

Stages

The Drau Cycle Path is divided into seven stages. The elevation profile in the Austrian section is pleasant throughout: the route is mostly slightly downhill, with hardly any gradients worth mentioning.

Stage	Start	Goal	Length	Duration	Ascent	Descent	Difficulty degree of difficulty
1	Dobbiaco	Lienz	48 km	3:15 h	46 hm	654 hm	Light
2	Lienz	Spittal/Drau	76.8 km	4:00 h	116 hm	242 hm	Light
3	Spittal/Drau	Villach	39.7 km	2:45 h	55 hm	109 hm	Light
4	Villach	Ferlach	51.5 km	3:30 h	169 hm	246 hm	Light
5	Ferlach	Lava mouth	69.8 km	4:30 h	457 hm	540 hm	Medium
6	Lava mouth	Maribor	74.6 km	6:00 h	798 hm	1,084 hm	Medium
7	Maribor	Varaždin	86.4 km	6:00 h	48 hm	144 hm	Medium

Map and route

The Drau cycle path map shows you the entire route with all seven stages at a glance. From Dobbiaco in South Tyrol to Croatia, the route is easy to plan.

Drau cycle path R1 © Radtouren in Österreich | Steirische Tourismusmarketing GmbH

Accommodation on the Drau cycle path in Villach

The Boutique Hotel Goldenes Lamm in Villach is the ideal accommodation on the Drau cycle path for cyclists. As a member of the Drau cycle path hosts, we offer you a bicycle garage, a covered bicycle parking area, charging facilities for e-bikes and a depot for bicycle accessories and cycling equipment.

After the tour, a comfortable room awaits you in the heart of Villach’s old town. From here you can easily reach numerous restaurants, the picturesque Drau promenade and many sights on foot.

Tips for your cycle tour along the Drau cycle path

A cycle tour along the Drau Cycle Path can be even more relaxing with a little planning. We have summarized the most important tips for your trip.

Best time to visit: The season runs from May to October. The months of June and September are particularly pleasant, when the paths are less busy and the landscape is at its most beautiful. In midsummer, the numerous bathing lakes along the route invite you to cool off.
Tour planning: The Drau cycle path is mostly flat and is also suitable for less experienced cyclists. The daily stages can be flexibly adapted. If you don’t want to cycle the entire route, you can easily combine individual stages with the train, as almost all start and finish points have a train connection. For e-bike riders, Carinthia has a comprehensive rental and return system at numerous stations.
Equipment and luggage: A well-maintained trekking or touring bike is perfectly adequate for a cycle tour along the Drau cycle path. A small tool kit for punctures and a rain jacket for changeable weather are recommended. If you are traveling by e-bike, you should keep an eye on the battery capacity and thoroughly plan the charging options along the route in advance.
Return transportation: If you cycle the Drau cycle path on one side, you can use the Drau cycle path transfer bus for the return transportation. The minibus runs on request between Lavamünd and Sillian in East Tyrol, with stops in Villach and Lienz. All information and booking at www.kaernten-radreisen.at/drauradwegbus.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

How long is the Drau cycle path?

The Drau Cycle Path leads from South Tyrol to the mouth of the Mura in Croatia. The entire signposted section from Dobbiaco to Varaždin measures around 510 km. The individual lengths of the stages may vary slightly depending on the source and route variant.

Which stages lead through Villach?

Villach lies at the transition from stage 3 to stage 4 of the Drau Cycle Path. Stage 3 leads from Spittal an der Drau to Villach (39.7 km), stage 4 from Villach to Ferlach (51.5 km). Villach is ideal as a stopover for a rest day between the two stages.

How difficult is the Austrian section?

The Austrian section of the Drau Cycle Path is considered easy to moderately difficult. The first five stages from Toblach to Lavamünd are predominantly flat and suitable for families, leisure cyclists and e-bikers. Stages 6 and 7 through Slovenia and Croatia are more challenging in places.

Where does the Drau cycle path start?

The Drau cycle path starts at Dobbiaco railroad station in South Tyrol, near the source of the Drau. Dobbiaco can be reached by train from Lienz, Innsbruck and Bolzano. Alternatively, if you only want to cycle the Austrian section, you can start in Sillian in East Tyrol.