What drives us
It all started with an idea
A few years ago, the idea for the Meridiem Trail was still barely conceivable—but it has matured over time. Beautiful bike paths have been created, the e-bike revolution has opened up new possibilities for people of all ages, and improvements in mobility—most notably the opening of the Koralm Tunnel—have provided the final piece of the puzzle for a perfect story.
At the start of our planning, it all seemed a bit abstract, but as we rode on, so much changed with every kilometer in the saddle. We found the perfect route: one wonderful bike path after another, strung together like pearls on a string to form the ideal route. The Meridiem Trail makes use of existing bike paths throughout its entire length and runs along Austria’s eastern and southern states from Vienna to Villach. Everyone can determine the length of their daily stage themselves. The Meridiem Trail’s route, which passes numerous train stations, makes it easy for travelers to put together their ideal itinerary.
When, if not now?
Beautiful cities and towns in five Austrian states, as well as stretches of road in Hungary and Slovenia, are just waiting to be explored. Places you may never have visited before, but that you absolutely must experience at least once.
Everyone can experience their own story. Along the Sun Route—the Strada del Sole.
What matters to us
What really matters in life are personal experiences and encounters. Yet the digital world is making us increasingly isolated, and real life in nature is taking up less and less of our free time. To change that, we need authentic stories that everyone can experience. We want to inspire people to embark on a journey they may never have taken before—cycling toward the sun. In doing so, we want to showcase the most wonderful regions and their people, their diversity and hidden treasures. Where do people live? How do they live? What shapes them? Along the Meridiem Trail, you’ll gather so many impressions that shed new light on the 12 regions. Mindfulness and authentic experiences are important to us. You just have to take the plunge and rediscover your passion for real stories.
What we promise
The Meridiem Trail connects the beauty of 12 regions and winds through Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia all the way to the Italian border. When choosing the route, our main priority was to showcase the most beautiful spots in the regions along the way. The easiest way to experience a region’s culture is through its cuisine. But the cities’ distinctive landmarks, historic sites, and an impressive variety of landscapes also make the Meridiem Trail one of the most extraordinary long-distance cycling routes in Europe.
We use only existing bike paths
We haven’t always chosen the most direct route between our stops. We avoid highways, dangerous stretches of road, and arduous mountain passes. The beauty of the landscape and safety on our journey take priority. That’s why we use bike paths that offer the most scenic yet still the most direct route along the way. It’s not about getting the trip over with as quickly as possible. It’s about offering you the most beautiful and, at the same time, the most sensible bike route.
Travel by train – and through the new Koralm Tunnel
In the spirit of sustainable mobility, the Meridiem Trail aims to utilize train stations and rail connections in southern Austria, thereby offering cyclists numerous options for continuing their journey or returning home. Especially with the new Koralm Railway connection between Graz and Klagenfurt and the new 33-kilometer-long Koralm Tunnel, the bike tour between Vienna and Villach takes on a whole new dimension. Over 15 train stations along the entire route ensure sustainable and always flexible travel planning. A truly unique promise that the Meridiem Trail can deliver.
Experience sustainability on two wheels
Sustainability in action shouldn’t just be a buzzword. When you choose to travel along the Meridiem Trail, you’ll ride on existing bike paths, use public transportation, enjoy authentic regional cuisine, and stay in hotels and guesthouses that place a special emphasis on a regional circular economy. We make use of existing resources and want to show you sights that hold particular significance for the local community. We don’t chase trends or point out hyped-up photo spots—we show you real life.
Good, clean, fair: We enjoy food according to the Slow Food principle
On a trip to the south, you’ll discover an impressive culinary diversity. Good—clean—fair. Delicious regional dishes prepared in the traditional way. Clean food that is not only organic but also sourced locally. Fair prices, both for food producers and for guests. Following the principles of Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, you’ll discover many taverns and restaurants in southern Austria that offer authentic regional cuisine. But wine lovers will also find plenty to enjoy on the Meridiem Trail—where else in Europe can you travel through so many different wine regions in a single trip?
Ride with GPS – the perfect companion for your bike ride
We have driven the Meridiem Trail route several times. We’ve selected the best route and keep the GPS track constantly up to date: All the key information on accommodations, restaurants, attractions, transportation options, service stations, and route tips can be found there and is continuously updated. The perfect travel companion guarantees perfect service: With the GPS track from Ride with GPS, everyone travels with their own professional guide.
My Story
on the trail
For me, it was a real stroke of luck to discover the Meridiem Trail—Austria’s most beautiful and appealing cycling route—without having to make a detour through tourist hubs. I only really got into cycling a few years ago. Now—as someone in my 50s—I want to encourage everyone to explore regions that you simply can’t experience by car. Constantly being glued to a computer or phone is making us increasingly numb as human beings. We need to get out, we need to get into nature, away from all those digital influences. Plus, the Meridiem Trail wasn’t created by AI. Behind the Meridiem Trail, alongside me, are people who have poured their heart and soul into this project. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many wonderful stories while riding the route multiple times. However, I don’t want to give these away in advance, because everyone is free to—and should—write their own story on their journey between Vienna and Villach.
Look forward to spring 2026—that’s when the adventure begins! Yours, Christian Kresse
100% authentic content, no AI
Everything you see and read on this website—all the text, photos, and experiences, as well as the entire route—is personally curated and presented by passionate cyclists. We are people who want to offer something to others. We still operate without AI. Our love and passion for authentic and genuine stories are reflected in the Meridiem Trail.
Note on the language
For the sake of readability, this website does not use gender-specific forms. All references to people naturally apply to all genders.
