When you think of Austria, you think of Tyrol, Salzburg or perhaps Carinthia. But if you look a little further, you will find so many more beautiful cycling regions. How about the Bregenzerwald on your gravel bike? This idyllic area in the Bundesland 'Vorarlberg' is known for its breathtaking nature and varied cycling landscape. This makes it an ideal destination for gravel bikers (and racing cyclists). Whether you are just starting out with gravel biking or have years of experience, the gravel routes in Bregenzerwald are for everyone. In this article, we have selected a number of gravel routes for you, so that you can plan your next gravel adventure in Austria and specifically in the Bregenzerwald can plan. Read along?
Close to home
Barely 9 car hours from Utrecht, you will find the Bregenzerwald. The town of 'Au' could be called the gateway to the Bregenzerwald, but actually any town in that area is perfect to start your gravel adventure. For many, the Vorarlberg region is best known for its winter sports. So beware: the gravel routes in the Bregenzerwald are by no means flat. That said: there are opportunities to choose a somewhat flatter route, but if you expect routes like those in the Achterhoek or across the Lage Vuursche, you're in for a rude awakening.
Views and undiscovered places
Then again, the bonus you get are the stunning views of the Austrian Alps. Because that's why you end up going for 'alpine gravel' in the Bregenzerwald and not a lap Strade Bianche. Digging in the Alps always provides a different experience. You get to places that are otherwise not visible, or that are more difficult to cycle by road bike. You will sometimes have to walk a short distance to do so, but the reward is corresponding. As you can see below, overlooking the Zitterklapfen. Surely that is different from the Sallandse Heuvelrug.
Hotel tip
If you are looking for a good cycling hotel in the region, the 'Gämsle Hotel'. This hotel is a good starting point for cyclists and is also used as accommodation by the RoadBike Holidays organisation, among others. That means safe storage and cleaning facilities for bikes, a sauna, weekly bike tour with someone from the hotel and much more.
Gravel routes Bregenzerwald
We have mapped out four routes for you, which you can also combine with each other according to your fitness level. These gravel routes in the Bregenzerwald are suitable for everyone! Want to know more? Then go to the Bregenzerwald Tourismus page.
Want to know more about gravel routes in Austria? Then also read our story on Gravel Innsbruck!
