Vienna
Kickoff in the nation's capital
Vienna on the Danube—what a wonderful city to start the Meridiem Trail! Getting there by train is easy. Vienna has become a cycling hub, making it very easy to explore the city center before your bike tour begins. Our tour begins at the Urania Observatory, the intersection of numerous bike paths along the Danube Canal. You can explore the famous Vienna Prater, cross the Danube via the Reichsbrücke, take a look at the United Nations (UN) headquarters, before finally heading south along the Danube.
Bruck an der Leitha
in the Danube region
The county seat, surrounded by the picturesque vineyards of Carnuntum, combines historical treasures with a modern flair. Eastern Austria’s best-preserved fortress complex, Harrach Park—one of Europe’s most outstanding landscape gardens—which adjoins Prugg Castle, and, of course, the Roman city of Carnuntum all bear witness to this town’s great historical significance. Bruck an der Leitha is charming and easy to navigate. All around the town, you’ll find charming little villages that invite you to visit.
Eisenstadt
The capital of Burgenland
At the foot of the Leitha Mountains lies this city of 16,000 residents, characterized by culture, music, and history. Esterházy Palace, the Haydn House, and the Bergkirche with the Kalvarienberg are all worthwhile destinations. The main square invites you to linger and relax. Eisenstadt can rightly call itself a cycling city. Numerous Burgenland bike paths lead through the state capital. Those who want to cover a few more kilometers on their route can cycle on to Rust am See, the town of storks. Renowned winemakers right in the heart of town, great restaurants, and wine taverns.
Köszeg / Güns
the Royal Free City
Nestled among rolling hills, fragrant forests, and historic villages, the Meridiem Trail follows the legendary EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail. The charming town of Kőszeg, often called “The Pearl of the Alpine Foothills,” captivates visitors with its medieval charm. Jurisics Square, the imposing Jurisics Castle, and the small cafés create an atmosphere that invites you to linger. Beyond Kőszeg, vineyards and orchards stretch out. In Cák, it’s worth stopping by the historic wine press houses. From here, the trail leads to Velem, where the region’s peaks were once inhabited by the Celts, where the Hungarian Holy Crown was kept before being evacuated to America after World War II, and where, in the fall, local chestnuts are roasted in a pan in front of the houses. The final leg to Bozsok winds through shady forests, accompanied by the murmur of streams and the scent of wildflowers. At the crystal-clear spring of “Malom Porta,” you can refill your water bottle and recharge your energy for the rest of the journey. The local pastry shop offers delicious sweets. The route is easy to moderately difficult, ideal for leisurely hikers and families. Rest areas, viewpoints, and cozy inns invite you to take a break.
Güssing
Down-to-earth and worth seeing
Coming from the vineyards of the Eisenberg, you’ll soon catch sight of your destination. Visible from afar, the imposing Güssing Castle—built in the 12th century—rises from a volcanic hill and dominates the entire townscape. This small but charming town is bustling with activity. You’ll quickly find yourself immersed in the daily life of the locals. A glance at the gardens and fields reveals the down-to-earth way of life in this region. Here, you can experience the authentic life of a small town up close and enjoy the regional specialties of Southern Burgenland. Surrounded by many small forests and a tranquil hilly landscape, you can sense that the start of the next stage will be quite varied.
Feldbach
A city on the rise
Feldbach is one of those places in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region that immediately captures your heart. With a strong sense of community, foresight, and drive, the town is evolving gently while preserving its unique character. Nestled in the heart of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region, you can feel a vibrant energy here. Lovingly designed squares, striking buildings, and numerous small details tell the story of a town that consciously shapes its living environment. Feldbach combines economic strength with a high quality of life—driven by people who passionately shape their region. The region’s full culinary diversity is also on display here. The Vulkanland Route 66—the Road of Joy in the Thermen- & Vulkanland—stands for enjoyment, craftsmanship, and quality. Its products reflect the power of the landscape and the creativity of its people. High above the surrounding area, the impressive Riegersburg Castle stands watch. The mighty 12th-century fortress, which was never conquered, is one of the region’s most significant landmarks and dominates the landscape.
Gleisdorf
The Sun in My Heart
Cyclists experience the landscape and the people more intensely—and in Gleisdorf, exercise meets a zest for life. This town, which carries the sun in its heart, lies at the confluence of the Raab, Rabnitz, and Laßnitz rivers and is rightly called the “Gateway to Eastern Styria.” Open, warm, and full of energy—here, the sun isn’t just shining on the rooftops, but can be felt in every smile. Anyone cycling through Gleisdorf along the Raab Valley Bike Path or one of the many regional routes will find plenty of reasons to take a short break. Amid a blooming city park, secluded shaded spots, and cozy sun loungers, culture and cuisine await in a compact space: whether at forumKLOSTER, the MiR—Museum in City Hall, the Kulturkeller, or the Haus der Musik—art and community are part of the cityscape here. Local boutiques, cozy cafés, and regional inns invite you to feel the sun in your heart—over an ice cream, a coffee, or a Styrian snack at the numerous wine taverns. During the summer months, the Gleisdorf Wave Pool also provides refreshing relief and a vacation vibe right in the heart of the Solar City.
Graz
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city—and also the second-largest on the Meridiem Trail—enchants visitors with its distinctive blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean lifestyle. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers an impressive architectural diversity spanning many eras, along with a relaxed, southern-style atmosphere that invites you to linger.No wonder, then, that Graz also bears the title “Austria’s Capital of Culinary Delights.” South of the Alps, exceptional products from innovative producers are crafted here and transformed into culinary masterpieces in the city’s kitchens. Whether in an elegant restaurant, a rustic tavern, or a shaded outdoor dining area—here you can enjoy Styrian cuisine at its finest.
