Your cycling holiday in the Rosental valley

Pedalling your bike around, with or without electric assist, is steadily making its way up to number one on the list of summer sports in Austria – especially when on holiday in the beautiful countryside. And in that respect, Carinthia certainly has more than enough to offer.

The Rosental valley is the perfect option for pleasant cycling tours. The Drava cycle path is a particular highlight. The Drava cycle path runs 510km along the Drava river, through Carinthia from the Lienz Dolomites and down through the lake region to the Slovenian/Croatian border.

Families particularly enjoy this idyllic route through the Rosental, which runs just three minutes’ ride away from our campground, and the fantastic view of the Karawanks is a delight for the whole family. The cycle path is dotted with inns and wine taverns for all your refreshment needs. Along the way, you might even be tempted to take a dip in one of the pristine swimming lakes of the region and enjoy the cool, refreshing waters.

There are also plenty of clearly signposted mountain-bike routes on offer if you choose to tackle the mountain slopes on your bike. If you get right to the top on a clear, sunny day, you will be rewarded with a spectacularly unique panoramic view of the Karawanks mountain range.

From Rosegg, the R1 Drava cycle path runs along the river. For the most part, the path follows the smooth surface of the causeways, heading slowly but steadily down to Sankt Margareten and on to the Klopeiner Lake. On hot summer days, there is not much shade along the route. Your best option is to set off early in the morning and plan a few detours from the main Drava cycle path. Spectacular cliffs, castles and lakes punctuate the diverse landscape of the river valley. Several lakes are easily reached from the cycle path, including Faaker See, Silbersee and Wörthersee. The Juritz campground is located near the Freistritz reservoir  , which along with the Ferlach reservoir is right beside the cycle path. Close to the water and always pleasant, the route passes through peaceful villages and past picturesque castles such as Wernberg, Ebenau and Schloss Rosegg with its charming wildlife park. The highlight and main goal of this stage is the gunsmithing town of Ferlach and the Hollenburg castle.

The garden-like landscape of the Rosental valley features a unique combination of a southern attitude to life with a diverse landscape, ample water and an air of tranquillity. Particular waterside establishments invite you to stop awhile and sample the cuisine of the Alpe-Adria region.

Find out more about the Drava cycle path