Cycling guides and maps in Austria
Cycling in Austria
With its breathtaking landscapes and one of Europe’s most developed cycling networks, cycling in Austria appeals to lovers of freedom and nature. Whether you’re cycling along the Danube, climbing the Alps, or exploring the vineyards of Lower Austria, a good map or a well-chosen guide makes all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your itinerary.
Explore Austria by bike
Choosing Austria for a cycling trip means treating yourself to a wealth of visual, cultural, and sporting experiences. From the turquoise lakes of the Salzkammergut to the verdant valleys of Tyrol, via imperial cities like Vienna and Salzburg, each region offers a picture-postcard setting.
Cycling in Austria also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture: stops at traditional inns, wine tasting in the Wachau, discovering open-air museums… Not to mention the music festivals and craft markets that punctuate the seasons. Thanks to the excellent intermodality (trains, buses, and ferries compatible with bicycles), it’s easy to vary the stages while maintaining a sense of freedom.
The great cycling routes in Austria
Austria is crossed by several major European routes, including several EuroVelo routes, as well as by very well-marked national cycle routes. Here are the most emblematic:
- EuroVelo 6 – Danube by bike : From Passau to Vienna, this Austrian section of EuroVelo 6 is undoubtedly the most famous. Cycling along the Danube is 300 km of magnificent landscapes, between gorges, vineyards, and abbeys. The route is flat, safe, and ideal for families.
- EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route : It connects the North Cape to Malta, crossing Austria from north to south via Linz, Salzburg and the Alps. A varied route, between river valleys and legendary passes.
- EuroVelo 9 – From the Baltic to the Adriatic : EuroVelo 9 crosses Vienna, Graz, and the landscapes of southeastern Austria. Lesser-known, this route is worth exploring for its tranquility and diversity.
- EuroVelo 13 – The Iron Curtain: This route follows the former border between East and West. In Austria, it runs along the Hungarian border and through unspoiled rural areas.
- EuroVelo 14 – Lakes and Rivers of Central Europe : The route connects Germany to Hungary, passing through Upper Austria and its large lakes, ideal for a summer on the water.
- EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route : A short section crosses western Austria, particularly around Lake Constance. Ideal for combining Switzerland, Germany, and Austria over a few days.
Essential products for cycling in Austria
Here are some essential cycling guides and maps to help you plan your cycling trip in Austria:
- Bikeline – The Danube by Bike (Passau – Vienna): A classic! This ultra-detailed guide offers 1:50,000 maps, elevation profiles, accommodations, tourist information, and more. Perfect for cycling from Passau to Vienna.
- ADFC Map – Danube Valley – Salzburg: A map detailing the cycle paths along the Danube, connecting Passau to Wachau, from Salkammergut, as well as gravel trails also suitable for e-bikes.
- Freytag & Berndt Map – Tyrol: Perfect for exploring the Tyrol region of Austria with waterproof cycle paths and city maps at a scale of 1:150,000.
The Austrian cycle network
The Austrian cycling network is a model of clarity and practicality. It features over 13,000 km of well-maintained, marked cycle paths, generally separated from car traffic. These routes, called Radwege, cross every region, connecting major cities to rural areas.
Some roads are paved, others are packed gravel, but all are marked with uniform signage. Services for cyclists are also highly developed: repair stations, Bett+Bike-certified accommodation, official apps, etc.
Austria also focuses on intermodality: regional trains, long-distance buses, and even boats on the Danube often accept bicycles. This allows for flexible trips adapted to every level of ability. In just a few days, you can combine cycling from Passau to Vienna, hiking in the Alps, and then returning to your starting point… stress-free.
Between EuroVelo 6, Passau and Vienna by bike, or exploring Austria on a cycle tour, the possibilities are endless. Thanks to a comprehensive range of cycling guides and maps, cyclists can plot their own route independently. Whether you’re a fan of long distances or a leisurely stroll, you’ll find Austria a welcoming, well-organized country deeply committed to sustainable mobility.