On the Carnic cycle path through the Gailtal valley

Downstream in the direction of Villach, there are plenty more sights worth seeing for those interested in culture. In summer, a refreshing swim stop at Lake Pressegger See, which is up to 28 degrees centigrade, beckons on the way.

Mostly flat, the "R3" runs parallel to the Italian border on gravel and tarmac along the River Gail through south-west Carinthia. For the most part, you can cycle along meadows, fields and forests away from the main roads and enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. Only near Nötsch and Neuhaus does the route climb significantly. The well-signposted route is also suitable for family tours with children aged eight and over. If you cycle downstream from west to east, you usually cycle gently downhill. The start and finish points are easy to reach by train.

Tour dates:

85 km, approx. 100 m elevation gain, easy

Route:

Kötschach-Mauthen - Dellach - Kirchbach - Tröpolach - Hermagor - Pressegger See - Latschach - Vorderberg - Nötsch - Oberschütt - Villach

Best time to travel:

End of April to beginning of October

Journey:

Take the train to Hermagor, or continue by bus to Kötschach-Mauthen.
Cyclist hotline for the railway on 01805/99 66 33 (14 ct/min. from landlines, max. 42 ct/min. for mobile phones).

Bike service:

Bike hire and repair facilities can be found in Hermagor, Weissensee, Tröpolach and Villach, among others

Cycling hotels:

Bike-friendly hosts include Erlenhof in Kötschach-Mauthen, www.erlenhof.at

Gasthof Grünwald in Dellach in the Gailtal valley, www.gruenwald.dellach.at

Biohotel Daberer in Dellach in the Gailtal valley, www.biohotel-daberer.at

Forellenhof Waldner in Gundersheim, www.forellenhof-waldner.kaernten.tv

Landhof zum Waidegger Wirt in Waidegg, www.waidegg.at

Hansbauerhof in Jenig, www.hansbauerhof.at

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Carinzia in Tröpolach, http://www.falkensteiner.com/de/hotel/carinzia

Samerhof in Jenig, www.samerhof.at

Alpen Adria Hotel in Presseggersee, www.alpenadriahotel.at

Gasthof Alte Post in Feistritz, www.altepost.biz

Further addresses under http://www.kaernten.at

Maps/literature:

Bikeline cycle map "Kärnten West" 1:75,000 for 6.90 euros. Kompass maps no. 60 "Gailtaler Alpen" and no. 64 "Villacher Alpe" at a scale of 1:50,000 for 7.95 and 9.95 euros respectively. Bikeline Radatlas Kärnten 1:75,000 with 160 pages for 12.90 euros.

Information (general):

Info & Service Centre Nassfeld-Presseggersee, Wulfeniaplatz 1, 9620 Hermagor, +43 4285/8241, info@nassfeld.at, www.nassfeld.at

Internet:

http://www.kaernten.at (Basic data on the Carnic cycle path)