From San Candido to Lienz by bike:
43 easy and panoramic km along the Drava
One of the most beloved excursions in the entire Upper Puster Valley, perfect for families, groups, and cyclists of all levels, is undoubtedly the San Candido–Lienz cycle path. A safe route, immersed in nature, offering comfort and breathtaking scenic beauty, with a gentle slope always in favor of the cyclist.
The route: Gentle descent through forests, villages, and nature
The starting point is San Candido’s Piazza del Magistrato, at an altitude of 1,173 m. From here, follow the cycle path towards the Austrian border, passing the Maxi-Tempele supermarket on Via Mercato Vecchio, and following clear signs for Lienz.
The cycle path largely follows the course of the Drava River, winding through shaded forests, pastures, and small Tyrolean villages like Versciaco, Sillian, Tassenbach, Abfaltersbach, Mittewald, and Thal. The landscape changes gently, inviting you to enjoy every kilometer at your own pace.
Services, safety, and fun for everyone
The cycle path is well-equipped and very popular, especially in the summer months. On the Austrian stretch, you’ll find:
- Water fountains
- Rest areas with tables and benches
- SOS columns and free assistance points
- Stations with tools for bike maintenance
For families, a recommended stop is the Wichtelpark in Sillian, a lovely playground immersed in nature, just a few meters from the cycle path.
Arrival in Lienz and return by train
The route ends in Lienz, a charming town in Eastern Tyrol at an altitude of 673 m. Here, you can visit the historic center, relax in one of the many cafes, and then easily return by train to San Candido.
If you’ve rented a bike, no worries: many services allow you to drop off the bike directly in Lienz, for a small additional fee. This way, you can return without any worries!
Technical data
- Starting point: Piazza del Magistrato, San Candido
- Ending point: Lienz
- Distance: 43 km
- Elevation: 500 m downhill
- Average time: about 2 hours (without stops)
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for everyone
- Bike rental in San Candido:
- Papin Sport – Tel.: +39 0474 913450
- Trojer Martin – Tel.: +39 0474 913216
On vacation with children or looking for an active day, the San Candido–Lienz cycle path is an experience to live at least once: enchanting landscapes, excellent services, and that sense of freedom that only a bike can provide.
