8 Cycling Tours & Destinations in Austria

The land of Beethoven and Mozart, Austria, is a classic combination of snow-capped Alps, placid lakes and riversides, lush meadows, stunning baroque architecture, and historic towns and villages. This landlocked country has diverse possibilities and is famous for its distinct way of enjoying art and rich culture.

If you want to explore the serene and scenic landscapes at your own relaxed pace, cycling in Austria is the best way to do it.

When it comes to cycling or biking, Austria is a real gem. It has infrastructure suitable for all ages and skill levels. Some of the most popular destinations for cycling are:

1. Mühlviertel

Recognised as a beer stronghold, Mühlviertel offers an idyllic view of undreamt vastness. Its rugged landscape with moss-coated mystic granite boulders offers sporting challenges to thrill lovers. Thus, every year bikers and cyclists find their way to this region to immerse in the picturesque riversides or in the mysterious forests to replenish energy reserves.

• Distance: 239.1 km
• Activities: Archery, hiking, horse riding, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, tobogganing
• Best Time: March to May

2. Salzkammergut

This dramatic region has a diverse landscape, including through valleys, rolling and soaring hills, and a magnificent 108-degree panoramic view of the Eastern Alps range. Known as the Austrian Lake District, the high steep and sloppy roads makes it ideal for cycling or biking.

• Distance: 337 km
• Activities: Hiking, skiing, curling, swimming, ice fishing, freeriding, snowshoeing, snowboarding, etc.
• Best Time: May, June, September and October

3. Wachau

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its agricultural and architectural significance, Wachau has a history of wine-making dating back over 2000 years. You can book an Austria cycling tour to explore its virgin nature, charming villages and towns, mediaeval ruins, forests, and mighty monasteries and castles. It resonates with the adaptations made by the climate at a human pace.

• Distance: 260 km
• Activities: Wine touring and tasting, kayaking, hiking, and boating
• Best Time: May and September

4. Vienna

Located in the Lower region on the southern outskirts of the capital city, Bucklige Welt is a hilly landscape starting from the foothills of Semmering, Rax and Schneeberg. It is recognised among biking enthusiasts for its light traffic congestion and diverse biking area brimming with picturesque views of the Vienna Alps. Here you can hunt for altitude metres with crisp climbs in regions like Vorarlberg and Tyrol.

• Distance: Over 250 km
• Activities: Hiking, swimming and walking around the city
• Best Time: May to April and September to October

5. Salzburg

With a network of 32-cycle routes, Salzerburg holds a position in the list of top destinations for cycling in Austria. This UNESCO-listed old quaint and cultural town preserves baroque architecture, cobbled streets and a 900-year-old clifftop castle, offering a unique blend of Italian and German heritage.

• Distance: Over 180 km
• Activities: Hot air balloon ride, mountaineering, skiing, e-foiling, canoeing, geo-coaching, zip lining, rock climbing, etc.
• Best Time: June to August and December to February

6. Tyrol

The land of superlatives for cycling enthusiasts, Tyrol offers the steepest climb to the highest mountain pass trail. It features challenging climbs, fast descents and sweeping views of the alpine splendour.

Apart from tackling the steep climb, the Capital of the Alps has flat terrains and offers a cyclist-friendly environment. Additionally, you will find several cycle rental and repair shops, eateries and accommodations here.

• Distance: Over 920 km
• Activities: Hiking, skiing, swimming, sightseeing, snowshoeing, climbing, hiking, and snowboarding
• Best Time: May

7. Vorarlberg

This westernmost province in Austria shares a diverse neighbourhood with Switzerland, Germany and Liechtenstein, exhibiting an extensive rural region. Further, the postcard-perfect views of lush greenery, shallow valleys, serene alpine lakes and mighty mountains of this most distinctive Alpine region enthral tourists with its cuisine, woodworking tradition and architecture marvels.

• Distance: 460 km
• Activities: River rafting, cheese and chocolate tours, paragliding, hiking, etc.
• Best Time: March and April

8. Villach

The 2nd largest city of Carinthia is a crucial bioregion encompassing parts of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia. This historically significant junction of the Alps and south Austria offers a wholesome portion of "dolce vita" along with low-key trips to towns, villages and lakes. Here you can witness the southern Mediterranean way of life with delectable gourmets and classic art.

• Distance: 400 km
• Activities: Canoeing, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, boating, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, climbing, fishing and sailing
• Best Time: March to May Villach