Alpine cycling mecca
Austria is a cyclist's paradise, with breathtaking mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys and perfectly paved roads. Whether you are a recreational cyclist or an avid cyclist, Austria offers endless opportunities to enjoy challenging climbs, rolling roads and beautiful nature.
Austria is surrounded by impressive mountain ranges and borders Germany and the Czech Republic in the north, and Italy and Switzerland in the south. Each region has its own character and unique cycling routes.
In the north of Austria are Upper and Lower Austria, two regions that are ideal for those who love long, quiet tours through rolling landscapes, forests and vineyards. From Lower Austria you can also reach the capital Vienna, a perfect starting point for cycling routes along the Danube or through the Wienerwald forest.
Further south-east lie Styria (Styria) and Carinthia, two of Austria's largest federal states. Cyclists will find a mix of challenging climbs and fast descents here, while Carinthia's many lakes provide stunning views. Graz, the capital of Styria, is an ideal starting point for cycling routes through the Alps.
In the heart of Austria lies Salzburg, one of the most versatile cycling regions in the country. From the rolling hills around Salzburg to the steep climbs in the Hohe Tauern - here you will find challenging mountain passes as well as scenic cycling routes through valleys and along lakes. Salzburgerland borders Carinthia and Tyrol, making it easy to combine routes.
In western Austria Tyrol and Vorarlberg the cycling scene. Tyrol in particular is known as the cycling region of Austria, with iconic climbs such as the Ötztaler Gletscherstraße, the Timmelsjoch Pass and the Kühtai climb. Vorarlberg, Austria's smallest state, also offers great routes, such as the climbs around Lake Constance and the Silvretta High Alpine Road.
These are the Highlights if you want to go cycling in Austria:
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is one of Austria's most famous and challenging climbs. The climb is long, steep and leads through an impressive Alpine landscape with hairpin turns and panoramic views of Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,798 m).
Leave early in the morning to avoid crowds and (in summer) the high temperatures.
The Timmelsjoch connects Austria to Italy and offers a tough but stunning climb through the Alps. Starting from Sölden, the climb rises gradually with long, challenging sections and beautiful views.
Part of the Ötztaler Radmarathon, the Timmelsjoch is a favourite among cyclists looking for a real challenge. Its Italian counterpart, Passo del Rombo is a bit tougher!
The Kühtai is one of the toughest climbs in Tyrol and plays an important role in the Ötztaler Radmarathon. The climb from Kematen is long and vicious, with steep sections and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
For an extra challenge, Kühtai can be climbed from both sides.
The Silvretta High Alpine Road offers a beautiful climb with an even gradient and a well-maintained road. This makes it one of the most enjoyable climbs for cyclists who love long rides in the mountains. The scenic side starts in Partenen, where you have the beautiful famous hairpin bends.
The highest point, Bielerhöhe, offers impressive views of the Silvretta glaciers.
The Kitzbüheler Horn is one of the toughest climbs in Austria and is known for its extremely high gradients. With an average gradient of 11.5% and peaks of up to 14%, this climb is only for the strongest cyclists.
This climb is short but intense and is regularly used in professional cycling races.
The Nockalmstrasse is a hidden gem in Austria and offers a long, well-paved climb with hairpin turns and stunning views. This is one of the most scenic cycling routes in Austria.
This climb is ideal for cyclists looking for a challenging but not too crowded route. Note that you have to pay to cycle here.
This is not a climb, but it is the cycling destination in Austria. For those who prefer not to go into the mountains, the Danube Radweg is a great option. This is one of Europe's best-known long-distance cycling routes and follows the Danube through the picturesque Austrian countryside.
Perfect for endurance training, this route takes you past historic cities such as Passau, Linz and Vienna.
The Ötztaler Radmarathon is one of the toughest gran fondos in Europe and attracts thousands of cyclists every year who want to compete in this extreme challenge. The route crosses four major passes and has more than 5,500 altimeters.
This marathon is one of the ultimate tests for all cyclists (and certainly cyclists) and requires good preparation.
When planning a cycling holiday in Austria, it is important to consider the time of year. Many of the popular mountain passes open late and you also have to deal with seasonal closures of hotels and sometimes entire villages. The beautiful Kühtai sometimes doesn't open until June. Also check out the various cycling events taking place in Austria. Are you during the Ötztaler also plan to drive that route, then it is not convenient.
Also, always remember the local public holidays you need to take into account. Furthermore, like Switzerland, Austria is a country with 'vignette obligation'. Other than that, you don't have to pay attention to anything in Austria as an EU citizen. You are free to come and go and remember: only drive on roads where it is NOT prohibited to drive.
Car: Austria is very easy to reach by car. It is not close, as most destinations are a day's drive away (+/- 10 hours). This is without traffic jams and other delays. Carinthia is over 12 hours by car, so take that into account. Innsbruck, the larger region of Tyrol, Salzburgerland and Vorarlberg are fine to drive to in a day (and they are popular cycling destinations).
Train: The overnight train to Innsbruck is ideal. 7pm boarding in the evening, wake up in the mountains at nine in the morning. From Innsbruck, you can fan out to the rest of Austria in no time. You also have an option to get off in Munich and head towards Vienna. Either way, enough to head in that direction quickly. There are also plenty of trains to Munich during the day (there is a direct ICE) with connection to Austria and beyond. Often from €80 one way.
Plane: Rather fly? Vienna, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Salzburg. These are just some of the options for a direct connection to the Netherlands. In the winter season, you can go to all destinations, in summer, spring and autumn the offer is more limited. Above all, see what you need for yourself.
Be sure to read our articles on cycling in Austria.
Be sure to read our articles on cycling in Austria.
