Alpine Valleys and Fairytale Waters: A Cross-Border Journey to Lake Bled
This cycling tour takes you from the historic streets of Salzburg down to the iconic waters of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Following dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads, you will journey through magnificent alpine valleys, passing dramatic waterfalls and medieval fortresses. The route offers the perfect blend of natural mountain beauty and independent exploration, allowing you to ride at your own pace through the heart of the Alps.
A Self-Guided Adventure with Full Support
We handle the logistics so you can fully enjoy your self-guided journey. You will receive detailed route descriptions and maps via the Guibo app, alongside a personal welcome meeting and bike handover. With your luggage transported from hotel to hotel each day and a dedicated phone backup service at your disposal, you are free to ride light and at your own pace.
ROUTE
The route sets off from the historic streets of Salzburg, tracing a premium path across the dramatic landscapes of the south-eastern Alps. This curated itinerary weaves scenic valley cycling with panoramic mountain passages, experiencing the region’s diverse terrain across Austria, a brief loop into Italy, and the emerald heart of Slovenia.
The program pairs rewarding cycling stages with dedicated opportunities to discover the region’s greatest cultural and natural treasures. Every day uncovers a new wonder, from striking medieval fortresses perched above rushing rivers to grand alpine waterfalls and the fairytale shores of Lake Bled.
Itinerary
Day 1: Individual arrival in Salzburg
We recommend arriving in Salzburg a day of two prior to the tour to get over jetlag and to enjoy the city and especially the picturesque “Altstadt” old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2: Salzburg – St. Johann in Pongau
65 km / 41 miles, profile up 560m, down 390m
Head off today through the lovely Salzach Valley to the 900-year old Hohenwerfen Castle, perched on a rock 113 metres high above the market village of Werfen. It’s among Europe’s oldest and most well-preserved castles. Surrounded by the Tennengebirge, Hagengebirge and Hochkönig mountain ranges, this is a sight not to be missed. Time permitting; take a side trip high above the valley to the glacial caves of Eisriesenwelt. You’ll spend the night at the popular alpine sports town of St. Johann.
Day 3: St. Johann in Pongau – Mallnitz
57 km /36 miles, profile up 900m, down 260m
Following a cycling path through the beauty of the Gastien Valley and the stunning Liechtensteinklamm (Liechtenstein Gorge), you’ll stop at the beautiful spa town of Bad Gastien, with a waterfall forming a unique centrepiece to the town. From here it’s onwards through Tauerntunel, which emerges at the sunny southern side of the Alps. You’ll spend the night in the alpine village of Mallnitz, amid the vivid colours of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Day 4: Mallnitz – Mühldorf/Sachsenburg
30 km / 19 miles, profile up 160m, down 780m
Today it’s into the heart of the ancient province of Carinthia, where you’ll glide down hill into the Molltal Valley amid the majesty of 3000-metre mountain peaks. — the Kreuzeck cable car high above the Drau Valley is the
day’s highlight, providing outstanding panoramic views.
Day 5: Mohlbrucke – Villach
54 km / 34 miles, profile up 180m, down 250m
A relatively easy descent today which takes you along the Drau River as it meanders its way through the lakeside town of Spitall an der Drau, and its impressive ancient Roman city of Teurnia. Then on to Villach, the meeting point of the valleys where you’ll leave the alpine climate behind for a decidedly more Mediterranean feel! Here you can visit the old timer car museum or take a riverboat cruise.
Day 6: Villach – Kranjska Gora
54 km / 34 miles, profile up 590m, down 280m
Pop into the Italian border town of Tarviso for a pizza and cappuccino before following the scenic cycling path which takes you along the old railway line crossing the Italian-Slovenian border and onwards through the emerald beauty of the Sava Valley. As you head on to the village of Kranjska Gora for the night, your view will be dominated by the magnificent Dobratsch Mountain.
Day 7: Kranjska Gora – Bled
40 km / 22 miles, profile up 290m, down 620m
To begin with you’ll cycle into the nearby town of Kranjska Gora, one of Slovenia’s most popular alpine ski resorts and host to many world cup skiing events. The route then takes you through the beautiful forests of the Krma Valley, past a historic farming museum and onwards to the pearl of Slovenia: Lake Bled. This fairytale setting with its beautiful church sitting on an island in the middle of the lake and guarded by a medieval hilltop castle is the perfect place to shake off those aching muscles. Relax here with a boat ride to the island, or a coffee and Bled’s famous cream cake (kremsnita).
Day 8: Bled – End of self-guided bike tour
Individual Departure
The tour ends after breakfast or possible extension of the trip.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights with bed and breakfast can be organized on request.
Getting to Salzburg (Departure Point)
By Plane: Salzburg Airport (SZG), located 4 km from the center. Alternatively, fly into Munich (MUC) or Vienna (VIE).
By Train: Salzburg Main Station, with direct high-speed connections from Munich (1.5 hours) and Vienna (2.5 hours).
We recommend arriving the day before departure to allow time to settle in and explore the city. The exact meeting point for your welcome briefing and bike handover will be shared after your request.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses 3* or 4* in two bed room with toilet and shower, all breakfasts included
- Luggage transfer — 1 piece pp, max 23 kg (extra piece €30/trip)
- Personal welcome meeting and bike handover
- Route description & maps in the GUIBO app — 1 per adult (extra €15)
- Local tourist and other taxes only in Slovenia, taxes are not included on the Austrian side of the tour.
- Backup hotline service throughout the trip
NOT Included
- Local & tourist taxes in Austria where applicable
- Entrance fees
- Printed docs €30
- Lunches
- Luggage transfer extra piece €30/trip
- Drinks with meals
- Saunas and massage in hotels
- Local / tourist taxes are not included on the Austrian side of the tour.
- Train ticket for Boeckstein to Mallnitz trip inc. bicycle, approx. 14€
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
On Sundays from April 25th and October 3rd 2027*
Prices are per person in a double room
Any other start day for groups of 4 or more.
Rail works 2027: the Böckstein–Mallnitz Tauern-tunnel train is closed for renovation 8 Feb – 9 Jul 2027 (ÖBB runs replacement buses); for departures before mid-July 2027 the Tauern crossing is arranged by road transfer instead.
*No departures between July 31st to August 8th and September 3nd to 6th due to local events in Austria.
Low season
25 Apr – 15 May & 19 Sep – 03 Sep
1395€
Options & Supplements
✓
+720 Solo traveler
(If traveling completely alone)
✓
+315 Single room
(If traveling with others)
High season
16 May – 18 Sep
1545€
Options & Supplements
✓
+720 Solo traveler
(If traveling completely alone)
✓
+315 Single room
(If traveling with others)
Accomodation
Hotels and guesthouses 3* or 4* in two bed room with toilet and shower, all breakfasts included
Additional nights (Low Season)
Prices per person, including breakfast
3-4* in Salzburg
Double Room 105€.
Single room 145€.
3-4* in Kranjska Gora
Double Room 125€.
Single room 175€.
3-4* Bled
Double Room 115€.
Single room 215€.
Additional nights (High Season)
Prices per person, including breakfast
3-4* in Salzburg
Double Room 110€.
Single room 155€.
3-4* in Kranjska Gora
Double Room 140€.
Single room 190€.
3-4* Bled
Double Room 130€.
Single room 225€.
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Touring Bike
120€
eBike
300€
Gravel Bike
250€
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and represent the type of bicycles offered for the tour.
The exact bicycle provided is subject to availability.