Steiermark calls itself the Green Heart of Austria. That sounds like a tourism agency slogan, but the region does have something special: in one state you drive on mountain-like forest roads at 1,500 meters altitude to rolling vineyards that they call “Stiermark Tuscany” here. And all those forest roads, agricultural paths and other paths that lie between them? They were built for forestry and agriculture, but they work perfectly on a gravity bike.
The official gravel routes are now available, the network of bike hotels is in place, and the variety of terrain and landscape is vast for a single region. Time to figure out how you as a Dutch gravel rider can handle it wisely.
Quick help for choosing: if you want altimeters and panoramas, go to Schladming-Dachstein in the north. If you want a city as a base with short circuits to get into the gravel, then choose Graz. And would you like to drive through vineyards, stop at a thermal bath and stop at a bus stop along the way? Then it's South your place.
Schladming-Dachstein – rugged, mountainous, beautiful!
The north of Steiermark This is where it really gets into the mountains. Think of wide forest roads, mountain pastures, and views of the Dachstein-glacier. The ground here is mostly unpaved: forest roads, sometimes muddy, sometimes heavily compacted. You don't want to be standing on 32mm here.
One route that stands out is the Sarstein Tour: about 45 km through Ausseerland-Salzkammergut area, with gravel roads, suspension bridges and views of alpine lakes. It's a bit rough, but varied. In addition, there are circuits around the Dachstein en Viehberg which are suitable for multi-day trips, bikepacking style.
Important to know: the region also has bike parks (like in Schladming yourself), and you absolutely can do that with a gravel bike not Driving. Those are reserved for downhill and MTB equipment. Follow the designated gravel routes and you're good to go.
Graz – between city and country
Graz The gravel base is surprisingly clever. The city is located in a kind of U-shaped valley of mountains on the north side, with open plains towards the south. You drive onto the gravel base within a few hundred meters. Incidentally, Graz is also a really nice place to go cycling around.
Read that here:
Of Schöcklblick Tour It's a nice introduction: you start from the Mur-promenade, drives through the Leechwald (nice gravel) towards the Basilica Mariatrost, overlooking the Schöckl. Return to the city and follow the Mur Cycle Path (R2), a fast gravel/asphalt artery that runs north-south through the center.
Graz works well if you have three or four days and want to do a different route every day. At the end of the day, you’re just in a city with good coffee and food. It’s a suitable base for exploring the area.
Therme & Vulkanland / Südsteiermark – wine, wellness and gravel
The south of Steiermark This is the relaxed version. Rolling hills, vineyards, thermal baths, and an atmosphere that breathes more Slovene than Alpine air. But don’t underestimate it: those hills are kicking up dust.
The segment Neustift to Mureck is part of the larger Gravel Austria-network. About 50 km along the Thermal Cycle Track (R12), With views towards Slovenia and Hungary. Those who really want to explore the south drive the Remschniggalm Tour, Which takes you to the most southern mountain pasture in Styria. A mix of asphalt and gravel road, and the kind of route where you stop halfway at a Buschenschank for a glass of wine and a Brettljause.
Bike hotels are springing up in Styria
Steiermark works, among other things, with Bett+Bike-certification mark, originally from the German cyclists' association ADFC. If you see that logo, you're usually in good shape in terms of basic knowledge. Specifically, it means:
- Lockable, covered bicycle storage
- Basic tools on site (or contact with the nearest bike shop)
- Dry room for wet clothes
- Sporty breakfast with enough carbohydrates
- Option for one night stay, convenient for bikepacking
Below you will find a selection of bike-friendly hotels in the region.
How do you get there from the Netherlands?
Austria is well connected and Styria is no exception. The easiest way to get to your destination is:
Car: From Utrecht to Graz It’s about 1,050 to 1,100 km, expect 10.5 to 12 hours of driving (via Cologne, Frankfurt, Passau). Handy if you’re traveling with two or more people and bringing a lot of luggage. You have your car on site, which is nice in the north around Schladming.
Train (Nightjet): The ÖBB Nightjet departs in the evening from Utrecht Central (and brings you to the next morning) Vienna (around 09:17) or Innsbruck (around 09:14). From Vienna, take a Railjet to Graz, another 2.5 hours. You win a day. Options range from a seat to a private sleeper compartment with its own shower.
But, real talk: bike spaces on the Nightjet are limited and require a separate reservation. Book early, because it’s full.
Flying: From Schiphol to Vienna (VIE) or Graz (GRZ), often with a stopover in Munich. KLM You must register your bike at least 48 hours in advance. The bike goes in a box or case (KLM sells cardboard bike boxes at Schiphol for €30), turn the wheel, take off the pedals, and lower the tire pressure. And for those who ride an e-bike: the battery must not be included. Not in the luggage compartment, not in the cabin. Plan accordingly.
Check also: Flying with your bike: top airlines, costs and tips for bike trips
What are you bringing?
Steiermark gravel varies from smooth canal paths to rugged Alpine forest roads. Wide tires (35–45mm) are not a luxury but a necessity, especially in the north. Also bring a wide gear: the climbs around Schladming or the Schöckl In Graz they are steep and long.
And again: Bike parks are prohibited areas for gravel bikes. So keep to the gravel routes.
Which base camps are we missing?
This is a first exploration of Styria as a gravel destination. We are curious: have you been here already? Do you have any routes that we should know about, or a hotel where they treat your gravel bike well? We would love to hear from you!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.