Austria is considered a biking Mecca, but many people don't realise this: Mountain biking is prohibited throughout the country according to forestry law. In BIKE 5/2015, we report on the crazy consequences of Section 33, which only allows pedestrians to enter forests. This rule repeatedly causes problems for bikers. We have put together an overview of where you can go biking in Austria without stress.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is probably Austria's best-known biking paradise. With over 400 kilometres of trails, bikers are sure to be impressed here. Tours with many different levels of difficulty await. Gravity lovers are drawn to the freeride parks in Saalbach. Many gondolas transport bikes. There are plenty of trails here.
http://www.bike-circus.at
When the name Leogang is mentioned, every freeride rider's ears perk up. The bike park is one of the best and has also earned a good reputation internationally. The elite regularly meet here for competitions. But it's not just the bike park that has something to offer. There are numerous panoramic tours and technical trails in the region. A gondola is available, but can also be dispensed with. The Riders Playground offers the opportunity to hone your riding technique - even for beginners. http://bike.saalfelden-leogang.com/de/
In Neukirchen, the Wildkogel offers everything that makes a biker's heart beat faster with various routes and a great location in the upper Pinzgau. The gondola takes you up to an altitude of 2100 metres. This is where the Nine Knights Trail, the Wildkogel's landmark, starts. With panoramic views of the Großvenediger, the descent leads over waves and through steep bends into the valley. For those who prefer a more leisurely approach, the descent into the Habachtal valley is the perfect tour. Here, it's the nature that impresses rather than the length of the descent. The downhill adds up to just 500 metres in altitude. http://www.wildkogel-arena.at/de/sommer/rad-bike.html
In Pinzgau, the Großvenediger with its 3657 metre high rock massif is the absolute eye-catcher. Trails wind around it along the glacier panoramas and Europe's highest waterfalls. The Wildkogel Arena offers you a total of 800 kilometres of trails.
Although most of the Zugspitze belongs to Germany, the south side is already in Austria. It is not easier to access than the north side, but the tours here are peppered with beautiful panoramas and varied routes. The Blindsee or Seebensee lakes with their crystal-clear bathing water can be planned as the end of the tour. The new Rotmoos Alm at an altitude of 2030 metres is also worth every effort. http://www.zugspitzarena.com/de/urlaubsthemen/bike-rad
The Kitzbühel Alps are especially fun for marathon racers. It's no coincidence that the World Endurance Bike Championships are being held here this year. The new Fleckalm Trail is 7 kilometres long and is the longest trail descent in Tyrol. The trail is peppered with roots and steps, which challenge riders and bikes in a pleasant way. http://www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/de/sommer/radfahren-mountainbiken/mountainbiken.html
Weerberg is not just for those crossing the Alps. Many trails wind their way through the Karwendel region. The Vomper Loch and the Geiseljoch also offer plenty of riding fun in the south of the region. 2150 metres of altitude difference are possible here. http://www.weerberg.at/mountainbike-touren--286429-de.html
The Ötztal is now open to bikers. This means that bikers no longer have to worry about being penalised when they surf down the numerous single trails. The region around Sölden is particularly impressive with its Mediterranean summer climate. It offers 900 kilometres of mountain bike trails. http://www.oetztal.com/biken-tirol-oesterreich
Above Ischgl, the trails wind their way over the mountain ridges. Nevertheless, the first thing you do is look at the map. Some of the best trails seem to want to hide in the mountain massif. While the many wellness hotels stretch out in the Paznaun valley, the air is thin at 2800 metres above sea level. Despite the lift, which takes care of the ascent, the adventure is pre-programmed.
http://www.ischgl.com/de/active/biken-wandern/mountainbiken-tirol
There are many things that make Nauders an ideal biking area. Firstly, there is the ideal location of the beautiful village. The biking paradise begins just before the Reschen Pass. It delights with its old smugglers' trails that gently stretch across the border into Italy and Switzerland. The 3-country bike arena offers up to 2000 kilometres of trails. Nauders also offers a feel-good oasis for bikers with its numerous lifts and beautiful accommodation. http://www.nauders.com/de/aktiv-erleben/sommer-aktiv-erleben/bike-rad
The world above Kaprun is unique. On the Kitzsteinhorn, 2000 metres above sea level, is the foot of a legendary glacier. The world of ice is remarkably close. The metres in altitude to get there can also be covered under your own steam. However, if you don't want to miss out on the best, you will have to take the lift from here. Many of the tours end at Lake Zell. http://www.mountainbike-kaprun.com/index.php?lang=de
If you're looking for flowing trails, the Wagrain-Kleinarl bike park is just the place for you. The park is passionately designed and maintained and this is also reflected in the riding fun. Here you can let it go without any problems. The route is laid out in such a way that you can make your descent a challenge for yourself with a few obstacles if necessary. You can put together your own personalised route from the numerous trail variations. The park is designed for all levels of difficulty and is clearly laid out. In addition to all the freeride fun, tours are also possible in Wagrain and Kleinarl. http://www.wagrain-kleinarl.at/de/sommer/radfahren.html
The trails in Innsbruck, on the other hand, are to be enjoyed with caution. The bike community and the municipality have still not been able to reach an agreement on the construction of the planned mountain bike trails. However, the legendary Nordketten single trail is legal. The 4.2 kilometres are full of steep bends, drops and root passages. There are also integrated Northshore elements on the 1000 metre descent. The Hungerburg Trail can be connected directly. Here, another 350 metres in altitude lead to the town centre. Those who have had enough can end the day here. But if that's not enough, simply hop back on the Innsbrucker-Nordkettenbahn cable car and take the lift to Seegruben. This is where the fun begins anew. http://www.innsbruck.info/erleben/sommerurlaub/bike-rad/mountainbikestrecken.html
Where the Romans and Celts once settled, today lies the village of Serfaus. It is tucked away on a high plateau near Prutz and, together with Fiss and Ladis, forms one of the best gondola areas in the Alps. A climate often favoured by southern air makes the plateau attractive for bikers. Numerous tours are waiting to be discovered. Those who prefer a more comfortable ride can also reach the trails using the many cable cars. The bike park is especially fun for freeriders. Even pros will be thrilled here with wide gaps and long root carpets. There is also an elaborate course with lots of tables, wallrides and boxes for gravity fans near the Waldbahn valley station. A dirtline offers the opportunity to hone your tricks. The park is also suitable for beginners. https://www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/de/sommer/biken/mountainbike
Tourers get their money's worth, especially in Flachau. The region is famous for its beautiful circular tours and detours into the neighbouring valleys. A varied panorama and diverse nature ensure excitement on the trail. We recommend a tour to the Hochgründeck. Bikers can spend a cosy night in the Heinrich-Kiener-Haus. With a bit of luck, you can marvel at the sunrise at 1800 metres above sea level the next morning. The panorama offers a marvellous 360 degree view. http://www.flachau.com/de/sport/wandern-biken/mountainbike.html
