The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The route
From the source of the Drau on the Toblacher Feld in South Tyrol down through East Tyrol and Carinthia to Maribor in Slovenia, about 360 km in six official stages by Lienz, Spittal, Villach, the Rosental below the Karawanks, and Lavamünd. It is downhill or level most of the way, on riverside paths and quiet roads with a few climbs in southern Carinthia, and the German cycling club ADFC rates it five stars.
Stages
A suggested split into 6 days of about 61 km (38 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Toblach to Lienz 48 km · 48 km from the start
- Day 2 Lienz to Spittal an der Drau 76 km · 124 km from the start
- Day 3 Spittal an der Drau to Villach 40 km · 165 km from the start
- Day 4 Villach to Ferlach 52 km · 217 km from the start
- Day 5 Ferlach to Lavamünd 71 km · 287 km from the start
- Day 6 Lavamünd to Maribor 79 km · 366 km from the start
Start and finish
Start: near Toblach, South Tyrol. 46.72427, 12.22624
Finish: near Maribor. 46.55644, 15.64610
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Toblach, South Tyrol · The start Booking.com → Expedia →
- Lienz, Bezirk Lienz · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Spittal an der Drau, Bezirk Spittal an der Drau · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Villach, Carinthia · After day 3 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Ferlach, Bezirk Klagenfurt-Land · After day 4 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Lavamünd, Bezirk Wolfsberg · After day 5 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Maribor · The finish Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Roads and paths change, and surfaces vary with the weather. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, ride to what you find, and give way to walkers and horses.
