Gravel Austria
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From Lake Constance to Lake Neusiedler See: The new Gravel Austria Route lets you “experience” Austria on a gravel bike. This blend of road racing bike and mountain bike guarantees diverse tours whether on gravel or on asphalt. Always in sight – the breathtaking beauty of nature!
Eight provinces, 3,000 kilometres, 50,000 metres of altitude, 14 to 35 days. It’s left entirely up to the whims and of course the physical condition of the gravel bikers whether they “experience” Gravel Austria in one stretch or in the stages of the respective provinces. All in all, the route offers a multi-faceted and diverse tour through Austria, with each section showcasing its very own picturesque landscape.
Eight provinces: from the leisurely East to the demanding West
Beginning along the Danube in the east, the route is still hilly to flat. Nature here alternates between dense forests, idyllic vineyards and heavenly orchards. The waters of hot thermal springs regenerate tired calves. A sight worth seeing is the unique landscape of Lake Neusiedler See, a natural jewel and Europe’s largest steppe lake. The further west one gets, the more demanding sections require the best physical health. Now it's time to show some pedal power! But one thing’s for sure: the reward for each and every strenuous vertical metre is an unforgettable Alpine panorama. Lined up one after the other the rugged peaks stand tall, whilst the valley below is filled with blossoming flowers and clear mountain streams. In the truest sense of the word, the pinnacle of the region is the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. And it’s here that more than 2,000 metres in altitude have to be conquered.
Austrian gastronomy: refreshment stops filled with flavour
It’s not only the sporting challenge that’s in the limelight of the gravel tour. Leading star chefs provide the cyclists with unforgetable moments at all the culinary stopover options. Depending on the region, the local specialities sourced from surrounding fields, alpine pastures, bodies of water and orchards are very lovingly refined into delicacies. From hearty Tirolean dumplings to the classic Wiener Schnitzel or sweet Kaiserschmarren, Austrian cuisine spoils you with its variety and quality. Numerous restaurants are strung along the route all offering the opportunity to recover before, during or after a challenging stage.
Gravel-cycling accommodation: perfect for bikes and bikers
Providers of cycle-friendly accommodation up and down the route give bikes and bikers a good boost by revitalising them to be fit for the coming day. Numerous hotels, inns and guesthouses are geared towards meeting the needs of gravel bikers – with bespoke services for cycling holidaymakers. The bikes are safely parked and, if necessary, serviced at the in-house workshop. Have a chat with the bike-loving and warm hosts to get insider tips on what’s going on in the city during the evenings.
Castles and palaces: culture alongside the cycle path
Fancy taking a day off from gravel biking or would you like to set out on a discovery journey along the route? You’ll definitely find what you’re looking for in Austria, so you’ll come out a winner either way. Lined up the length of the path, cultural sights like castles, palaces, monasteries or historic towns invite you to enjoy interesting breaks. Countless reasons exist to make a stop and have an inspiring rest somewhere – from the Kufstein Fortress to the Basilica in Lake Mondsee, from Bad Ischl, the Capital of Culture 2024, to the Arbesbach Castle ruins.
Conclusion: Adventure, places of interest, indulgence and all-round service in Austria
Gravel bikers who need that extra kick on their two lugged tyres are in for a treat on Gravel Austria where an endless adventure through nature in Austria awaits them. Beginners get aquainted with the trendy sport as they cycle the various stages of the route that have been matched to their physical abilities. In addition to the cycling experience, Austria offers everything gravel athletes could ever wish for on the routes with culinary stops, sights and bicycle accommodation.
To find out more about the route and its stages, check out all the information here.