Cycling day trip from Lienz to Spittal an der Drau

This route takes you from the charming town of Lienz, nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, all the way to Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia—a classic east Austrian adventure! Covering just over 86 km, you’ll roll along a mix of quiet roads and well-marked cycleways, so you can really soak in those mountain views without much traffic fuss. Expect a bit of a workout: there’s over 1,200 meters of ascent and a similar amount of descending, but the maximum elevation isn’t too wild, peaking at about 856 meters.

You’ll start in Lienz, sometimes called the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” and follow the Drau River valley, which keeps the gradients steady and the scenery spectacular. The route’s mostly paved, though you’ll find the odd stretch where the surface isn’t specified or turns to gravel—nothing your average touring or gravel bike can’t handle!

Your reward at the end is Spittal an der Drau, with its impressive Renaissance-era Schloss Porcia and lively local culture. All in all, this ride strikes a great balance between alpine challenge and riverside cruising. Enjoy the journey!