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Cycle route through Middle Europe
Description of the cycle guide and route through Middle Europe
This route links Prague with the Mediterranean Sea. Having crossed the beautiful historic city of Prague by bicycle, the route then continues through the undulating countryside to the beautiful little South Bohemian towns of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. After Český Krumlov the higher hills of Šumava or Bohemian Forest follow. From the valley of the Moldau you climb up to the Czech border with Austria with its vast forests and fantastic views into the distance. Once over the border there’s a number of climbs and descents before descending completely to the Danube. You cross this great river on a ferry boat. You follow the cycle paths along the river Enns to the town of the same name and then on to the beautiful old town of Steyr. Further upstream you come to the wonderful Nationalpark Kalkalpen, or Limestone Alps National Park. The area remains largely untouched by human hand, probably because it was for many decades the exclusive hunting grounds belonging to the Austrian government. The water is so clean you can drink it straight from the river. A cycle path slowly rises up to a pass with wonderful views. Continue following the river Enns after the park, although the route occasionally rises up along the side of the valley. The natural beauty remains stunning. Back to level cycling at Selzthal. From here you can head to Salzburg (see the Salzburg - Venice cycle guide). Because the section up to Selzthal is the most difficult on the whole route, you can also start in Salzburg and continue on from Selzthal.
The route crosses over the Austrian Alps on a relatively low pass (849 metres), followed by another low pass on the way to Carinthia. In the south of Carinthia at Spittal an der Drau (Drava) the route splits into two branches, one goes to Venice and the other to Istria. The one going to Venice follows the Drau upstream and when it reaches Villach it connects with the route from Salzburg to Venice (see also the Salzburg - Venice: Middle Europe cycle guide part 2). The route to Istria travels southwards over the Karawanks mountain range to Slovenia. The route goes over the Seebergsattel (Seeberg Saddle) pass. It’s quite a pleasant cycle up the pass, little traffic and apart from about one kilometre, it gradually climbs to the top needing just a little extra effect. Thereafter it descends to Kranj on the river Sava. From here you can head towards Ljubljana the capital, or go via Bled to the Julian Alps at Tolmin in the direction of Italy (Salzburg-Venice). After Kranj the main route goes southwards through lower hill country before reaching the Karst Plateau. After the highest point you descend through the woods to the fantastic castle at Predjama - a real medieval stronghold build into the cliff face. You descend even further down to the sea over the folds of the Karst Plateau. You can choose between a lovely trip through the interior of Istria to Porec in Croatia, or take shorter route to Piran and the Slovenian coast. The ferry to Venice operates from both places between April and October.
Together with the Salzburg - Venice guide you can make a wonderful cycle trip through the mountains of Austria, Slovenia and the north-east of Italy that also takes you along the coast of Istria.
Map
General information
Price: €24,50
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Edition/Year of publication: 2nd edition 2019
Language: Dutch
Distance: Prague – Porec 935 km, Prague – Villach 760 km, Prague – Venice 1032 km
Traffic-free kilometres: ± 300 (Porec) or 450 (Venice) kilometres
Difficulty rating: Generally pretty easy with a few steep climbs in Southern Bohemia. For the route to Porec, you climb through the Karawanks mountains (not too difficult) and then just another four kilometres through the Karst Plateau.
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Map samples
Sample pages with detailed maps and height profiles.
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