Cycling holiday in Austria - unique nature seen from two wheels is written by Jens Skovgaard Andersen.
A different cycling holiday in Austria
Austria may not be the first country you think of if you are planning to go out and air your bike on summer vacation. As Danes, we are used to flat terrain and fine cycle paths, and it may well be another and more challenging project to have to climb over the Alps on two wheels.
But don't give up beforehand; Austria is much more than mountains. The country has a number of cycle routes of a very high standard and in incredibly beautiful surroundings. Not least the 'gravel bike' is a big hit. Gravel bikes are a cross between road cycling and mountain biking and are thus perfect for the varied Austrian landscape.
Of course, there are routes for the really mountain-loving cyclists, and if you are into mountain biking and good with altitude meters on the route, then Austria is pure Slaraffenland. There are also plenty of places where you can rent an electric bike that can help you get going quickly, so that your cycling holiday in Austria doesn't end up being too hard.
Gravel road and mountain road - with and without auxiliary engine
A mountainous country like Austria is naturally made for mountain biking. You can choose the organized and at the same time playful approach to the sport in e.g. Bikepark Leogang i Carinthia close to the border Slovenia or in Bikepark Petzen i Salzburg.
You can of course also go on a longer cycling expedition on mountain paths and mountain roads on the countless routes across the country. How about crossing Austria from one end to the other?
In many places you can even rent an electric mountain bike, so you get the help of a small motor when the hardships become too great or when you just want to save a little energy along the way.
If you want to join the latest fad when it comes to cycling holidays in Austria, then instead you should jump on a gravel bike, which is perfect for something in between steep and flat terrain. Here you can also choose the electric model.
Many ski resorts are made to be explored on two wheels outside the ski season. The big draws for gravel bikes are in picture-perfect Salzkammergut and in Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The routes usually go past and around beautiful lakes and wild landscapes, so remember to have your camera handy – Austria is incredible'insta-friendly'.
You will find another challenging tour in Hohe Tauern National Park, where by bike you experience both the panoramic views of the high Alps around Austria's highest mountain Großglockner and also the skiing area Salzachtal, which in winter attracts ski tourists from near and far. Regardless of whether the surroundings are shiny white or lush green, there are really good experiences to be had here.
Cycling holiday in Austria in the flat way
If you prefer a cycling holiday at a leisurely pace and can content yourself with looking at the mountains from below instead of driving around them, then you can take a trip along the rivers and in the lowlands among vines and rolling fields.
Austria has something for everyone and one of the best recommended cycling routes is the route around Hallstätter See in Salzkammergut, which could appropriately be based on cozy Salzburg.
Exercise for bones and taste buds
Another popular route for your cycling holiday in Austria runs along the Danube. As the route is flat and follows the river and thus does not require superphysics or navigation skills, it is good for the slightly less experienced cyclists.
The Austrian part of the route runs between the German border town of Passau, through the cities of Linz and Vienna and to the Slovak border, where there is a very short distance Slovakia capital city Bratislava. Of course, it is possible to settle for shorter trips along the route if you do not feel like the whole trip.
If you are into wine and exercise, then there is an obvious bike route in Styria in southeastern Austria, which is based in the country's second largest city Graz.
Here you get both the opportunity to exercise your legs and your taste buds when you cycle through vineyards and beautiful nature. If you should have been tempted by a cycling holiday this summer, then Austria is a more obvious choice than you might think.
See much more about traveling in Austria in both summer and winter here
Good cycling holiday in Austria!
Did you know: Here are 7 overlooked food experiences you must try in Austria
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