{"id":18904,"date":"2026-10-21T20:16:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T18:16:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wobblyride.com\/?p=18904"},"modified":"2026-10-21T20:16:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T18:16:56","slug":"cycling-in-austria-biketouring-and-bikepacking-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wobblyride.com\/pl\/2026\/10\/21\/cycling-in-austria-biketouring-and-bikepacking-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in Austria – Practical biketouring and bikepacking guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Austria is a great place to go cycling. It\u2019s well connected to most European countries and offers long-distance cycle routes, good infrastructure, and amazing views for beginner cycle travellers, seasoned bikepackers, and sporty cyclists. I cycled through Austria twice\u2014first in 2018, and recently in 2026\u2014and here is some advice to help you plan your cycle tour in this Alpine country.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cycling in Austria at a glance<\/h3><\/div>

Best season:<\/strong> From May to September
Difficulty:<\/strong> easy to difficult
Bike infrastructure:<\/strong> good
Best cycle routes for beginners:<\/strong> Danube Cycle Route, Drau Cycle Route, Carinthian Lake Loop, Enns Cycle Route
Most epic alpine climbs:<\/strong> The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Rettenbachferner, Timmelsjoch, Kaunertaler Gletscherstrasse
Eurovelo Routes:<\/strong> EV6 (Atlantic-Black Sea), EV7 (Sun Route), EV9 (Baltic-Adriatic), EV13 (Iron Curtain Trail), EV14 (Waters of Central Europe), EV15 (Rhine Cycle Route)
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Cycling the Grossglockner High Alpine Road – great challenge with great views<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Cycling through the alpine villages, you’ll always find a fountain with delicious fresh water <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is Austria good for bicycle touring and bikepacking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people think of Austria as a skiing destination. But in summer, this Alpine country can become a paradise for another type of tourist: the cyclist. With over 20,000 km of safe cycle traffic network<\/a> and excellent tourism infrastructure, planning your journey is straightforward, and the Alpine landscapes and picturesque towns reward every kilometer of pedalling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Most of the main long-distance cycle routes are signposted and easy to follow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A bike stop with everyting you need…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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… tools, water, and even a vending machine with spare inner tubes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The biggest downside of cycling in Austria is the prices, especially in high season. Hotel stays can quickly drain your wallet, while wild camping is illegal and the network of WarmShowers or WTMG hosts is fairly scarce, compared to other European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another limitation is the law that forbids cycling on the forest roads and trails, unless they are specifically designated as cycle routes. So if you\u2019re a bikepacker looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure, you might feel quite restricted in Austria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Remember that the weather (especially in the mountains) can be unpredictable.  Bring good waterproof gear and warmer clothes, even if you\u2019re travelling in the midst of the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We were quite unlucky with the weather last August, and the heavy rain made some days quite miserable<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best long-distance cycling routes in Austria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alpe-Adria Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Alpe Adria Cycle Route is on many cyclists\u2019 bucket lists for good reason. This 415 km trail is one of Central Europe\u2019s most scenic routes, and it\u2019s accessible to any reasonably fit cyclist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most cyclists start in Mozart\u2019s city, Salzburg. From there, the path takes you through valleys surrounded by the monumental peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountain range and the picturesque rural landscapes of Carinthia, crossing into Italy, and finishing at the Adriatic coast in Grado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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