Panoramic views over vineyards and many, many kilometres of cycling. In Southern Styria, you can climb from hill to hill or ride alongside refreshing rivers. Challenging gravel biking and fine dining make for a perfect combination here.
Wow. Endless panoramic views over lush green hills, woods, pastures and vineyards. I simply can’t get enough of it. My ‘tour guide’, David Schöggl, can’t help but smile at my enthusiasm. The former Transalp winner was born in Southern Styria and has known these fantastic views for years.
Perfect cycling conditions
Fortunately, I was able to stock up on plenty of calories at the lavish buffet at my hotel, ‘Das Schmied’, as all that constant up-and-down riding really takes it out of you. However, the picturesque hilly landscape isn’t the only draw for keen gravel cyclists. The mild climate that characterises this unique cultural landscape on the border between Austria and Slovenia also allows for a long active season for cycling enthusiasts. Tours are possible almost all year round. The nearby Adriatic Sea and its mountain ranges ensure that typical golden autumn. The lower-lying areas already benefit from warm air currents in spring. “I don’t like training in the snow; my home region is the best winter terrain for me,” says David. We’ve been out on the Wine Route tour on our gravel bikes for two hours now. I try to get my bearings anew every time we’ve climbed another ridge between the river valleys. Even the looming storm clouds can’t take away any of Southern Styria’s charm.
Sport and cuisine
The cycle routes through the vineyards and hills of Southern Styria total almost two thousand kilometres, which are signposted accordingly, depending on the type of bike and the level of difficulty. The ‘carb-loading’ options are also unique. This term is actually too mundane for the region, with its colourful culture of stopping off for refreshments, characterised by delicious local produce. Even as a grape lover, I’d never heard of the fresh, crisp rosé wine ‘Schilcher’. Yet there is a dedicated wine route for this indigenous grape variety: the Schilcher Wine Route. On our rides, we also frequently cycle along the Sausal Wine Route and the South Styrian Wine Route.
Challenging gravel riding
The alternation between brisk, flat stretches along riverside cycle paths and gentle climbs offering sweeping views is perfect – all on gravel and narrow roads. Scattered sections through woodland and over roots, as on the Remschniggalm tour, demand my full concentration on the gravel handlebars. Rivers and swimming spots keep tempting us to take a dip, but David keeps up a brisk pace. Fortunately, he’s in recovery mode as he rode a 200-kilometre marathon at the weekend. We take in all the panoramic views along the Wine Route, and I’m tempted to call for a photo stop much more often. But the stunning views come one after another, and soon I’m simply enjoying soaking up the landscape.
Fancy some more?
I’m delighted with how well Southern Styria has catered for cyclists. Tour maps showing all the routes – available both digitally and in print – combined with a signposting system that uses colour-coding to indicate the type of route and level of difficulty, make it easy to explore the region actively. From the nine gravel routes, you can certainly ‘put together’ at least twice as many tours. Over a glass of Schilcher and a generously laden snack platter at the Haring-Pichlippi vineyard and wine tavern, I chat with David about other great cycling destinations around the world. Southern Styria can certainly hold its own against them. After the 70 kilometres, I can feel my legs getting heavy and I’m already looking forward to the swimming pool at the ‘Das Schmied’ hotel. The perfect way to round off a perfect day in the saddle.
Two tour suggestions for gravel cyclists
Wine Route Tour
The Tour A long loop to Gamlitz with fantastic panoramic views over the vineyards and the rolling countryside. Several climbs and descents, such as up the Schloßberg, Seggauberg, Eichberg, Kranachberg and Karnerberg. You’ll be cycling at altitudes ranging between 300 and 600 metres. In between, there are flat sections along the rivers Sulm and Mur. Challenging stretches along meadow paths and trails. Plenty of places to stop for refreshments, as you make your way from one vineyard or wine tavern to the next. A proper day’s ride: Allow plenty of time, as the time spent in the saddle alone can be around six hours or more, depending on your fitness level.
Starting point Hotel Das Schmied in Arnfels, hotel-schmied.at
Refreshments
- Seggau Castle, Seggauberg 1, 8430 Leibnitz, Tel: +43/3452/824350, seggau.com
- Sulmbad zum Steinernen Wehr, Sportplatzweg 2, 8430 Kaindorf a. d. Sulm Tel: +43/664/1819807, steinernewehr.at
- Country Inn and Hotel am Marktplatz Wratschko, Marktplatz 9, 8462 Gamlitz Tel: +43 3453 2647, wratschko.at
Remschniggalm
The Tour A great route for cross-border commuters, which we cycled clockwise. The longer climb up to the Remschniggalm requires strong legs. Afterwards, on the way to St Pongratzen Church, you’ll be rewarded with some challenging off-road sections, several border crossings into Slovenia (no checks!) and sweeping views over the alpine pastures and vineyards. Depending on your starting point, you can warm up in the valley along the Saggau. If you start and finish in Eibiswald, the Haring-Pichlippi winery and wine tavern is the perfect way to round off the day in the evening. All in all, don’t be put off by the ‘few’ kilometres. With a total ascent of around 800 metres, the tour is certainly challenging.
You have to stop there A stop for a break at the secluded Remschnigg Almhütte, Styria’s southernmost alpine hut. At an altitude of around 750 metres, you’ll be treated to hearty, traditional Styrian fare.
Starting point Hotel Das Schmied in Arnfels, hotel-schmied.at
Refreshment stop
- Remschnigg Alpine Hut, Tel: +43/660/5235201, Anton Schöpf and Heidi Seewald, open from 10.00 am, closed on Mondays
- Haring-Pichlippi Winery and Wine Bar, Hörmsdorf 48, 8552 Eibiswald, Tel: +43 (0) 34 66 / 42 381, pichlippi.at