Graz is also a vibrant university town. More than 60,000 students shape the cityscape and create a young, dynamic atmosphere. You can feel this in the numerous bars and restaurants, in the squares—and, of course, on the bike paths, because cycling is simply part of life in Graz.
A special highlight for lovers of numbers and symbolism is Eggenberg Palace. The so-called “Calendar House” impresses with its unique architecture: 365 windows for the days of the year, 31 rooms, 24 state rooms with 52 windows—and in the magnificent Planetary Hall, the seven days of the week and twelve months are symbolically represented.
Eibiswald
Between the Koralpe Mountains and the vineyards
Eibiswald is an ideal stop along the Meridiem Trail: diverse and perfect for anyone traveling by bike. The region offers an extensive network of over 2,000 km of marked mountain bike and leisure trails—ranging from short scenic loops to challenging trails—which are maintained by the local cycling club and accessible via a free app. Those who prefer a leisurely ride can take the approximately 30-kilometer-long “Radelikat” loop with its regional gourmet stops. More athletic cyclists will find 50 varied tour options leading up to the Koralpe. Amidst rolling hills and the Koralpe, you’ll find clear vantage points, family-friendly paths, a new pump track, as well as lakes and swimming spots in the area—ideal places to take a break. When it comes to food and drink, you’re in good hands in Schilcherland: wine taverns, small artisan shops, and winemakers invite you to enjoy regional specialties and wines. Culture enthusiasts will find museums, historic sites, and a lively program of events in Eibiswald and the surrounding area. In short: arrive, start your bike tours, enjoy the local flavors, and feel free to stay longer. For more information, tour tips, and accommodations, contact the market town of Eibiswald or the Eibiswald Cycling Club.
Lavamünd
and the Lavant Valley
At the crossroads of two linguistic cultures, Lavamünd is a place where people come together. The Meridiem Trail, the Lavan Cycle Route (R10), and the Drau Cycle Route (R1) all pass through Lavamünd, drawing many cyclists to this beautiful market town every year. Lavamünd is also the starting point for Stage 15 of the Southern Alps Panorama Trail. A ride on the famous Draufloss Lavamünd is a must, and a dip in the cool waters of the natural swimming lake Laquamünd awaits. In the Lavant Valley, enjoyment is your constant companion. Whether on foot or by bike—after your physical activity, we recommend taking a break to enjoy some art and culture. Slow Food producers and restaurants offer a treat for your palate.Saint Kanzian
at Lake Klopein
Vacationers and locals alike rave about this wonderful little corner of the world. No fewer than three lakes and a seemingly endless array of entertainment and excursion options are waiting to be discovered by you. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in two of Europe’s warmest swimming lakes, Lake Klopeiner See and Lake Turnersee. There’s no shortage of water sports of every kind. Kleinsee, a remnant of the last Ice Age, is perfect for walking or cycling around. If that’s too flat for you, pedal hard up Steinerberg and zoom down the Mountain Bike Flow Trail, or take a leisurely stroll along the Slow Trail to the Kitzelberg viewing platform—a breathtaking panorama of Southern Carinthia is guaranteed!
Klagenfurt
at Lake Wörthersee
Welcome to Klagenfurt am Wörthersee—the southernmost stop on your bike tour from Vienna to Carinthia. Here, culture, nature, and cuisine come together to create a unique experience. Between Lake Wörthersee and the Old Town, a cyclist’s paradise awaits you: diverse, enjoyable, and full of southern charm. Whether it’s the Lend Canal, the Glan Cycle Path, the Wörthersee Cycle Path, or the Drau Cycle Path—fantastic tours start right here. Afterward, markets, bars, and cafés invite you to relax and enjoy. Culture, creativity, and bike-friendly accommodations round out the experience.Lake Wörthersee
Lake Wörthersee uniquely combines cycling, leisure, and culture. A diverse network of trails runs along the turquoise-blue lake, winding through rolling hills, open forests, and charming towns. Those who start in Velden will ride past the famous castle and enjoy the lively, Mediterranean atmosphere around the western bay. The route continues to Pörtschach, where elegant lakeside resorts, historic villas, and secluded promenades invite you to linger. A short detour to the church in Maria Wörth, situated on a peninsula, is one of the classic scenic highlights of any tour around the lake. Culinary-wise, the region invites you to choose between traditional Carinthian cuisine and modern Alpe-Adria gastronomy—whether in a cozy inn or on a lakeside terrace at sunset.
Villach
Cycling fun between the mountains, the lake, and the city
In the Villach – Faaker See – Ossiacher See region, cycling becomes a true adventure. Where turquoise waters, rolling Alpine peaks, and a Mediterranean lifestyle come together, countless routes await leisure cyclists, gravel enthusiasts, and mountain bikers alike. Whether you’re taking a leisurely ride along the shores of Lake Faaker See and Lake Ossiacher See, tackling the climb to Dobratsch Nature Park, or crossing borders in the tri-border region with Slovenia and Italy—the diverse landscape delights with winding roads, spectacular panoramas, and plenty of sunshine. Before, between, or after your rides, the Drau city of Villach invites you to linger with its Alpe-Adria flair, cozy cafés, and regional cuisine—the perfect complement to an unforgettable day of cycling. Here in Villach, the Carinthians’ zest for life is palpable, and celebration is a top priority. Those seeking relaxation will find it in Warmbad-Villach at the modern KärntenTherme—perfect for rejuvenating tired legs.
