The best cycling routes in Upper Austria

Upper Austria offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find mostly flat river paths along the Danube, ideal for leisurely rides, as well as more challenging hilly routes in regions like the Mühlviertel with its granite formations. The Salzkammergut Lake District features a mix of gentle hills and wide valleys with rugged mountains around its picturesque lakes.

There are over 13,000 touring cycling routes available in Upper Austria on komoot, catering to various skill levels and preferences. This includes more than 2,400 easy routes, nearly 6,000 moderate routes, and over 4,900 difficult routes for experienced cyclists.

Absolutely. Many routes offer stunning natural sights. For instance, the Danube River Valley features the spectacular Schlögener Schlinge, a 180-degree bend in the river. The Salzkammergut region is famous for its alpine lakes like Wolfgangsee, Attersee, and Hallstättersee. You can also find natural highlights such as the Traunfall Waterfall or explore the gorges in Upper Austria, including the Dr. Vogelgesang Gorge.

Yes, Upper Austria's cycling routes often lead through charming historical towns and past significant cultural landmarks. You can cycle through places like Passau, Linz, Grein, Bad Ischl, and Schärding. The Salzkammergut region, in particular, boasts imperial history with sites like Bad Ischl, a former summer retreat for Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi.

Yes, many circular routes are available. For example, the Wolfgangsee Cycle Path – Wolfgangsee Railway Embankment Cycle Path loop from St. Wolfgang Schafbergbf offers a scenic round trip through the Wolfgangsee region. Another option is the Hallstatt Lake – Lake Hallstatt loop from Bad Goisern, which circles the famous Hallstatt Lake.

The best time for touring cycling in Upper Austria is generally from spring to autumn. The summer months (June to August) offer warm weather and opportunities for refreshing swims in the alpine lakes. Spring and early autumn provide milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, Upper Austria is very family-friendly. The Danube Cycle Path, for instance, offers mostly flat terrain, making it ideal for leisure cyclists and families. Many routes around the lakes in the Salzkammergut also provide easier sections. Look for routes marked as 'easy' on komoot, which are suitable for all skill levels.

Upper Austria boasts an excellent cycling infrastructure. You'll find numerous well-signposted routes, including long-distance paths and regional circular tours. The region is also very e-bike friendly, with rental options and charging stations. Many 'Bett+bike' establishments offer specialized services for cyclists, and bike repair shops are readily available.

Absolutely. The Salzkammergut Lake District is a prime example, with routes connecting stunning lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Traunsee, and Mondsee. The Gustav Mahler's Composing Hut – South Shore of Lake Attersee loop from Kammer-Schörfling is a great example of a route winding along the shores of Lake Attersee, offering beautiful lake views and opportunities to visit highlights like Mondsee (near Oberburgau).

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Upper Austria, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 35,000 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from serene river paths to challenging mountain routes, and the well-maintained network of cycle paths. The combination of natural beauty, historical towns, and excellent infrastructure makes it a favorite destination.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Mühlviertel region in the north offers routes with significant elevation gains and wooded, hilly topography. The Cycle path along the Ischl – View of the Schwarzensee loop from St. Wolfgang Schafbergbf is another difficult route with substantial elevation, providing a rewarding experience for those looking for a more strenuous ride.

Upper Austria is home to several well-known long-distance cycle paths. The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's most popular, offering extensive stretches along the river. The Salzkammergut Cycle Path is a 300-365 km circular route connecting many of the region's beautiful lakes and towns. The Enns Cycle Path also features a scenic 45 km route through the Kalkalpen National Park.

Yes, Upper Austria is very e-bike friendly. The region actively promotes e-mobility with dedicated e-bike routes, numerous rental options, and free charging stations conveniently located along popular paths. This makes it easy to explore even the more challenging, hilly areas like the Mühlviertel with an e-bike.