The Val Pusteria cycling path is one of the most popular in the whole Alpine arc, and a short stretch tells you why. It links the main villages of the valley, from Rio di Pusteria to Brunico and on to San Candido, on a route that's largely protected and gently graded, crossing meadows, forests and old town centres with the Dolomites always in the background. It's built to suit everyone: families with kids, easygoing cycle tourists, and anyone who just wants the scenery without too much effort.
Its real strength is the pairing with the Val Pusteria railway, set up to carry bikes: you can pedal one way and take the train back, or take the train to skip the dull stretches. At San Candido the route joins the Drava cycling path, which runs around 44 kilometres in a near-continuous gentle descent to Lienz in East Tyrol, across the Austrian border. Along the way there's no shortage of rest stops, farm restaurants and sights worth slowing down for, and from Lienz you ride the train back to San Candido.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Val Pusteria cycling path suitable for families?
Yes, it's one of the most family-friendly routes: it runs mostly on a protected lane with gentle gradients and plenty of rest stops between Rio di Pusteria, Brunico and San Candido.
Can you return by train with your bicycle?
Yes. The Val Pusteria train takes bikes, so you can pedal one way and come back by rail. The same goes if you carry on along the Drava cycling path to Lienz.