The San Candido Lienz cycle path in South Tyrol, Alta Pusteria: how to find bikes and equipment for hire, the route and rest stops, but also how to go back by comfortable train. Among the rest stops also the famous Loacker Factory, read the post for the path suitable for families.
La S. Candido-Lienz cycle path it is certainly one of the most beautiful and popular slopes of allSouth Tyrol. With this post, I aim to make you curious and push you to organize an itinerary that I am sure you will love very much.
S. Candido-Lienz: the Drau cycle path
Also called the Drava Cycle Path, due to the fact that it runs along the river of the same name for a long 45 kilometers with a very gentle drop of about 500 meters downhill towards Lienz.
The peculiarity of this cycle path is precisely this: thecrossing the Italian-Austrian border in one of the most beautiful scenarios that a cyclist can admire. I say cyclist but it is also valid, and above all, for families with children, simple enthusiasts and people totally unfamiliar with any approach to two wheels.
The other peculiarity of this cycle path is the possibility to travel the return journey comfortably by train. In addition, the train - for those who have their own bikes in tow - is equipped with special wagons for transporting bikes.
Suitable for any type of bicycle, whether city-bike or mountain-bike, the Drava cycle path is aunmissable experience for all visitors who go on holiday in the Pusteria Valley.
What to expect from the trail
The well-marked and well-maintained trail starts from the pretty town of San Candido (a real Tyrolean wedding favor) and ends in the Austrian Lienz crossing valleys, meadows, small typical towns and then again woods and wonderful waterfalls.
For the traveler who was in Val Pusteria without a bike, no problem. In the city of San Candido alone, there are two points where it is possible to rent not only a bicycle but also all the necessary equipment. One is located in the pedestrian center, just behind the magnificent Collegiata. The other is right in the train station. The cost of the daily rental includes a bottle of water, a map of the route and, with a small surcharge, the return ticket on the train of the Austrian railways.
S. Candido-Lienz: a safe path
The rental cost may vary depending on the model chosen, with age, based on the presence of accessories such as child seat, pet trolley etc. Along the way there are several assistance points to deal with any eventuality such as an unlikely, but possible puncture, chain breakdowns and the like.
The staff is ready to replace the bike or for immediate repair.
Also along the cycle path you can pleasantly stop in one of the many refreshment points called Gasthof, visit the Loacker factory with its greedy museum / laboratory / shop. Or take a dip in the pools at the spa. And still explore the Gorges of Galicia where, for a very low price, it is possible to reach the magnificent belvedere from which you can admire the waterfall in all its impetuosity.
The arrival in Lienz
After approx 4 hours, including breaks, upon arrival in Lienz the bike must be deposited at the appropriate stand at the station showing the payment receipt issued at the point of origin. From here you can choose whether to return immediately to San Candido by taking the train Obb (the return trips are quite frequent and the journey takes about 40 minutes) or explore Lienz by taking a tour of its lovely old town. Maybe enjoying a tea, a chocolate or a refreshing typical beer.
South Tyrol is wonderful and being able to explore its landscapes on a bike in complete freedom was fantastic.
Just a warning: it is true that the difference in height towards Lienz is downhill but I am right there two or three short climbs really, really tough. Taking into consideration this objective difficulty, I am sure that you will not have particular problems during your itinerary.
