San Candido – Lienz: the bike lane for the whole family

From San Candido to Lienz, the most popular and famous cycle path in South Tyrol runs. It is a must for those who love to stay outdoors and for fans of active holidays.

The start is in the town of San Candido in South Tyrol and continue to Lienz in Austria, following the entire route of the river Drava. For this reason, it is also called “The Drau cycle path”.

The route is about 44km long, but there is the possibility of extending it by 5 km starting from Dobbiaco. The starting point is 500 m higher than the destination, that makes it a bike path suitable for everyone: experts and beginners.

The journey time is about 3 hours and you can stop at more refreshment points or in the towns you cross. The ease of travel, the difference in height and the possibility of stopping at several points make it particularly suitable for families with children.

Once you get to Lienz, you can return by train.
The trains leave every hour in the direction of San Candido and are equipped with bicycle cars, making it easy to return.

Lienz – San Candido: what to see?

On the long route from San Candido to Lienz, there are numerous legs you can take. Starting from Italy you arrive in Austria through villages with bright colors.

There are many things to see, starting from Dobbiaco. An unmissable destination that lies between two nature parks: Three Peaks and Fanes – Senes – Braies.

Along the river Drava you can reach the village of San Candido, which with its bell tower and its old town is considered one of the most beautiful towns of Alta Pusteria.

Crossing the border between Italy and Austria you arrive at the town of Sillian. Here, the children can play at the Gnome Park or Wichtelpark, a playground surrounded by nature. In Heinfels near Sillian you can visit the Loacker factory and watch the creation of the most famous biscuits in the world.

Near Lienz you can admire the Galitzenklamm Gorge: the incredible waterfalls that form beautiful water features.

San Candido – Lienz, the Drau cycle path: where to sleep?

Along the cycle path from San Candido to Lienz there are many places to sleep.
The route crosses many towns and it is therefore possible to make several stops, even for the night.

Starting from Dobbiaco or San Candido you cross: Sillian, Tassenbach, Abaltersbach, Mittewald, Thal and Leinz.

These small towns have a lot of offer, so that one day is not enough to visit them all. Thanks to the large number of hotels on offer, you can spend a weekend in the name of culture, sport and the open air.

They are also very well connected, so you can stop at any of these stages and go back by train.

You can rent bicycles at the starting point and leave them directly at the station in Lienz or at one of the stations you are passing through, thus returning comfortably by train.

You will start from San Candido and reach Lienz with breathtaking landscapes, forests, wooden houses and fields of geraniums to surround this path all to be discovered.

Let yourself be enchanted by the Drau cycle path!