Guest author
For Australian cyclists planning their next overseas adventure, Austria has long been synonymous with legendary alpine road climbs and world-class cycle touring. But venture beyond the smooth tarmac and you’ll discover a destination that feels tailor-made for gravel riding too.
From forest tracks winding through the Alps to high mountain passes, riverside paths and remote alpine huts, Austria has become one of Europe’s premier gravel destinations.
Exceptional infrastructure, spectacular scenery and a growing network of dedicated routes make it an ideal destination for riders seeking adventure beyond the bitumen.
Unlike many gravel hotspots that require extensive route planning, Austria’s tourism regions have embraced the discipline, developing dedicated gravel routes complete with GPX files, signage, accommodation and bike-friendly services. Whether you’re chasing an epic multi-day challenge or a scenic half-day escape, there’s something to suit every rider.
Gravel with an alpine backdrop
What makes Austria so appealing for gravel riders is the incredible variety of terrain.
A single ride can link quiet village roads to flowing descents and panoramic mountain viewpoints. Many routes avoid busy traffic altogether, allowing riders to immerse themselves in landscapes of glacial lakes, traditional alpine farms and towering peaks.
The riding season stretches year round, with best conditions from late spring through autumn, while lower-altitude regions can often be enjoyed well into October. Many destinations also offer e-bike hire, making some of the country’s more mountainous routes accessible to a wider range of riders.
For route inspiration and regional guides, visit Austria’s official gravel biking hub:
Four rides worth adding to your itinerary
1) Salzkammergut: Lakes, forests and endless flow
The Salzkammergut region combines Austria’s famous turquoise lakes with an extensive network of forestry roads and quiet alpine tracks.
Here, gravel riders weave between crystal-clear lakes including Wolfgangsee, Hallstätter See and Traunsee, climbing into forests before descending into postcard-perfect villages. The riding offers an ideal balance of scenery and challenge, with routes suitable for everyone from experienced bikepackers to weekend adventurers.
The 3-Lakes Tour
One of the standout rides in the Salzkammergut is the 3-Lakes Tour, a spectacular 63.6km loop linking the shores of Wolfgangsee, Attersee and Mondsee.
Suitable for gravel bikes thanks to its mix of asphalt and gravel, the medium-difficulty route packs 660 metres of climbing while showcasing some of the region’s most iconic scenery.
Starting in St. Gilgen, the ride follows the Salzkammergut Cycle Path along Lake Wolfgangsee before winding through Bad Ischl and the peaceful Weißenbachtal to Lake Attersee. Riders then trace the southern shore of Mondsee before returning over the Scharfling Pass to complete a memorable circuit through three of Austria’s most beautiful lakes.
With downloadable GPX files, well-maintained roads and trails, bike-friendly accommodation and plenty of lakeside cafés along the way, it’s an ideal introduction to Austrian gravel riding.
Route information and GPX downloads are available here.
2) Bregenzerwald: Gravel with a side of alpine hospitality
In Austria’s westernmost province of Vorarlberg, the Bregenzerwald offers a network of gravel routes that weave through forests, alpine meadows and traditional villages beneath towering mountain peaks.
Riders can expect flowing forestry roads, panoramic climbs and plenty of opportunities to stop at mountain huts or sample the region’s renowned alpine cheeses.
The area also hosts the annual Into the Wold gravel festival, highlighting its growing reputation as one of Austria’s premier gravel destinations.
3) Carinthia – The Wörthersee Gravel Race
One of Austria’s premier gravel events, the Wörthersee Gravel Race caters to everyone from elite professionals to weekend riders.
Part of the prestigious UCI Gravel World Series, the event features multiple course options across varying distances and difficulty levels, allowing riders of all abilities to experience the stunning Carinthian landscape.
4) The ultimate Austrian gravel adventure: Gravel Austria
Perhaps the ultimate guide for Austria is Lake Constance to Lake Neusiedl, a monster 3,000 kilometre route that covers every one of Austria’s federal states. Taking on the entire route riders would cover a massive 50,000 metres of elevation, and allow keen riders to experience the country in all its facets.
But if that sounds too extreme, you can also join this mega-gravel route at any point along the way. Whether you tackle it all in one go or ride it in stages, the larger cities are easily accessible by public transportation, making them ideal as starting and ending points, as well as rest stops to refuel and recharge.
Tips for accommodation throughout the route can be found in the individual stage descriptions, and this epic route is rideable in both directions.
More than just a ride
One of Austria’s biggest strengths is how seamlessly cycling integrates with travel.
Many gravel regions are connected by rail, making it easy to explore multiple destinations without hiring a car. Bike-friendly hotels, mountain huts, cafés and repair stations are commonplace, while local tourism operators have embraced cyclists with dedicated accommodation and route information.
That means less time worrying about logistics and more time riding.
For Australians considering a European cycling holiday, Austria offers something refreshingly different. Yes, you can still tick off famous alpine road climbs, but bringing a gravel bike opens an entirely new world of forest roads, mountain trails and hidden valleys that many visitors never experience.
If your ideal cycling holiday combines spectacular scenery, outstanding infrastructure and genuine adventure, Austria may just be Europe’s best-kept gravel secret.
Explore dozens of gravel routes, downloadable GPX files and regional guides below.
