The Vorarlberg region is located in the westernmost tip of Austria. It borders Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Germany. The region is also located on Lake Constance, known to many. It is a popular ski destination, making it also great for climbing kilometres in summer. The Vorarlberg region is sometimes forgotten in Austrian country, as Tyrol, Salzburg and other larger regions dominate. But this region, the closest to the Netherlands and Belgium, is perfect for a midweek, or longer, of cycling fun. And if you're smart, grab bits of the surrounding regions too. Why bother? Vorarlberg as a 'gateway to the alps'.
Best for this type of bike: Road bike - Gravel - MTB
What adventure would you like to plan?
If you are considering a cycling adventure in Vorarlberg, there are lots of great options and routes. You can choose from several different starting points. Among them, of course Landal Brandnertal (where we visited in spring 2025) but also in Mellau, Bludenz, Bregenz or, for example, the beautiful AlpenHotel Montafon which is located on the Silvretta strasse.
Routes and more: plan a lovely long weekend or week in this region. There are many great routes from 50-120 km / 1,500-3,000 hm per day, so you won't be bored.
Gravel Austria Bikepacking: The region offers perfect options for bikepacking and if you take the gravel austria bikepacking route (a gravel route throughout Austria) you can take in the whole region in 3-5 days, 70-110 km & 1,500-2,500 hm/day (road & gravel mix).
Heat and cold: In summer, it can get quite warm in the Rhine Valley (Bregenz/Dornbirn), especially in July-August; keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains. So an early start pays off. In autumn it gets cold quickly and it can snow on the mountain peaks. Winter is for the real ice rabbits.
Well-known climbs and Alpine passes: Furkajoch/Hochtannberg/Faschina normally open late spring-autumn; Silvretta Hochalpenstraße: it will remain closed in 2025 due to stone chip risk; alternative access to the Bielerhöhe via Vermuntbahn/tunnel bus (from August). Check current reports. Also the climb to Brandnertal may be
How do I get there?
Vorarlberg is very easily accessible by all kinds of transport. We give you a few handy options.
By train: Amsterdam -> Zurich > Bludenz or else Amsterdam > Frankfurt > Stuttgart > Memmingen > Bregenz. Bicycle parking space must be reserved on long-distance trains (RJ/EC/ICE/NJ). Buy a bike pass + reservation through ÖBB on local trains or through NS International for international travel. Train journey takes about 10 hours.
By car: Vignette for Austrian Autobahns mandatory (digital vignettes available; A14 Rhine Valley Autobahn to Bregenz/Bludenz).
By ferry (convenient around Lake Constance): If you are already on a cycling trip, e.g. towards Lake Constance, or in Switzerland, you can take the ferry to Bregenz. Bicycles allowed on most ferries (e.g. Friedrichshafen-Romanshorn, combination tickets). bodensee-ticket.com
By plane: Of course, you can also fly. We don't necessarily recommend it but if you want then Zurich (ZRH ~120 km). or Munich (MUC) are the closest. visitbregenz.com
Nice climbs reasonably close together: Furkajoch, Faschinajoch, Bödele/Losenpass, Hochtannberg - tight tarmac, punchy percentages and great variety.
Compact & diverse: In one long weekend, you can ride around Lake Constance, or the Bregenzerwald and Montafon, with clearly marked routes.
Races you can choose to participate in or watch: The Highlander Radmarathon and stages of the Tour of Austria use Furkajoch/Faschina and finish in Feldkirch, among other places.
Gravel potential: Official gravel routes in Brandnertal/Bregenzerwald + multi-day gravel ride throughout the region. Also check out our articles on gravelrides around Brandnertal and IntotheWold
MTB playground: Bikepark Brandnertal (open summer 2025, with construction restrictions) + large network in Bregenzerwald/Montafon. Bike park Brandnertal
The Bregenzerwald is increasingly developing as the cycling destination in Vorarlberg. It is one of the most beautiful places to go gravel biking. Among others, the event 'intothewold' brings you the most beautiful gravel routes. Around Mellau, it's all to do. Most villages in the Bregenzerwald are located in the valley, making it the perfect base for exploring the area. The Mellental valley is beautiful for cycling and further into the forest you'll find, among other things, the climb to the Stogger Sattel, with great views over the surrounding area. The climb to Kaltenbrunnen is also not to be missed.
For road cyclists, the climb to Hochtannstrasse is one to lick your lips at. Ride a little further and you will arrive in chic Lech am Arlberg, where the royal family likes to go skiing. North of Mellau you'll also find beautiful routes, with laps you'll love coming back for.
The Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse is a well-known if not infamous long climb. But one with a series of hairpin bends that are super photogenic. That alone is a reason to go there. But the rest of the area, if you include the Biehlerhohe and the Brandnertal, are also worth considering. In the Brandnertal you will find beautiful gravel routes, but the climb through the Brandnertal to the car park from Bludenz is enjoyable.
