Cycling

The range of cycle routes in the Steyr region and the Kalkalpen National Park stretch from short and easy rides to demanding full-day trails. The trails take cyclists into the heart of our natural landscape and pass some of the region’s cultural highlights, such as Schlierbach Abbey, old craft villages and historic towns like Steyr and Enns. The classic routes include the Enns cycle trail, the Steyr Valley cycle trail, the Krems Valley cycle trail and the Hintergebirge trail. If you have a bit more time, you can tackle the Traunviertel trail. Its seven stages cover 460 kilometres and reach altitudes of 5,000 metres. On well-signposted trails, you ride along rivers and lakes from the Steyr valley to the Krems valley and over the Alm valley to Gmunden. The route then continues to Bad Hall, Wolfern and the spectacular Reichraming Hintergebirge mountains and the Pyhrn-Priel region. Finally, you make your way back to Steyr.

The region has great facilities for bike lovers and many of the businesses are bike-friendly and welcome riders to stop and visit. In the warmer months, cyclists can also take the Steyrtal bike shuttle along the R8 and R31 cycle trails in the Kalkalpen National Park.

Two classic cycle trails in the Steyr region and the Kalkalpen National Park are the R10 Krems Valley trail and the R9 Hintergebirge trail. They are perfect for discovering the area and getting a great first impression of what it has to offer.

The R10 Krems Valley trail starts in Klaus and has a total length of almost 60 kilometres. On this easy route you follow the Krems from its source to where it flows into the Traun. You ride through some wild and romantic natural landscapes, passing abbeys like Schlierbach and Kremsmünster, which are great places to visit. In Schlierbach, you can also sample the exquisite products of the 1st working cheese dairy to be open to the public. Finally, a stop at the playground and obstacle course or the open air pool in Ansfelden is a great idea.

The 55 kilometre R9 Hintergebirge trail starts in Reichraming, with long sections of the trail following the route of the former woodland railway. Discovery points, a reconstruction of a traditional logger’s cabin and several tunnels make this trail a highlight not just for adults but also for families. Nature lovers will also find plenty of picturesque locations, burbling streams and rustic cabins along the route.

If you’re a bit fitter, you can tackle the 93 kilometre section of the Enns cycle trail that is located in the Steyr region and the Kalkalpen National Park. In total, the R7 Enns cycle trail is 263 kilometres long and passes through three states. Weyer is a great starting point for a ride in the National Park region. The impressive townscape bears witness to its former wealth from the iron industry. You ride along the Enns as far as Steyr and then on to where the river flows into the Danube at Enns. There are a number of interesting destinations en route. In Großraming you can visit the carriage museum or marvel at the “Magic world of the wild woodland” exhibition in Reichraming.

Another popular route is the R8 Steyr Valley trail from Steyr to Spital am Pyhrn, part of which follows the route of the former Steyr Valley railway. The 75 kilometre trail is family friendly, with lots of scenic and exciting bathing sites, rest stops and play areas along the way. There are also plenty of options for a break. And there are some fantastic viewpoints along the route where you can really experience the wonderful scenery of the valley. And if you fancy a change of pace you can still travel part of the way on the Steyrtal heritage railway. It runs between Grünburg and Steyr.

E-bikes allow you to ride with a bit of extra oomph. They are a really fashionable way of getting around at the moment. And the region around Steyr and the Kalkalpen National Park has responded to the trend with plenty of cycle trails and facilities specifically for e-bikers now open. From enjoyable rides to more challenging full-day routes.

If you’re interested in trying it out, you can hire an e-bike and hit the trail or join one of our guided e-bike tours. Whether you choose a half or full-day trip, a ride to a farm where must is produced or other culinary destinations, there is something for everyone. And if you want to, you can even arrange your own group trip, for example as a company excursion, a birthday celebration or a totally personalised adventure, including overnight in a mountain hut.

You get your power from the public charging stations – for example in Reichraming, Losenstein, Großraming, Weyer, Maria Neustift or Ternberg. Or head for one of the inns or cabins that also offer a charging service. The benefit of this is that it’s not just your e-bike that gets to recharge – you do too as you enjoy the region’s traditional cuisine.