Spittal – Villach

We awoke to bells from the church across the street announcing another beautiful sunny day on the Alpe Adria Cycle Path. With another shorter day of 40 km, we took our time getting breakfast and packing up.

We set out around 9:15 and weaved our way through town to get back on the cycle path. As we rode along we passed 3 or 4 squads of young men running. They appear to be military as they all had the same olive greenish gym clothes on. After passing them we caught up with two school field trip groups also walking the path. Perhaps walking to a nearby museum?

Soon the path lead us along the Drau river, which we followed all the way into Villach.

The scenery was fantastic with quiet paths next to the river mingled with farm land of harvested corn fields mixed with an occasional small apple or pear orchards.

The weather has been exceptional. Cool and sunny, yet warm enough to still be in a light shirt and shorts while riding.

The kilometers pass quickly as we enjoyed the slight down hill slope for the day. Not much need for the “e” on the e-bike today and I rode the majority of the day with the power off. I’ve got to keep burning some calories to make up for the gelato and apple strudel. Speaking of apple studel, I got up-sold on a slice of apple strudel today when we stopped for cappuccinos. When I went to order the gracious host asked if I wanted some apple strudel. Being the kind patron that I am, I could not say no. It was of course delicious and rates right up there with the top 5 others I’ve tasted on this trip.

After the break we followed the river path into Villach. As we neared the city, we stopped at a park bench along the river to kill some time and had a small snack of Kaminwurzerl (small sausage snacks similar to beef/pork sticks) and enjoyed watching the river flow by.

We finished the last km into Villach and found our hotel which is right on the river path. The hotel graciously checked us in early and we stowed the bikes and made a quick change of clothes and set out for a proper lunch/dinner. Villach is a brewery town and the brewery restaurant is known for good food. We ordered two burgers and were amazed at how big and delicious they were.

Afterwards, we strolled the city a bit and found the bus station where we will meet up with the bus tomorrow to take us over the 30 km steep uphill section. Having found the bus station we walked back the river and enjoyed lounging on the wooden loungers along the river for a bit.

We are nearing the end of our last cycling leg. Only three cycling days until we reach Grado Thus we are savoring every moment while we can.