Cycling day trip from Bad Gastein to Villach

This epic ride takes you from the dramatic spa town of Bad Gastein all the way south to the lively city of Villach. You’ll start off in Bad Gastein, famous for its Belle Époque buildings perched on a steep gorge, and of course, its legendary healing thermal waters—a favorite getaway for tired cyclists and royalty alike!

From there, the 108 km journey leads you through lush valleys and over some pretty impressive climbs (expect about 1,400 m of ascent), with scenery that makes every pedal stroke worth it. The descent is even more generous—almost 2,000 meters—so after the climbs, you’ll enjoy long, rolling downhills.

About 40% of your route is on smooth asphalt, but almost half is on quiet roads and a good stretch on cycleways. Watch for some gravel or unpaved patches, especially out of the valleys—gravel bikes or sturdy tires will come in handy.

After several dramatic landscapes and fresh alpine air, you’ll roll into Villach, a friendly southern Austrian city famous for its relaxed vibe and beautiful riverfront. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a lakeside Radler!