1. Route
Can I also ride the Meridiem Trail in the other direction—from Villach to Vienna?
Of course, the Meridiem Trail can also be ridden from Villach to Vienna—as well as from Villach to Graz and from Graz to Vienna. You can find the corresponding GPS tracks in the route overview of the respective navigation package on ``Ride with GPS``. In addition to the route from Vienna to Villach, the route from Villach to Vienna is also available there.
How long are the individual stages?
You can decide on the length of each stage based on your own preferences and plans. If you follow our suggestions, plan for ten days, covering between 55 and 65 kilometers each day, to complete the entire 600-kilometer Meridiem Trail. The ten stages are included in the GPS track.
Does the route go along roads or bike paths?
The Meridiem Trail follows existing bike paths and bike routes along quiet side streets 95% of the time. There are a few sections where there is no bike path, but these are marked as bike routes on the road.
What are the ground conditions and road surface like on the Meridiem Trail?
Over 92% of the proposed route is on asphalt, about 5% is on paved and compacted surfaces, and about 3% is on gravel. However, it is possible to bypass this 3%.
2. Equipment
Which bike is recommended for the tour?
A touring bike or gravel bike is ideal for this ride. You can certainly manage the ride on a road bike as well.
Do I have to carry my luggage on the bike?
No, that’s not absolutely necessary. Our partner, PEDALO, offers a luggage transport service that moves your luggage from one accommodation to the next. You can book this service directly through PEDALO.
3. GPS track
How do I access the GPS track?
1. Go to www.meridiemtrail.com/gps-track
2. Select your desired stages—6 or 12 stages—and pay
3. Receive a PDF document with a personal download code via email
4. Download the “Ride with GPS” app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store
5. Open the app
6. Optional: Create a free account—the premium version is not necessary!
7. Click “More” and then “Open Shortcut”
8. Enter the download code
9. Open the track on your phone or export it to other devices like Garmin—and hit the road!
Do I really need the GPS track?
Of course, you can ride the Meridiem Trail without a GPS track. However, with the GPS track, you get route guidance accurate to the meter and are always notified if a section of the route changes. In addition, the GPS track includes all bike-friendly accommodations, restaurants, information on attractions, descriptions of special places, and much more that is useful for a successful long-distance cycling trip. This makes planning much easier and turns the trip into a carefree experience.
Where can I access the GPS track?
The GPS track can be accessed via the "Ride with GPS" app. The app can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet. Unfortunately, the track cannot be accessed via the ridewithgps.com website.
Can I just follow the bike paths instead of using the GPS track?
The Meridiem Trail runs almost entirely along existing bike paths. You can find a list of these bike paths, as well as the GPS track, in the “Ride with GPS” app. Simply open the relevant route and click on “Bike Paths at a Glance” in the overview.
Is the route also available in print?
No, at this time the exact route is only available as a digital GPS track. Due to high demand, a printed cycling guide is in the works, but it won’t be available until 2027.
Can I use the GPS track in other systems as well?
Yes. Once the GPS track has been downloaded from “Ride with GPS,” the GPX file can be exported and imported into other systems, such as Garmin. However, you are not permitted to publish, sell, or share the Meridiem Trail GPS track, use the tracks for commercial purposes, or make the download codes or routes publicly available. Use is permitted exclusively for private purposes—of course, other systems may also be used for purely private purposes.
