The vast array of cycling in Austria
The vast array of cycling in Austria. Where do I begin? I have made Austria my home for nearly 30 years. I initially came here for the winter season as I grew up skiing in Scotland and lived and breathed the ski season. Many people I have met who live here say, “I came for the winter, but I stayed for the summer.” And that is true for both my husband and me; even though we still enjoy winters and continue to ski, we yearn for spring to come so our bikes can come out of the cellar.
This country is incredibly diverse, from the Alps in the west to the vineyards in the east and south, plenty of lakes to choose from, and, of course, the fantastic scenery, which is infinite. Most people have heard of our beautiful cities, such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck; however, there is a vast array of spectacular landscapes just waiting to be experienced outside the cities.
Infrastructure and Climate
The cycling routes in Austria have been heavily invested in over the years, resulting in excellent surfaces and clear signage. Along the routes, you will find plenty of places to get a bite to eat and sights to see to complete your day out.
Our climate is usually cold and snowy in winter, with warm and sometimes very hot summers. We can experience stretches of hot weather exceeding 30 degrees, but conversely, we can also have bouts of rain that wash our mountains, keeping everything beautiful and green. I believe the hotter it becomes in the south of Europe, the more Central Europe will become to people attracted to a more “active” type of holiday.
Walking and cycling are at the heart of summer tourism, with many people seeking an alternative holiday that combines activity and sightseeing. Our infrastructure is well-developed, with a network of bike paths crisscrossing the country, all equipped with good signposting for the various routes that pass through areas with sights worth seeing.
Irrespective of what you are looking for in a cycling holiday, you will find something that fits the bill in Austria.
River Cycling
If you’re new to cycling, the Danube has a lot to offer, and it’s relatively flat. The bike path generally runs along the riverside, and you can also utilise the river cruise boats to add another dimension to your trip. The bike path passes through the beautiful Wachau wine region, including Dürnstein and Krems; both of these places are worth stopping to explore their beauty and taste the local wines. As the Danube is such a beloved cycling path, the infrastructure is well-suited for those new to cycling, with an abundance of hotels, taxis, cafes, and bike shops along the route to support cyclists.
Austria has numerous lesser-known river paths for those seeking something off the beaten track. Some ideas are the Enns, Mur or the Drau (a favourite of mine). Passing through some of the lesser-known areas, but with outstanding beauty, each has its highlights; it really depends on what you want from the tour.
More challenging cycling
If you prefer more mountainous regions, then cycle routes originating from Switzerland via the Inn Valley, through the city of Innsbruck, and all the way to Salzburg would interest you. These routes run from West to East, passing the dramatic chalk mountains in western Austria and then joining the Mozart bike path in Salzburg.
Another stunning route, which crosses the Alps from North to South, runs from Innsbruck down to the beautiful city of Bolzano in Italy. On this route, you pass the famous church by the lake on the Reschen pass. This is all that remains of the village, which was flooded to make way for the reservoir. Descending through the Alps and into the vineyards that surround the mountains of the city of Bolzano.
Lakes cycling
If lakes are more your scene, then the Salzkammergut area, located near Salzburg, is the premier lake region of Austria. Many famous artists have painted these lakes and have sung songs about their beauty. They are set amongst dramatic mountain backdrops, so you have lots of stunning scenery to marvel at from your bike.
The Neusiedlersee is the largest lake in Austria, located near the capital, Vienna. It offers a variety of routes around the shores and the surrounding area of Burgenland. Burgenland is a big wine-producing area, and conveniently, there are plenty of stops at ‘Buschenschank’, which are hospitality outlets for a winery to sell their produce. They don’t just offer wine but also freshly pressed cordials and delicious meats & cheeses, which make a tasty accompaniment to their wines.
These Buschenschank must not be missed; they are a highlight of any holiday in Austria which passes through a wine region. Just watch out, though; a lunchtime stop can last rather a long time if you enjoy too much of the local wine. Remember, drinking and cycling is not advised!
Stay and Tour
This is also extremely popular, where you select a destination and embark on bike tours each day. This will avoid packing and moving every day, as you would on a bike tour. I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful Pillerseetal in Tirol. You could base yourself in one of the villages, such as St. Ulrich or Fieberbrunn, and then decide where to go each day. You can pick from mountain tracks to get up high and admire the views, or you can cycle along the valleys for a more sedate pace.
An alternative is to base yourself in Zell am See in Salzburgerland; the town is by the beautiful lake with the backdrop of the Kitzsteinhorn, where the glacier is located. There is a huge choice of cycling routes around the area, or you can use the local train to take you further from the resort to get a different perspective.
City Cycling
If you are more of a city dweller, you could combine the city with cycling. Salzburg is my favourite city in the world. It evokes thoughts of music and history, and is also very bike-friendly. There is a specific bike tour that allows you to see the best of the city, and you can combine it with bike routes outside the city to take in some of the sights, such as the town of Hallein or the Ice Caves.
Vienna is a beautiful city, too, with many bike paths in and around it; you can take the Wienerwald (Vienna Forest) routes, of which there are plenty, and it is just on the city’s outskirts. We visited Graz this summer and spent three days on bike paths in and around the city. There was so much to see that you could easily spend a week exploring the area. I really liked Graz. It’s a big University city, but it feels pretty small at the same time. There is an international buzz surrounding it, and, in addition to famous landmarks to visit, there is fantastic food from all over the world to refuel those tired bodies after a day on the bike.
In Summary
Whether you’re a culture vulture or a countryside enthusiast, Austria offers something for everyone. The people are friendly and welcoming; many Austrians speak excellent English, even if your German is not the best. However, hands, feet, and translation apps also work well if you get stuck. Austria is good value for money, so your pound or dollar goes further.
Finally, the scenery really does look as spectacular as it does on the postcards. Once you have sampled the delights of our beautiful country, you will make it a regular on your holiday calendar each year.
