Here we go again. At last! Cycling, soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoor dining areas. Lower Austria presents itself from a very diverse side also at this time of year.

Exploring the country by bike is certainly one of the most beautiful ways of travelling. The signposted cycle route network in Lower Austria is 4,200 km long. The emphasis is on enjoyment, of course.

“The classic” ‒ a tour for the whole family
The Danube Cycle Path is one of the most popular and also most beautiful cycle routes in Europe. Around 260 kilometres of the great European path accompany the Danube in Lower Austria ‒ from Ybbs/Persenbeug in the west to Hainburg on the border with Slovakia. Always along the Danube and EuroVelo 6, you can cycle in a relaxed manner through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau, where a visit to a wine tavern is a must. If you want to take it even easier, you can switch from the quiet and well-signposted cycle paths to the waterway and recharge your batteries on a boat trip. There are plenty of places to stop along the way.

“The Heart of the Mostviertel” ‒ Ybbstal Cycle Path
Built on the railway line of the former Ybbstalbahn. The Ybbstal cycle path is particularly popular with families because it runs completely flat, away from car traffic, but always very close to the Ybbs river through the foothills of the Alps. The Traisental cycle path along the Danube to Mariazell, also located in the Mostviertel, is similarly family-friendly.

“The historical one” ‒ Kamp-March cycle route
You can also cycle without borders along the Iron Curtain Trail, which follows the former Iron Curtain and connects not only Lower Austria with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but also the Waldviertel with the Weinviertel. Along the route you can experience European history and pristine nature, as the border strip has become a unique biotope for plants and animals due to decades of isolation.

The Kamp-Thaya-March Cycle Route is a highlight for cycle tours or cycle holidays lasting several days. The excursion options are as varied as the stages. From the wine and grape world of Poysdorf to the falcon shows at the Renaissance Rosenburg Castle and the Thayatal National Park to the Retzer Erlebnisweinkeller (wine cellar) and the magnificent gardens of Hof Castle, each stage offers a culinary or historical highlight. Those looking to cool off will find it in the idyllic Ottenstein reservoir or in the cellars of the romantic winegrowing village of Falkenstein.

“The New One”: cycling around Göttweig Abbey
Around Göttweig Abbey there is a 22-kilometre network of trails for bike fans. The five trails of the Trail Area Göttweig offers something for everyone ‒ for beginners and kids as well as experienced bike enthusiasts. Culinary delights are also on offer ‒ the Schickhnway, for example, leads past the Landgasthof Schickh restaurant.
A certain level of fitness is a prerequisite. By the way, the trails were built entirely by human hands, 120 volunteers were at work and spent around 10,000 working hours on the Göttweiger Berg. There are no artificially installed passages, only the existing terrain was used, which gives the trail area a special charm.

Link tips:

• Cycling map of Lower Austria (download)
• Overview of cycle paths in Lower Austria
• Wachau: Online Heurigen Calendar