It's a completely different story at the start in Bavaria's capital. For the stretch to Salzburg, it is almost difficult to decide on the most beautiful cycle route.
The Alpe-Adria cycle path shows the way to Grado
Along the Salzach and Gasteiner Ache rivers, the route follows the Alpe-Adria cycle path through the valleys of the Salzburg mountains. The main Alpine ridge is easily crossed by railway through the Tauern lock between Böckstein and Mallnitz. The route to the Adriatic is largely climb-free, although the route is not always reliably signposted. If you want, you can take the ferry in Grado towards Trieste or continue straight on to Muggia, thus avoiding busy road sections.
The Parenzana cycle path is the first really rough section on this route.
The Parenzana railway line cycle path is predominantly a gravel track in Croatia. There are hardly any gradients worth mentioning, but a few unlit tunnels. From Porec, the route then leads mainly on small, low-traffic roads through the quiet hinterland to the east coast of Istria.
In order to "circumnavigate" the harbour town of Rijeka, this route continues via the islands of Cres and Krk to the Croatian mainland.
There are hardly any signposted cycle paths in Croatia and Montenegro, but there are small roads with little traffic. A paradise for cyclists. However, the further east we travel, the worse the roads become, with more gravel tracks and potholes. Instead of cars, there are horse-drawn carts and there are fewer opportunities for refreshments en route. Always pack enough provisions!
Character
Cyclists should bring a certain degree of adventurousness with them on this tour. Even in Italy, sections of the route are not tarmac and the signposting is patchy. The regular supply of cycle shops, restaurants and hotels also comes to an end outside the tourist resorts in the Croatian hinterland.
Highlights
Salzburg: UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic city centre, Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress. www.salzburg.info
Aquileia: Basilica, baptistery, bell tower, floor mosaics. http://aquileia.net
Trieste: Aktstadt, Piazza dell' Unita, Caffè Tommaseo, Teatro Verdi. www.triest.biz
Dubrovnik: Ancient city centre, city walls, cathedral. www.dubrovnikkroatien.com
Lake Scutari: 50 km long freshwater lake with diverse flora and fauna, e.g. Dalmatian pelicans.
Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Bridge, Grand Bazaar. http://istanbul-tourist-information.com
The article was in the Europe special in Trekkingbike issue 4/2016. You can download the issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order it in the DK shop.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
