Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Austria is one of Europe's most bike- friendly lands. It is interlaced with well-marked cyc-
ling trails that showcase the mountains, valleys and cities from their best angles. Whether
you want to test your stamina on hairpin bends and leg-aching mountain passes, blaze
downhill on a mountain bike in the Alps, or free-wheel leisurely around the country's glor-
ious lakes - Austria has routes that will take your breath away.
When to Go
Warmer temperatures from May to October beckon cyclists, while downhill mountain
bikers head to the Alps from late June to mid-September. Snow rules out cycling at higher
elevations in winter, but this can be a quiet time to explore Austria's low-lying valleys.
Pedalling up alpine passes in July and August can be a hot, tiring, thirsty business; take
ample sunscreen and water, and factor in time for breaks.
Resources
Websites
Bike Holidays
(
http://bike-holidays.at
) Search by region for mountain-bike (MTB) trails, cycling routes, free-ride parks
and bike hotels in Austria.
Biken
(
http://bike-holidays.at
)
Handy source for information on cycling and mountain biking in Salzkammergut and Up-
per Austria. You can order free brochures including
Cycling Country Austria
.
Radfahren
(
www.radfahren.at
) Easy-to- navigate website with descriptions on cycling trails (including long-distance
routes), bike-friendly hotels, bike rental and transport throughout Austria. Has interactive maps.
Radtouren
(
www.radtouren.at
) An excellent site listing Austria's major cycling routes and hotels.
Maps & Guides
Local tourist offices usually stock brochures and maps on cycling and mountain biking.
Cycle clubs are another good source of information. For more detailed maps and guides
try the following:
