Drauradweg (Drau Cycle Path)
A stunning, mostly downhill cycle path from Italy to Austria, perfect for families and scenic rides along the Drava River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed ride
Drauradweg (Drau Cycle Path)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed ride
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, mostly downhill cycle path from Italy to Austria, perfect for families and scenic rides along the Drava River.
"The route is really beautiful and suitable for everyone, many sections are slightly downhill and therefore you can do km without pedaling."
🚲 Rent an E-bike!
Highly recommended for families & less trained riders. Makes the 44-50km route enjoyable for all!
🚆 Easy Return from Lienz
Take the train back with your bike or return rentals in Lienz. Avoids backtracking hassle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gentle Descent
San Candido to Lienz
Enjoy a mostly downhill 44km ride along the Drau River, through forests and picturesque villages.
Loacker Stop
En route to Lienz
A delightful family-friendly stop, perfect for a sweet treat and a break from cycling.
Crossing Borders
San Candido to Lienz
Experience the unique joy of cycling from Italy into Austria on this scenic route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Starting Point Wisely
Beat the Crowds & Plan Your Return
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent an E-bike!
Highly recommended for families & less trained riders. Makes the 44-50km route enjoyable for all!
🚆 Easy Return from Lienz
Take the train back with your bike or return rentals in Lienz. Avoids backtracking hassle.
🏞️ Pack a Picnic
Enjoy scenic spots along the river. Loacker stop is a must-do treat!
☀️ Check the Weather
Sunny days offer the best views, but be prepared for potential rain showers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent an E-bike!
Highly recommended for families & less trained riders. Makes the 44-50km route enjoyable for all!
🚆 Easy Return from Lienz
Take the train back with your bike or return rentals in Lienz. Avoids backtracking hassle.
🏞️ Pack a Picnic
Enjoy scenic spots along the river. Loacker stop is a must-do treat!
☀️ Check the Weather
Sunny days offer the best views, but be prepared for potential rain showers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Drau Cycle Path is overwhelmingly praised for its beautiful scenery, accessibility, and family-friendly nature, with many highlighting the gentle downhill ride. Some visitors noted that locals in Lienz could be less friendly and signage primarily in German, but these are minor points against an otherwise exceptional experience.
"We did Dobbiaco - Lienz and it's about 50 km
The route is really beautiful and suitable for everyone, many sections are slightly downhill and therefore you can do km without pedaling. You cross San Candido and then under the three peaks and then towards Loacker, passing through the woods until you get to Lienz.
We took it easy and it took us 5 hours, but my daughters had a lot of fun.
The only advice for the less trained and for children, rent e-bikes, the children will arrive tired but not exhausted and will not complain....
To be done again"
daniele anzani
"Accessible to everyone, the 44 km route from San Candido to Lienz is entirely on asphalt and almost entirely on a bike path, mostly gently downhill along the Drava River. It's very popular, so it's best to travel on weekdays, not in August. The return journey from Lienz is best done by train, which can also carry your own bike. If you rent a bike, you can return it directly in Lienz."
Fabrizio Catozzi
"I only did the Dobbiaco-Lienz route by bike, the route, approximately 50km, is easy with very few very short climbs, which can be easily tackled by people who are not particularly trained like myself.
You mainly pass through the fields and woods of the area, along a river, with very few passages in "city" areas.
Highly recommended even with children.
Bikes can be rented for around 20 euros for the day, and there are several points where you can return them even in the middle of the route, between Dobbiaco and Lienz there are 7 if I'm not mistaken."
Denis Dilio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular starting point is San Candido (Innichen) in Italy. You can reach San Candido by train, often connecting through major hubs like Bolzano or Innsbruck. Many travelers also start from Dobbiaco (Toblach), which is a short train ride from San Candido.
Yes, you can also start from Lienz, Austria, and cycle towards Italy. However, the classic and most recommended route for a gentle, mostly downhill experience is from San Candido or Dobbiaco towards Lienz. +1
The Drau Cycle Path (Drauradweg) is generally well-signposted, especially the Italian section towards Lienz. However, some users have noted that signage in Lienz itself might be primarily in German.
The train service between San Candido and Dobbiaco is frequent and efficient, making it easy to connect between these two popular starting points.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in San Candido and Dobbiaco. However, it's advisable to check specific parking regulations and costs in advance, especially during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Drau Cycle Path itself is a public route and does not require an entry ticket. You only pay for bike rentals, train tickets for your return, or any optional activities along the way.
