BACKYARD GRAVEL
Carinthia
September 18 – 20, 2026
Kärnten · Koroška · Carinzia
200 – 325 km | 3500 – 7500 m elevation gain
The route
Our big loop will show you some of the best highlights of Carinthia (Kärnten). We’ll enjoy the lesser-known mountains of Slovenia and head to Italy for an espresso. The full route is around 325 km long and includes a challenging 7500 meters of elevation gain.
This gravel route is a varied mix of forest roads, steep climbs, relaxed bike paths, idyllic trails, back roads, old railway lines, and remote alpine tracks and repeatedly crosses the borders between Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
There’s one section where you’ll have to push your bike. But as the name suggests, the climb through the “Val Dolce” is simply breathtaking and finally leads us to Attila’s Grotto at the top. The stories and legends surrounding this place speak of Attila’s raid into Italy in 452 AD, the magical sword of mars, dwarves, and a fountain of youth… and if you truly believe, it all might have happened just like that. Either way, it’s an impressive place.
On Friday, you have the option of staying overnight at Rifugio Cason di Lanza, and on Saturday you can sleep back at Cake Camp before setting off together for the final loop to Lake Wörthersee on Sunday.
Shortcuts
Thanks to many shortcuts, you can customize the route to your liking and shorten it to 200 km and 3500 meters of elevation gain.
This way, different paces don’t matter as much, and everyone keeps meeting up along the way. Some might have done an extra mountain or loop — but that doesn’t matter at all when you’re enjoying treats together at the bakery.
Thanks to the shortcuts, there’s something for everyone: for those looking for a challenging adventure, and also for those who are here for the cake, the stories by the campfire, and the relaxed atmosphere at the camp.
We invite you to our cozy cake camp in Kärnten
Our camp is idyllically located in the forest between Velden and Villach.
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Open from Thursday, September 17 to Monday, September 21, 2026.
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Plenty of space for camping (tents and vans) or a comfy bed in our shared rooms.
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We’ll be preparing fresh, homemade food, cold drinks, and of course, delicious cake.
(Accommodation is charged separately at fair prices. There is enough space for everyone: bed in a shared room € 25 per night, van/camper € 25 per night and van, tent free of charge)
Prefer the comfort of a nice hotel? There are plenty of options in and around Velden, close to our camp.
Overnight stay on the route
For the first night, we recommend the rustic Rifugio Cason di Lanza, where we have already reserved beds for you (overnight stay in a shared room, dinner, and breakfast for € 70). The Rifugio is perfectly located just before the hike-a-bike section to Attila's cave. This means we can tackle it together in the morning.
On Saturday, you have the option of returning to our cake camp and staying there overnight. We will of course provide you with delicious food. This means that on Sunday morning, you can tackle the last loop to Lake Wörthersee (hopefully in bathing weather) together.
Self-supported adventure
All participants navigate and complete their route self-supported.
The route takes you past restaurants, bakeries, and small villages again and again. So food supply is relatively easy — and finding drinking water from fountains is no problem at all.
Whether you treat yourself to a comfortable bed for optimal recovery or bring your bivvy gear and take a break outdoors is entirely up to you. You're traveling self-supported, but we have a few surprises in store along the way. Plus, we’ll give you some tips and recommendations for overnight stays.
And most importantly: Backyard Gravel is a community event. You’re meant to ride together, chat, and stop at the bakery as a group. We want you to have the best weekend possible — and that usually happens when you're out there together.
FAQ
Which bike do you recommend?
A Gravelbike with 40 to 45 mm tires or a fast rolling Mountainbike. Most important – very light gears for the steep bits.
What to bring?
You will ride and navigate your loop selfsupported. To give you the best chances for a save finish, this equipment is mandatory:
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Device for navigation (Bikecomputer or Smartphone)
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Tools and spares for your bike (multitool, pump, spare tubes, spare derailleur hanger, …)
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First aid kit (bandages and desinfection, emergency blanket)
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Clothes for fast changing weather in the mountains (be prepared for rain and cold, no matter the forecast)
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Phone for emergency contact
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Your favourite snacks! There will be some sweet surprises along the route, but your legs will need more food – preferably local food!
What to expect at cake camp?
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Huge space for camping (Tents and Vans allowed)
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Beds in dormitories
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Showers, campfires, community rooms
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Parking
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We will be cooking fresh meels for you on site
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Cold drinks
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Gooooood vibes
What does it cost?
The entry fee is 90 euros / 83 CHF and includes:
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Three scouted and checked routes
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Snacks and refreshments at checkpoints
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A cold finisher drink
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Homemade Finisher-Meal
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Professional Photos
How do I register?
Follow us on Instagram, Strava or check our Website for more updates from The Cake Movement.
