Cycling in Austria
Austria
River paths and alpine roads with visitor rental
Valley touring is a signed, rented, luggage-transfer product. Mountain roads add the climbs. A visitor starts at a rental shop. The route is the trip.
- Signed touring paths
- Rental and bags
- Riding as the holiday
The vibe
Austria's bike routes range from scenic alpine passes to rolling vineyards, providing a blend of challenging climbs and relaxed rides that feel more like a countryside tour than a high-speed road race. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists, while summer can be hot on high passes. Routes are well maintained, often shared with local cyclists, and the overall vibe is relaxed and community-oriented.
Bregenzerwald and Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg
Rikki Mitterer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A hidden gem for gravel and road cyclists, offering quiet mountain roads and forest tracks that connect the Rhine Valley to the high Alps. The region is known for its blend of modern architecture and traditional alpine landscapes.
Access. Bregenz and Dornbirn serve as the main gateways with easy access to regional cycling routes.
Notes. Less crowded than the Tyrol region, offering a more serene riding experience.
Drau Cycle Path (Drauradweg)
Carinthia
JJ55 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
An award-winning long-distance route that follows the Drau River from the Italian border through Carinthia. It is a quintessential European bike-touring experience, characterized by gentle descents and picturesque riverside villages.
Access. Villach and Lienz are key transit points with excellent rail-to-bike connectivity.
Notes. Ideal for families and casual touring; very well-marked and supported by dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Salzburg
osmplus_org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The ultimate challenge for road cyclists, this iconic high-altitude pass climbs to over 2,500 meters with breathtaking views of Austria's highest peak. It is a bucket-list climb known for its steep hairpins and spectacular glacial scenery.
Access. Accessible from Zell am See or Heiligenblut; requires a toll for motor vehicles, but cyclists are welcomed during daylight hours.
Notes. Open only from May to October depending on snow; extremely demanding physical fitness required.
Salzkammergut Lake District
Upper Austria
Asurnipal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A stunning region of alpine lakes and dramatic mountain backdrops, offering a mix of flat lakeside paths and challenging mountain passes. It is famous for the Salzkammergut Trophy routes and the scenic Salzkammergut Cycle Path.
Access. Bad Ischl and Gmunden serve as primary hubs with extensive bike rental shops and luggage transfer services for multi-day tours.
Notes. Best from May to September; e-bikes are highly popular here due to the steep terrain.
Ötztal Valley
Tyrol
Ailura / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 at)
Home to the legendary Ötztaler Radmarathon, this valley offers some of the most intense road cycling in the Alps, including the steep Timmelsjoch pass. It is a high-altitude training ground for professional and amateur cyclists alike.
Access. Sölden is the main hub, offering specialized bike hotels and high-end rental shops.
Notes. High-alpine conditions; weather can change rapidly even in mid-summer.