Flower-filled meadows, sparkling blue lakes and snow-capped mountains – Austria's beauty is truly awe-inspiring. And with hundreds of miles of well-marked, inviting trails through some of the most pristine natural environments in Europe, it's a paradise for cyclists of all abilities.
Our handpicked regions of Salzkammergut, the Danube and wonderfully combine the Alps, scenic lakes, and historical towns and villages to provide a breath-taking experience of cycling Austria.
Austria is a great country to tour by bike. Whether you want to challenge yourself on a mountain ascent, cruise along the Danube or whizz through terraced vineyards, there are plenty of gorgeous vistas to enjoy.
Off-road, you can immerse yourself in the magical splendour of Salzburg, with its Baroque palaces and Renaissance gardens. And because our cycling trips in Austria are self-guided, you're free to make impromptu stops to wander through a pretty village, peek inside a 15th-century church or enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
Our Austria cycling routes are expertly researched. We give you detailed maps as well as access to our navigation app, so you can go at your own pace.
We hand-pick the best accommodation for you. Whether that's an old coaching inn, a family-run B&B or a luxury four-star hotel, you'll enjoy the same warm hospitality and delicious traditional cuisine − not to mention the local fine wines.
Our cycling trips in Austria include a complimentary Headwater bike for your exclusive use. You have the option to upgrade to an electric bike, which will make light work of any hills and leave you free to take in the spectacular panoramas.
Salzburg is truly beautiful and is also where the majority of The Sound of Music was set. But it has more than one claim to fame: it was also the birthplace of Mozart.
The Old Town is well worth a wander; fine examples of medieval and Baroque architecture can be found here. You can visit Mozart's Residence and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, the latter of which was built by an Archbishop of Salzburg as a residence for the secret mistress the Pope wouldn't allow him to marry. Nearby, there's also Hellbrunn Palace with its fun trick fountains.
The lakeside paths of Lake Constance are a breeze for cycling, and the paths take in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. There are many lakeside restaurants where you can stop to eat.
Take a short ferry ride over to the twin castles of Meersburg, the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. Eat in the Baroque hall or enjoy the atmosphere of the castle tavern in the garden. The terrace offers spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
Baroque and Gothic architecture can be found in abundant supply in Vienna, as can coffee and the traditional chocolate cake Sachertorte.
Tour the State Opera House, where there is a full schedule of over 60 operas and ballets each season. World-class artists regularly dominate the stage.
See the Hofburg Palace, once a royal residence that now houses the Imperial Treasury Museum as well as the Austrian National Library. Schönbrunn Palace is another impressive location to visit during your cycling holiday in Austria. It's so impressive that it has been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1996. A vast park stretches out in front of the building, characterised by tree-lined avenues and manicured lawns and flowerbeds.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Navigation App
Multi-activity holiday
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1
Leisurely
Headwater
Navigation App
Self-guided cycling
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Headwater
Navigation App
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Navigation App
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Headwater
Navigation App
Self-guided cycling
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Navigation App
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Where appropriate, we grade our holidays based on distance, terrain, elevation gain, remoteness, etc and categorise them into 4 relative groups. This is ultimately subjective and may vary slightly day to day; for more advice, please see the specific trip page or call one of our friendly team.
As with many other countries in mainland Europe, Austria is very well set up for cycling. Cycle paths tend to be maintained well and signposted clearly .
Wherever your biking holiday takes you in Austria, you're sure to enjoy the vast natural beauty the country is known for. Whether you're more one for flat paths and scenic horizons or steep, challenging rides through rugged landscapes, Austria has routes that are perfect for you.
It depends on what kind of cycling you're looking for! The Danube cycle path is exceptionally beautiful and runs through Austria and seven other countries. As you follow the banks of the Danube, you'll pass scores of beautiful monasteries, abbeys, castles and friendly villages with traditional marketplaces.
Most sections (including the Austrian segment) of this cycle path are relatively flat, meaning you can focus more on the sights and sounds around you.
All our self-guided Austria bike tours have been planned so you can experience some of the most stunning locations the country has to offer.
If you'd like to make the most of the Alpine scenery in Austria, it's worth having a look at one of the cycling tours in the Salzkammergut region. This is the Lake District of Austria, so you'll spend a lot of time biking on calm lakeside paths and enjoying the amazing mountain views. You may even have the option to take the cog railway up to the top of Mount Schafberg.
Bring a practical backpack that you can comfortably wear while cycling. In your backpack, carry all the daily essentials. An insect repellent with Deet is highly recommended, as tick bites can be nasty. As you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, don't forget sun protection and sunglasses either.
It's wise to carry some travel money with you, as cash is still the preferred way to pay in Austria. And we recommend you bring a small first aid kit as your cycling holiday in Austria will be self-guided.
A portable charger can also help you ensure your phone stays topped up while you're on the road, allowing you to take as many pictures as you like.
You should bring clothes you can comfortably cycle in, as well as something to relax in at your lodgings in the evenings.
Cycling shorts or trousers will serve you well, as will a windproof and waterproof jacket, a headband, sports socks and cycling shoes. Don't forget to pack your swimming gear if you plan on taking a dip anywhere too.
May-October usually offers the most favourable conditions for biking in Austria. The temperature sits usually comfortably in the 20-25°C range during this time, though it is sometimes higher. The lowlands have hot summers and cold winters, particularly towards the south. The mountainous regions have a cooler climate than other parts of the country, and the west is milder year-round but with more rain.
We've spent almost 40 years crafting exciting, action-packed itineraries for our travellers, so you can rely on us to provide a self-guided Austria cycling tour you'll remember. Book online today and start getting ready for your excursion. Here are a few reasons why you can have confidence in us:
