Cycling in Austria

Cycling in the Austrian Alps?

Contrary to general opinion the cycling in Austria is great, with superb routes, dramatic scenery and well sign posted and mapped routes. There are plenty of interconnected long distance routes, to take you far and wide.

For example the Tauern Cycle route starts at Krimml, up in the Alps of Austria close to, Kaprun and Zell am See area there are numerous shops which will hire out bikes by the hour, day or week.

An examination of the map shows that from a base in Zell am See or Kaprun, there are a number of choices:-

• In half a day it is possible to cycle from Kaprun, around the lake at Zell am See, much of the route is a clearly marked cycle track half a day to have enjoyable ride around, on a hot summers day there are even places to stop to have a swim in the clear lake waters.

• Another option is a ride up the Kaprun valley (not so flat) to explore the Kaprun reservoirs the ride back down into Kaprun is also great. Both the lifts up the Maisikogel and up on the to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier have been adapted  to take mountain bikes.
  

• Another excellent place to visit is to cycle up to Saalfeldon and Leogang with perhaps a run on to Maria Alm where there is an open air summer swimming pool and an interesting church next to a quaint village centre. There are quiet country roads to take you back to Kaprun and Zell am See.
  

• It is possible to cycle along the valley bottom up to the world famous Krimml water falls, the start if the Tauern Cycle route.  It is also possible to put your bike on the train from Zell am See, or one of the other station stops (advance booking advised). The train should now go up Krimml  via Mittersill, which is a few miles short of the waterfalls. The attached advice is a little bit dated but should give you further ideas for your cycling holiday in Austria.

• A cycle down to Salzburg at around 100 Km ( 60 miles or so) is a good possibility for those who like a challenge, it is predominately downhill, plenty of places to stop to pick up supplies, with a great view around every corner, and again it is possible to come back by train, up to Zell am See station.

• Another memorable possibility is to ctcle up over the Grossglockner pass, it is the highest pass in Europe and is normally only open from May until November time weather dependent. It is not for the faint hearted but for those who manage the climb it is a tremendous cycling achievement. 

• It also possible to do a weeks cycling holiday across Austria, following the Tauern Bike path from Krimml, famous for its waterfalls, and then a 7 day trip of about 30- 40 miles a day, with a rest day in Salzburg. Prices for a package start from just over £500. Click on the link to find out more about a Austrian Cycling tour .
  

For further information on somewhere to stay with bike storage facilities, fom 3-9 guests consider locating your base in Kaprun for some fantastic cycling opportunities :- www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

For further cycling  people information give this link a click.

Cycling through Austria fantastic scenery, with excellent routes