Amidst the impressive mountain world of the Gailtal and Carnic Alps, the Gailtal Cycle Path winds its way downstream along the eponymous Gail river. The cycle path takes you from tranquil Kötschach to the centre of Villach, in the Austrian region of Carinthia. Along the way, you'll pass quaint mountain villages, picturesque farms and unspoilt valleys that reveal the rich history and wild beauty of this region.

The Gailtal Cycle Path offers you a varied insight into Carinthian life. You follow the Gail first through a wide alpine valley and then through enchanted forests until it finally flows into the Drava near Villach. Time and again, you’ll find bathing spots where you can cool off on a hot summer day. The Alps are always in view: in the north, you can often see the impressive Dobratsch, while in the south the Carnic Alps rise up on the border to Italy. Many traditional inns invite you to take a long break with regional delicacies such as Carinthian cheese noodles or a Brettljause – a traditional Austrian meat and cheese board.

In total, the cycle path is 90 kilometres (55 mi) long. In this Collection, I’ve divided it into two stages. Since you always follow the Gail downstream, you’ll mostly cycle slightly downhill or on the flat. The route runs mainly on traffic-free cycle paths and quiet side roads. This makes the Gailtal Cycle Path perfect for smaller children and the whole family. The first stage ends in Vorderberg, where you’ll find some accommodation. Alternatively, you can look for a place to sleep a little off the route, such as the town of Hermagor. If you’re an ambitious cyclist, you could also complete both stages in one day.

It’s easy to get to the start by public transport, as Villach is a hub on the Austrian railway network. Regional trains run between Villach and Hermagor, and from Hermagor you can continue by bus. Bicycle transport is possible on the trains and buses, for which I recommend making an advance reservation. More information and current timetables can be found at fahrplan.oebb.at (in German). The Gailtal Cycle Path is also known and marked as cycle path R3.

Ready for your cycling adventure in Carinthia? The Gailtal Cycle Path awaits you!