Via Claudia Augusta
753 km
The easiest Alpine crossing for cyclists
This cycle trail makes it possible to relive the cultural and trade route of the Roman Empire: Emperor Claudius expanded the Via Claudia Augusta for it to become the first real road across the Alps. Until 2 AD it was the most important connection between the Adriatic and both the Po Valley and the western foothills of the Alps. Today you can still follow this historic trail and experience a combination of beautiful scenery and sleepy villages.
The trail starts in Donauwörth (Bavaria) and leads towards Augsburg along peaceful trails. You can’t miss the opportunity to visit the romantic castle of Neuschwanstein. At the gateway to the Tirol you will find the castles of the Ehrenberg and a picturesque pass. The valleys that follow offer a number of sights, including the Haus der Fasnacht, a carnival museum in Imst, the wild waters of the Tirol in Zams and the Archaeological Museum in Fließ.
Towards the end the trail becomes a little more challenging as it passes through the Finstermünz and on to the Reschen Pass. The trail then continues towards South Tyrol, past the idyllic waters of the Reschensee and the south side of the Alps down to Merano and Bolzano, where cyclists can expect Italian flair and the dolce vita. From the historic town of Trient the trail continues either to the old Roman harbour in Altino, near Venice, where you can enjoy the wonders of the “floating city” or along the slightly less challenging section to Ostiglia on the River Po.
Start: Donauwörth (D)
Aim: Altino oder Ostiglia (I)
Donauwörth (D)
Altino oder Ostiglia (I)
Level of difficulty:
Intermediate/advancedTerrain:
Asphalt or gravel cycle trail and quiet minor roads
Ideal time to travel
April - OctoberSignposting:
Via Claudia AugustaMobility & Return transfer:
By train or with the pick-up bus – Further information: www.viaclaudia.org
Further information:
T: +43 664 2763555E: info@viaclaudia.org
www.viaclaudia.org
Cycling accommodation providers in Austria Via Claudia Augusta
You will find bicycle-friendly accommodation establishments with the ADFC bett+bike seal of quality all along the best cycle trails in Austria. They range from small inns to 4-star hotels. If you’re looking for accommodation on particular cycle trails or in particular Austrian states, you can use the filters options.
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