Wörthersee Gravel Race

When it comes to gravel biking, many cycling enthusiasts think of adventurous trails and quite difficult terrain to conquer. However, Carinthia, Austria’s most southern state, offers gravel pedalers much more. In addition to the very selective terrain and the numerous warm bathing lakes, the region also surprises with its vicinity to Italy and Slovenia and lots of perfectly researched lost places. A one-day tour from Lake Wörthersee includes many impressions of three cultures with alternating landscapes.

When thinking of the Alps and gravel biking, many bikers immediately think of adventurous trails where the bike needs to be walked. Not so at Lake Wörthersee and in Carinthia. The term “pleasure gravel” seems quite appropriate here. Insiders of the scene describe the region as quite easy but with an even greater variety of terrain. Tough climbs up to the tree line, rapid descents on wide trails and plenty of lakes with drinking water quality are common features of the tours, alongside the many lost places. Another big advantage of Carinthia is its privileged climate. While many other alpine destinations have to live with low temperatures and sometimes snowfall in the fall, Carinthia still enjoys pleasant temperatures and usually many hours of sunshine. In spring, the tours are soon free of snow and can even be enjoyed from the end of March after snowy winters. The popular swimming season starts in Carinthia in mid-May.

Carinthia has played an important strategic role since Celtic times, and this continued during the monarchy and the great wars. What remains here are numerous silent witnesses of history, which can now be perfectly explored by gravel bike with the help of a few tour tips. Together with local Lost Place book authors, two exciting topics have been linked, which provide the hip gravel bikers with plenty of picture opportunities and excitement.

For many decades, a dark shadow covered the Alps-Adriatic region. Numerous battles in the great wars and controversial disputes divided the region. Many forts were built during these times, which today are a silent reminder and are popular destinations for excursions.

Carinthia and the surrounding regions of Slovenia and Italy are now very proud of their shared culture and cross-border identity. All cyclists are especially delighted about this, as fantastic tours lead through the three countries.

At the crossroads of the three countries, for example, are the Julian Alps, whose majestic mountains provide truly breathtaking scenery. Riding a gravel bike directly under the steep rock walls and enjoying culinary stops with spectacular views is a very special experience.

But that’s not all. From Lake Wörthersee, you can reach the Adriatic Sea within 200 km through the Julian Alps and Julian Prealps. The Alpe-Adria cycle path “Ciclovia Alpe-Adria” is very popular here – even on asphalt. This leads along the abandoned railroad line over bridges and through tunnels from the Italian border town of Tarvisio to the sea.

After your day trips, Lake Wörthersee offers you the perfect conditions for relaxing hours and top-class bars and restaurants. Austria’s most beautiful and best-known lake attracts many celebrities from all over the world all year round. But they are not the only ones who attract much attention on the chic promenades. When gravel bikers and road cyclists ride through the popular spots, they can be sure to get plenty of interesting looks.

You can find all information about gravel biking on Lake Wörthersee here.