Bike rentals typically range around 20 euros per day. E-bike rentals will be more expensive but are highly recommended for a more comfortable ride.
Yes, bike rentals are readily available at the train stations in San Candido and Dobbiaco. You can also often rent them directly in Lienz if you choose to cycle in the opposite direction.
Many rental services allow you to return your bike in Lienz, even if you rented it in San Candido or Dobbiaco. This is a very convenient option for a one-way trip.
Yes, there are several points along the route between Dobbiaco and Lienz where you can return rental bikes, offering flexibility if you decide to shorten your ride.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
The route from San Candido to Lienz is approximately 44 km. If starting from Dobbiaco, the distance is about 50 km.
Absolutely! The path is well-paved, wide, and mostly gently downhill, making it ideal for families with children. Renting e-bikes is a great way to ensure kids have a fun and manageable experience. +1
The path is almost entirely asphalted and in excellent condition. It's largely a dedicated bike path, separate from traffic, and features gentle downhill slopes along the Drava River.
A relaxed pace, including stops, typically takes 3-4 hours for the 44km route. Some people take up to 5 hours if they stop frequently or have young children.
Expect beautiful scenery with forests, meadows, the Drava River, and charming villages. The route passes under the iconic Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen) area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and rest stops along the route, particularly in towns like San Candido and Lienz, as well as smaller villages.
The Loacker stop is a popular rest area and shop where you can buy delicious Loacker wafers and other treats. It's a delightful and family-friendly break.
Most restaurants in the towns along the route will offer some vegetarian options. Vegan options might be more limited, but it's always worth asking.
Yes, you'll find supermarkets in San Candido and Lienz, and smaller shops in some of the villages, where you can stock up on snacks and drinks.
Prices are generally reasonable, especially in smaller villages. Dining in San Candido or Lienz might be slightly more expensive, but still offers good value.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning alpine scenery, the winding Drava River, charming villages, and the unique experience of cycling between Italy and Austria. The Loacker factory and the views of the Three Peaks are also great spots. +1
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most beautiful golden hour for photography, casting a warm glow on the landscapes.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of the Drau Cycle Path. If you're serious about photography, a mirrorless or DSLR camera will offer more flexibility.
Look out for picturesque bridges over the Drava River, historic churches in the villages, and panoramic viewpoints offering vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Yes, there are many safe places to pull over and take photos. The path is wide and often has designated rest areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Renting e-bikes is a game-changer for families. It ensures that even younger or less energetic children can keep up and enjoy the ride without getting exhausted.
🚴 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider packing your own picnic lunch and snacks. While there are cafes and restaurants, bringing your own food can significantly cut down on expenses.
💑 Couples & Active Travelers
Consider extending your trip by exploring Lienz upon arrival, a charming Austrian town. The route provides a fantastic day trip or can be integrated into a longer cycling tour of the region. The ease of bike rental and return, coupled with the well-maintained path, makes it a stress-free experience for active couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drau Cycle Path Experience
Travelers often describe the journey as incredibly scenic, passing through lush forests, open meadows, and charming alpine villages. The experience of cycling from one country to another, enjoying distinct cultural flavors along the way, is a significant draw. The path is well-maintained and largely traffic-free, offering a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure.
While the San Candido-Lienz section is the most famous, the Drau Cycle Path extends much further, offering longer touring opportunities for more experienced cyclists. The entire route from its source in the Dolomites to its confluence with the Danube in Croatia is a significant European cycling network.
Planning Your Ride: Rentals & Returns
The advantage of renting is the flexibility it provides. Most rental companies in the Italian section offer the option to return your bike in Lienz, Austria. This allows for a seamless one-way trip, eliminating the need to cycle back. The return journey from Lienz is then easily managed via train, which is equipped to carry bicycles.
For those who prefer not to commit to the full distance or want added flexibility, there are also several mid-route return points between Dobbiaco and Lienz. This is particularly useful for families or if weather conditions change unexpectedly. The cost for a day's rental is typically around 20 euros, with e-bikes costing more.
Navigating Crowds and Timing
To avoid the peak crowds and enjoy a more serene ride, it's strongly advised to plan your visit for weekdays rather than weekends, and to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. During these times, the weather is often pleasant, and the scenery is equally beautiful, but with fewer people.
Even during busier periods, starting your ride earlier in the morning can help you get ahead of the main flow of cyclists. This allows for more relaxed stops and better photo opportunities without feeling rushed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit