Cycling Austria

Austria is a cycling destination with serious Alpine credentials.

From gentle vineyard roads and lakeside routes to steep mountain climbs and high passes, it offers a wide range of riding without needing to travel huge distances between regions.

Why cycle in Austria?

Austria may be best known for skiing, hiking and city breaks, but it also has a strong cycling culture and some of the most rewarding mountain roads in Europe.

Here’s what’s helping put Austria on the cycling map:

• The Austrian Alps are the headline act, with climbs such as Grossglockner, Rettenbachferner and Kitzbühel offering steep gradients and serious mountain days. But there are also gentler roads around Vienna, big mountain riding in Tyrol and Vorarlberg, and gravel routes through Austria’s valleys and mountains. Our guide to cycling Austria explains more.
• The Salzkammergut region, near Salzburg, offers a strong mix of lakeside riding, rolling climbs, swimming stops and culture. Our guide to the region explains more.
• Long-distance routes add another dimension, including the Alpe Adria route through Austria and Italy, and the Danube for easier days beside one of Europe’s great rivers.
• Major events such as the Tour of Austria, Tour of the Alps and Ötztaler Radmarathon continue to showcase Austria’s cycling credentials.
• Austria’s infrastructure and set up makes planning a cycling holiday here practical too, with well-maintained roads, bike-friendly infrastructure and a reputation as one of the world’s safest countries for cycling holidays.

Want to understand how Austria works for a cycling trip and where to go? Read our full guide to cycling Austria.