1 day: Starting point for the tour is the train station in Lienz in the town centre. Although the stage is short, the climb is quite tough. After rolling along the Drau at an easy pace the route climbs steeply from Dölsach. With no flat sections, the well-developed forest trail proceeds uphill, finally changing into a section which is very steep and barely rideable. The lodge soon comes into view. Overnight stay: The traditional Anna-Schutzhaus has a few rooms and a dormitory area for nine people. The efforts of the climb are worth it to enjoy the views and the food.
2 day: Initially the bulk of the metres altitude from the day before fade away beneath your wheels, the route then heads up to the Schober Group. After a short section on the main road the route again proceeds uphill into Debantbachtal. Along the river, still on Undulating terrain, later becoming ever steeper on a little toll road heading into the Hohe Tauern National Park. The final few metres up to the Lienzer Hütte – the destination for today’s overnight stay – proceeds uphill on rough gravel terrain. Overnight stay: The Lienzer Hütte is a lovely Alpine Association lodge which has a traditional kitchen, bedrooms and a dormitory.
3 day: From the inn head uphill on the route from the previous day until the route branches off to the right on a forest trail. This proceeds up to the ski lifts on the Faschingalm. After an asphalt descent with plenty of hairpin bends winds down to Lienz and across the Drau. From Schloss Bruck the sweat-inducing ascent to the Hochstein begins. This 1300 Metre altitude uphill section proceeds without any flat sections, finally ending right at the summit cross of the Hochstein. The lodge awaits just a few metres next to this. Overnight stay: The contemporary Hochsteinhütte is today’s destination.
4 day: This day also starts with a descent - from Hochsteinhütte Roll down into the valley again and at Leisach
meet the Drau again. The route now proceeds for a while through the valley past the farmsteads in Ulrichsbichl. A bit later an asphalt road branches off to the right which proceeds, climbing steadily, up to Tristacher See. Time for a dip? After another 800 metres altitude you come to a car park. There are still a few metres to cover, then the picturesque setting of the Dolomiten-Hütte comes into sight. Overnight stay: The Lienzer Dolomiten-Hütte is in a spectacular location on a rocky promontory enjoying views to the Huge cliff face of the Spitzkofel massif.
5 day: The final day comes to a leisurely close. There is time left to enjoy a long sumptuous breakfast in the Dolomitenhütte. In no time at all the descent Passes on the little asphalt road (watch out for traffic!). Having arrived at the bottom, the Drau proceeds parallel to the cycle path, heading back to Lienz. It is worth enjoying a leisurely stroll through the Old Town area here or paying a visit to the regional market, before making our way back home.
