Villach to Sachsenburg

Sunday August 12, 2018, 34 miles (55 km) - Total so far: 5,416 miles

(8,716 km)

A ride of several parts today! First, our route took us down one of the most ridiculous gravel 'roads' to date, which wasn't much fun. A brief stint along the main road and we were on the long-awaited Drau cycleway. Along with every other cyclist in the area! Facilities along that section are great too - lots of picnic tables and several taps for drinking water. We even saw an E-bike charging point (OMG so many E-bikes on this FLAT route) which also had a bike pump.

It was very pretty while we hugged the river. Then things went a bit downhill, as we moved away from the river and the path deteriorated significantly. This was mostly in the vicinity of Spittal (we didn't go into the city although a detour was signposted. It was handy to pass the station and use the loo though!) Things improved again once we had left the town well behind, although we didn't see much more of the river. Complaints aside, the scenery was very pretty - we seem to be getting into a more spectacular area.

We chose our campsite, Drau Camping in Sachsenburg, almost entirely based on their having a special rate for cyclists (21 euros for the pair of us.). In addition to this, it is an extremely nice site! Huge pitches with plenty of shade, immaculate and extensive facilities, working wifi, a lounge area (which would be great in bad weather), and a bike stand next to a hosepipe! It must be in some Dutch camping guide because nearly everyone here in Dutch. They do get around! ;)

We've realised that we've mixed up our days so are actually a day early for meeting out friends in Weissbriach! So, we'll head to Weissensee tomorrow to test out whether Austria's 'highest swimming lake' is as cold as it sounds!