Beautiful scenery and outdoor exercise go hand in hand in Austria. So it's no surprise that cycling and mountain biking are among the most popular activities in Austria during the warmer months, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike (add a nice breeze and you're in for a cool adventure at the same time!). Austria's holiday regions continue to expand their activities, offering more tracks and tours every year, including options for those who follow the latest cycling trends.
See what Austria has to offer this year, from new cycling routes to ultimate e-bike tours and incredible gravel bike challenges.
NEW CYCLING ROUTES IN AUSTRIA
Scenic route, vineyards, multi-day adventure? Take a look at the newest cycling routes opening just in time for the summer holiday season.
Marchkopf Circuit, the latest cycling tour Zillertal, has a length of 43.6 km and passes through Sidanjoch and Zillertaler-Höhenstrasse. The route is difficult, bikers need to climb to an altitude of about 1980 m, the average cycling time is five and a half hours. Are you tired yet? Bikers can tackle a mega-loop featuring five passes with a length of 76 km and an altitude of 3,720 km.
New World Heritage Tour "Danube Limes" connects UNESCO World Heritage Sites Passau in Germany, Oberranna and Schlögen in Upper Austria. Along the way, bikers learn about Roman history and the rich heritage of the region.
Do you like wine? The Donau-Veltliner Wine Cycle Route, named after one of the region's most popular white wines, passes through the Lower Austrian wine region and boasts stunning views of the vineyards along the way. The trail is 46.65 km long, suitable for leisurely cyclists and takes just over three hours.
SalzburgerLand invites gravel bike enthusiasts to explore its stunning scenery on two new multi-day tours (medium and difficult), both start right in the city Salzburg. The gentler circular tour is 460km long, requires cycling to climb 6,700m and takes between five and seven days. The most difficult route covers 650 km and an impressive altitude of 12,700 m and takes bikers on the road for ten to twelve days.
E-bike and mountain biking in Austria
E-bike riding is becoming increasingly popular, and it's easy to see why: a little extra help from an electric battery allows holidaymakers to take on more challenging routes and opens up adventure for families and those not yet quite fit. Here are four particularly awesome e-bike tours.
From Salzburg to Salzkammergut: This beautiful circular tour takes cyclists from central Salzburg to lakes Fuschlsee, Wolfgangsee and Mondsee. It is 79.1 km long and mostly flat. Bonus: E-cyclists can experience Europe's cultural capital while flexing their muscles.
Tirol's Kaiser mountain range ranks among the most stunning mountain formations in the Alps, and the Kaiser Mountain Circuit Tour will take mountain bike enthusiasts straight to the the brightest places. It runs through the St. Johann region of Tyrol and Kufstein, is 85.6 km long and is postcard-perfect at every corner.
The Lungau in the state of Salzburg is the highest e-bike region in Austria. Adventure seekers can take on the multi-day Lungau EXTREM Tour (166.8 km, high point: 1855 m).
Although the Carinthian Lake Loop in Austria's southernmost province is not officially classified as an e-bike route, some extra support allows bikers to enjoy the scenery even more. The route is divided into eight stages and covers more than 400 km, passing 20 lakes along the way.
Source: austria.info
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