Forget TyrolSalzburgerland or Styria. There is a piece of Austria that can talk its way into the top of beautiful cycling destinations. We are talking about Kärnten, or Carinthia. Bordering Slovenia and Italy and with n beautiful mixture of hills, flat, water and gravel, this is a must-see destination in the famous alpine country. Cycling in Austria and especially cycling in Carinthia is fantastic. To underline the quality of the region: Johnny Hoogerland has settled there and runs a beautiful cycling pension that bears his name. Perhaps t is coincidence or just talent but 'sjonnie' did win the World Championship granfondo since then. Reason enough to take a closer look at the region and see where your cycling holiday should start.
Little to complain(furt)
We couldn't resist this pun. Fair is fair there is also little to complain about in this region. The weather is pleasant to very good from March to November. There is little traffic and, with the Hohe Tauern National Park, you have a choice of climbs and beautiful nature. So you won't be bored. Complain only about t weather back home, because cycling in Carinthia is fantastic.
Hohe tauern
In the west of this Bundesland you will find the spur of the Hohe Tauern, the national park that stretches across several bundeslander. If you want to get your cycling holiday off to a good start, grab the stunning climb to Franz Joseph Höhe. From Reintal, it's 40 kilometres of climbing at 3.8% average. In itself not earth-shattering but the catch is in the second part. Because the first 10-15kilometres are gradually uphill. Then you encounter long stretches of almost 10% average and the peak to 18%(!). Then, after 40 kilometres, it's nice to have stunning views. Reward: check! The Hochtor is also quite something. You ride it via the bridge on the Grossglockner road. Man man, what a bump that is. But the view: super! Be prepared for over 30 kilometres of climbing with steep percentages ahead. It is also known as the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse. Need we say more?
It's worth it.
Of course, there is much more to discover in this vast region. Because around Lake Worthersee you will find a beautiful hilly landscape. Among others, you can conquer (on the southern side) the Pyramidenkogel. This one is not particularly long and does not go to dizzying heights, but with a total of about 7 kilometres, an average of 5.8% and a maximum ascent of 16.2% you will need to have the right gear and the right legs. Overall, the terrain around this lake (see=lake) is easy.
Best of three worlds
One of the reasons to also head to Carinthia is the possibility to ride in ride both to Italy and also to Slovenia. Indeed, for the really lucky ones, you could include both the Zoncolan and the Vrsic pass in your ride. Maybe make it a mini adventure then.
Gravel for days
Due to the mild climate, the mountains that do not reach the sky and the many 'lost places', this area lends itself super well to a nice cycling holiday on a gravel bike. You are spoilt for choice and the many routes offered by, among others, the Worthersee tourism office are mostly approved and tested by former pro Johnny himself. In addition, you have several variations, from flat to mountains, and with the possibility of thus also riding to the Julian Alps, this offers a multitude of options for cool tours or a bikepacking trip. In short: cycling in Carinthia is fantastic.
Gravel routes - Carinthia - Wörthersee
Below are some great gravel routes around Wörthersee that will take you a while to get to grips with. This is for inspiration!
Useful to know
- Carinthia is located in south-eastern Austria and borders Slovenia and Italy (against the Friuli-Venezia region).
- By car, you are about 12-14 hours away
- Getting to Klagenfurt by plane
- The train is also an option and then you will continue into the country via Vienna
- Want to stay overnight nearby? Then we have several options
- In Obervellach you will find Almhutte Zwei Welten. This is run by an NL couple. Strategic location, good facilities and completely refurbished in 2021
- Pension Hoogerland is entirely designed for cyclists.
- Want more info? Then check out the site of Woerthersee Tourismus, there you will find super much info also with routes for gravel bike and road bike.
- There are a number of cool events in the region. Perhaps the most important is the FUGA 300
- In doing so, 3T is organising one of its Jeroboam events in Carinthia.
