If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the Alps with in a family friendly way, how about cycle touring with kids in Austria or Northern Italy? With scenic riverside paths, mountain views, lakes to splash in, and plenty of ice cream stops along the way, this part of Europe is perfect for your first foray into cycle touring as a family.

But here’s the question that stops many parents in their tracks: Can you really do a bike tour with kids in tow?

The short answer is yes! In fact, Austria and Northern Italy is one of the best destinations for family friendly cycling, and we have tried lots of them! With well-maintained, mostly flat cycling paths, easy access to rental shops, and beautiful routes lined with attractions, the area offers a safe and rewarding experience for riders of all ages.

You don’t need to be super fit or own any fancy gear. If your family enjoys cycling, likes being outdoors, and is up for a bit of an adventure, Austria and Northern Italy has everything you need to get started – with smooth, safe trails, easy bike hire options, and easy access from the UK or mainland Europe.

Here’s everything you need to know to get going – including three of the best routes to choose from.

Why Austria is brilliant for cycle touring with kids

Austria is genuinely one of the best places to try cycle touring with kids. The routes are mostly flat (and usually gently downhill as they follow rivers downstream), and they’re incredibly well signposted. There’s minimal (or no!) road traffic, and you’re rarely more than a few kilometres from the next café, playground, or swimming spot.

Add to that Austria’s super-efficient train system, reliable bike hire, and family-friendly accommodation – and you’ve got all the makings of a stress-free trip you’ll remember forever.

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Getting there (by train if you fancy!)

Austria is very easily accessible from the UK and most of Europe. Of course you can fly if time is short! But you can also make the journey part of the adventure, and reach Innsbruck or Salzburg on overnight trains from Amsterdam and Paris respectively. Use Rail Europe to book, as it makes it easy to compare and book both international and domestic train journeys. Trains are spacious, scenic, and far more relaxing than airports – especially with kids in tow.

👉 Check train times and book tickets with Rail Europe

Family-friendly cycle touring in Austria: Choose the right route

One of the key ingredients for a successful family bike tour is picking the right route. Austria has an extensive network of cycling paths, many of which follow rivers, making for flat, scenic, and kid friendly trails. Many routes are well suited to families and are mostly downhill if you start from higher elevations. It’s also easy to pace your days according to your family’s needs as there are plenty of villages, towns and other places to stop along the cycle trails.

Not only do these paths pass through lovely countryside, but they’re also dotted with charming villages and stops, where you can explore, rest, and even try out local delicacies. The cycling paths are typically well-marked and often completely traffic free, making them safe and easy to follow.

  • A smiling child wearing a blue helmet, red jacket, and black cycling shorts leans on a silver mountain bike along a paved path. Behind them is a wooden fence, green fields, a triangular road sign, and tall mountains covered in dense trees. Various signs are visible, including one that says "Camping am" and another marking "BUSCHENSCHENKE FROSCHBAUER 1000 m
  • A child and an adult on bikes smile as they ride along a paved path bordered by vibrant green fields. Behind them, a picturesque village sits at the foot of a densely forested mountain range under a clear sky.
  • A group of cyclists, including adults and children, posing on a paved path surrounded by green fields and a wooden fence. The backdrop features a picturesque alpine landscape with forested hills and distant mountains under a sunny blue sky. The riders are wearing helmets and colourful gear, exuding energy and enthusiasm for their outdoor adventure.

Three family-friendly cycle routes in Austria & Northern Italy (tried and tested!)

🚲 1. The Drau cycle path – from the mountains to the lakes

Perfect for: Families who want a relaxed, scenic ride with easy logistics and lots of lakeside stops.

We cycled the Drau Cycle Path from Toblach to Villach with our kids, and it’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable routes for families. The trail follows the River Drau through East Tyrol and Carinthia, starting in Italy and rolling gently downhill into Austria.

It’s mostly traffic-free and passes through charming towns like Lienz and Spittal. There are plenty of opportunities to swim, stop for lunch, and even take a train if little legs need a rest.

👉 Read our full Drau Cycle Path itinerary here

🚲 2. The Adige cycle path – Reschen to Bolzano, via alpine apple orchards

Perfect for: Families who want to combine cycling with Italian food, Alpine views, and a splash of cultural charm.

The Adige Cycle Path starts from the high mountain lake of Reschensee and rolls downhill through the South Tyrolean countryside to Merano and Bolzano. You’ll cycle through apple orchards, vineyards, and castle-dotted hillsides, with excellent signage and brilliant scenery.

We took four days to complete this route, including a rest day in Merano where we rode the cable car up to Meran 2000 and spent the afternoon hiking and playing in the mountains.

👉 Read our full Adige Cycle Path family route

🚲 3. The Tauern cycle path – waterfalls, gorges, and a famous city

Perfect for: Families who like dramatic scenery, a few side adventures, and the Sound of Music!

The Tauern Cycle Path follows the Salzach and Saalach Rivers from Krimml to Salzburg.

There’s loads to see along the way: the Krimml Waterfalls (Europe’s highest), gorges, cable cars, and pretty alpine towns like Zell am See and Lofer. We included some off-bike adventures to break up the ride – and the kids loved it.

