4.4
(18)
246
riders
23
rides
Touring cycling around Paternion offers routes through the lower Drau Valley, bordered by the Gailtal Alps. The region features diverse landscapes, including the Drau River, green meadows, and surrounding mountains and lakes. Cycling infrastructure includes sections of the Drau Cycle Path, with routes incorporating paved and unpaved surfaces. The terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to routes with moderate elevation changes.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
5.0
(3)
42
riders
32.1km
02:16
450m
450m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
29
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
30
riders
15.2km
00:57
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(4)
24
riders
20.0km
01:31
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
13
riders
22.3km
01:29
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The most beautiful section is the one between the sleepy Oberdrauburg and Spittal with Schloss Porcia, one of Austria's most picturesque castles.
1
0
The Drau Cycle Path leads you to southern serenity and joie de vivre, spoils you with boundless cultural richness and down-to-earth culinary delights in the three-country region of Austria-Italy-Slovenia. Time and again, tranquil spots by the water invite you to rest - on the Drau and its tributaries, by rushing waterfalls, green shimmering oxbow lakes, mighty reservoirs and sparkling swimming lakes.
2
0
Very beautiful area, cycling here is really fun
0
0
At least it's asphalt again, the motorway will be annoying later.😜🚴😕
0
0
The Drau is somewhat dreary from Spital to Villach
1
1
Luckily it wasn't that crowded where I was!
0
0
very nice section of the trail!
0
0
Paternion offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes, with over 20 routes available. These range in difficulty from easy riverside paths to more challenging ascents, ensuring options for various skill levels.
The region is ideal for touring cycling from spring through autumn. The Drau Cycle Path, a major highlight, is accessible for multi-stage tours through scenic Carinthia and beyond. The ferry across the Drau between Lansach and Feffernitz operates from May to September, offering a unique river crossing experience.
The touring cycling routes around Paternion cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 11 easy routes, 9 moderate routes, and 3 more difficult options. Easy routes often follow the Drau River with minimal elevation, while difficult routes, like the Paternion Fountain – Zlan Reservoir loop from Paternion, include significant ascents.
Yes, many routes around Paternion are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular View of the Drau River – Trail along the Drau loop from Paternion, which offers scenic views along the Drau River, and the easier Drava Cycle Path – View of the Drava River loop from Neu-Feffernitz.
Cycling around Paternion offers breathtaking natural scenery. You'll encounter the picturesque Drau River and its valley, green meadows, and impressive mountain backdrops from the Gailtal Alps. Nearby, the beautiful Millstätter See provides bathing opportunities and a scenic lakeside promenade, while the Villach local mountain, Dobratsch, is part of an eponymous nature park.
Absolutely. Paternion itself boasts the striking Paternion Castle. History enthusiasts can explore the rock carvings of the Hundskirche or visit nearby castles like those at Pöllan and Kreuzen. The area also features early Christian church excavations near Molzbichl. For art lovers, the 'Grünspan' art association regularly hosts cultural events in a former stable building.
While cycling directly through Paternion, you might not encounter major waterfalls on the immediate routes. However, the wider region offers natural wonders such as the Hersogfall Waterfall and Herzogfall, which are located in nearby gorges like the Gösseringgraben, providing opportunities for side trips or extended tours.
Yes, Paternion offers several family-friendly options, particularly along the Drau Cycle Path. Routes like the Drava Cycle Path – View of the Drava River loop from Paternion are relatively flat and easy, making them suitable for families with children. The path along the Drau River offers a mix of paved and unpaved sections, providing varied terrain for a pleasant family outing.
Paternion, as a hub for outdoor activities, generally offers parking facilities suitable for accessing cycling routes. Specific parking information for individual trailheads can often be found on local tourism websites or detailed route descriptions. Many routes, especially those starting directly in Paternion or Neu-Feffernitz, are easily accessible by car with nearby parking.
Paternion is well-connected within the Carinthia region. The Drau Cycle Path, which passes directly through Paternion, is often accessible via regional train services that allow bicycle transport, making it convenient to reach starting points or return from longer tours. Local bus services may also connect to various points along the cycling network.
Yes, the region around Paternion is dotted with villages and towns that offer opportunities for refreshments. Along the Drau Cycle Path and other routes, you'll find cafes, restaurants, and guesthouses where you can refuel. Paternion itself has amenities, and larger towns like Villach, which is easily accessible, provide a wider range of options.
The touring cycling routes around Paternion are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic views along the Drau River, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse terrain that caters to different skill levels. Over 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore this varied landscape.
Yes, the renowned Drau Cycle Path passes directly through Paternion and is a central feature of the region's touring cycling. Many routes incorporate sections of this path, such as the Drava Cycle Path – Drau Riverside Trail loop from Mühlboden, offering scenic riverside cycling with varying surfaces from asphalt to gravel.


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