Forget Tyrol, Salzburgerland or Stiermarken. There is a piece of Austria that can compete with the top of beautiful cycling destinations. We are talking about Carinthia, or Karinthia. It borders Slovenia and Italy and with a lovely mix of hills, flat land, 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 landed there and runs a beautiful cycling pension that’s what his name stands for. Perhaps it’s a coincidence or just talent, but ‘sjonnie’ has since won the Granfondo World Championships. There’s good reason to take a closer look at the region and see where your cycling holiday should begin.
Not much to complain about(furt)
We couldn’t let this wordplay go unpunished. To be honest, there’s not much to complain about in this region. The weather is pleasant from March to November. There’s little traffic, and with the Hohe Tauern National Park you have a variety of climbs and stunning nature. So you don’t have to get bored. You can only complain about the weather back home, because cycling in Carinthia is fantastic.
High Tauern
In the west of this federal state you will find the outlet of the Hohe Tauern, the national park that stretches across several federal states. If you want to start your cycling holiday properly, take the beautiful climb to Frans Jozef Höhe. From Reintal it is a 40-kilometer climb at an average of 3.8%. Not a world-shattering figure in itself, but the adder is in the second part. For the first 10-15 kilometers it goes gradually uphill. Then you come across long stretches of almost 10% on average and the peak to 18%(!). Then after 40 kilometers it is nice to have a stunning view. Reward: check! The Hochtor is also included. That road takes you across the bridge on the Grossglocknerstraat. Oh man, what a hump that is. But the view: superb! Be prepared for climbing over 30 kilometers with steep slopes ahead. This 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 huge region. Around the Worthersee you will find a beautiful hilly landscape. You can climb the Pyramidenkogel (on the south side), for example. It is not particularly long and does not go to dizzying heights, but with a total of about 7 kilometers, an average of 5.8% and a maximum ascent of 16.2%, you will need the right resistance and the right legs. Overall, the terrain around this lake (see = lake) is easy to describe.
Best of three worlds
One of the reasons to also head to Karinthia is the possibility of driving both to Italy and Slovenia on the same trip. In fact, for the real adventure seekers, you could include both the Zoncolan and Vrsic passes in your trip. Maybe you should make it a mini adventure then.
Gravel for days
Thanks to the mild climate, the mountain range that does not reach to the sky, and the many ‘lost places’, this area is perfect for a beautiful cycling holiday on a gravel bike. You have plenty of choice, and the many routes offered by, among others, the Worthersee tourism office are mostly approved and tested by the former pro Johnny himself. Furthermore, with several variations, from flat to mountains, and the possibility to also ride to the Julian Alps, this offers a multitude of options for great trips or a bikepacking trip. In short: cycling in Carinthia is fantastic.
Gravel routes – Carinthia – Wörthersee
Below you will find some beautiful gravel routes around the Wörthersee, which are sure to make you happy. This is for your inspiration!
Useful to know
- Carinthia is located in the southeast of Austria and borders Slovenia and Italy (against the Friuli-Venezia region).
- By car, you are about 12-14 hours away.
- By plane you go to Klagenfurt
- The train is also an option, and then you continue into the country via Vienna.
- If you want to spend the night in the area, we have several options.
- In Obervellach you will find Almhütte Two Worlds. This is run by a Dutch couple. Strategic location, good facilities, and completely renovated in 2021
- Pension Hoogerland is completely equipped for cyclists.
- If you want more information, check the website of Woerthersee TourismThere you will find lots of information, including routes for gravel bikes and road bikes.
- There are a number of cool events in the region. The most important one is probably the FUGA 300
- In addition, 3T is organizing one of its Jeroboam events in Carinthia.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.