👉 Plan your Tauern Cycle Path trip here

Tips for cycle touring with kids in Austria & Northern Italy

🧳 Pack light, ride light

Many families find it easiest to pack light and carry their gear in bike panniers, and the area’s excellent bike rental shops make this easy with available gear, from panniers to trailers and even child friendly bikes. You can even rent e-bikes if you need a boost! Consider leaving larger luggage at the bike rental shop and carrying only the essentials for the ride.

🍦 Frequent stops make happy riders

One of the biggest advantages of family cycling in this region is the endless supply of interesting stops along the way. From playgrounds and swimming lakes to ice cream stands and historic landmarks, there’s always something nearby to break up the day’s ride and keep the kids entertained.

Plan short riding days (25–40 km max) and allow plenty of time for fun detours.

Build time into your itinerary for stops that your kids will love – be it a quick swim, a chance to spot some wildlife, a playground or a rest at a scenic picnic spot. You’ll find plenty of local cafes and family friendly spots, often close to the bike paths, where you can grab a snack, a warm drink, or a delicious lunch.

  • A child wearing a blue swimsuit slides down a bright yellow water slide into a sparkling blue pool, creating a splash. The water slide is part of an outdoor swimming pool complex surrounded by grassy lawns and forested hills under a sunny sky.
  • A young boy smiling widely while seated at a wooden table, holding a fork and ready to enjoy a plate of Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dessert topped with powdered sugar and served with applesauce. The setting appears cozy and rustic, with a menu and decorations visible in the background.
  • Three people, including two children and an adult woman, sitting on a wooden bench near greenery, smiling and holding bread rolls. They appear to be taking a break during a cycling trip, as backpacks and bikes are visible nearby. A sign behind them reads "Gerlingerhof.
  • Two smiling children sitting in a wooden lookout structure with a bright blue sky and a picturesque alpine landscape in the background. The scene features lush green hills, tall pine trees, and jagged mountain peaks under a sunny summer day.

🏡 Family-friendly places to stay

There is a great variety of accommodations along popular bike routes, including hotels, B&Bs and campsites. Many of these are used to welcoming families, offering amenities like extra beds, family rooms, or outdoor play areas. Staying in a mix of accommodations can add some excitement for the kids too – from the cosy comfort of a B&B to the charm of a working farm.

👉 Search family-friendly accommodation on Booking.com

🚠 Add some off-bike fun

Cycle touring doesn’t have to be all about the bike.

Austria and Northern Italy is packed with activities that make perfect breaks from cycling. Many routes feature access points to cable cars, gorges, outdoor pools, and summer alpine toboggan runs. Taking a day off the bikes to explore a high altitude trail, swim in a mountain lake, or even try out a thrilling zipline ride can be just the break kids need to stay energised and excited.

We often build in one non-cycling day every few days to keep everyone fresh and excited.

You can even tag on a hut to hut hiking route or take a side trip to Venice or the Italian Lakes – which works especially well if you’re already near Bolzano or the Austrian-Italian border.

Stopping for fun adventures along the way also adds variety, giving children memorable experiences beyond the cycling itself and giving everyone a chance to enjoy the natural beauty the region has to offer.

  • A child wearing a safety harness and helmet gliding across a zipline in a grassy, forested area. The zipline is set among tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves on a summer day.
  • A child in a colourful swimsuit stands on a rock in the middle of a shallow, clear stream surrounded by smooth stones. Another child wades through the water in the background, with a lush forest of tall green trees and a small wooden structure visible under a bright blue sky.
  • Two children standing on a trail in front of a large, misty waterfall cascading down rocks. The lush, green surroundings and sunlight reflecting off the spray create a dramatic and refreshing scene.
  • A woman swimming in a clear, green natural pool surrounded by lush forest. A small waterfall flows into the pool, creating a tranquil setting with sunlight streaming through the trees.

Bike rentals, trailers, and towing options

Not sure if your child can keep up with the ride? The bike rental infrastructure has you covered. Many rental shops offer child sized bikes, bike seats, trailers, and towing options, meaning that even very young kids can be part of the adventure.

If you’re starting at a higher altitude and heading downhill, you’ll find that young children manage longer distances without getting too tired. Just be sure to test out your kit before you start your tour to ensure everyone’s comfortable and ready to go.

Ready to ride?

Yes, a bike tour with kids takes a little bit of planning and a little patience, but it’s worth every moment. These scenic, safe, and family-friendly trails make it one of the best destinations for families looking to combine nature, activity and adventure. By the end of your journey, your family will feel a lot fitter and thoroughly refreshed, with a new shared love for travel on two wheels.

If you’re thinking of giving it a go, I’d start with the Drau Cycle Path or Adige Cycle Path – both are perfect introductions to family cycle touring. And if you want a bit more mountain magic, the Tauern Bike Path is a great next step; just slightly more complicated logistically if you’re renting bikes and equipment.

👉 Find train tickets on Rail Europe
👉 Book family stays on Booking.com

Where to next? More family adventures:

Bea Searle is the creator of Wild Bee Outdoors. Having lived in Austria as a kid, she fell in love with the mountains early on. Passionate about sustainable train travel and outdoor adventures with her family, Bea shares local insights, detailed routes, and plenty of tips for hut to hut hiking and multi-day cycling trips in the European Alps and beyond; along with ideas for worthwhile detours to make every journey unforgettable. Her goal? To inspire you to embrace the mountains, dodge the tourist traps, and explore with confidence.

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