What is gravel biking?

Gravel biking means cycling on mixed surfaces - from tarmac to gravel and natural paths. Gravel bike tours take you along quiet, unsurfaced paths with plenty of contact with nature. They offer more variety in the terrain, more tranquillity and often deeper experiences of the landscape than conventional cycle paths.

What is so special about gravel bike tours in Lower Austria?

They combine nature trails with cultural stops, regional cuisine and the opportunity for mindful exercise through varied landscapes.

Which gravel bike tour is particularly promising?

The Leiser Berge route offers panoramic views from the Buschberg - the highest point in the Weinviertel - as well as quiet resting places with far-reaching views. On the Ötscherland gravel tour, cyclists always have the majestic Ötscher in view.

Are there gravel bike tours with cultural highlights?

Yes, for example the Ötscherland gravel tour with the Gaming Charterhouse or the Langenlois - Gföhl gravel tour with the Kronsegg castle ruins and wine culture in Langenlois. There are also some culturally exciting stops along the Vienna Alps Cycle Tour, such as the Dr Karl Renner Museum.

Can I reach these tours by public transport?

Many starting points such as Retz, Ladendorf or Langenlois can be reached by train & bus. Information on how to get there can be found in the tour description.

Which route is suitable for a relaxing break?

The Vienna Alps Cycle Tour offers scenic tranquillity, cultural stops and, with the Linsberg Asia thermal spa, the opportunity to relax and unwind.

Are there refreshment stops along the tours?

Yes, many tours lead past inns, wine taverns or wineries. Particularly recommended: the Vineyard restaurant at LOISIUM in Langenlois or seasonal wine bars along the vineyards.

Gravel biking routes

Travelling close to nature on gravel paths

If you ride a gravel bike, you’re often looking for more than speed. Here are five selected recommendations for those who enjoy being out in nature while keeping an eye on the essentials.

Ein Radfahrer gleitet sanft über den schmalen Weg, umgeben von üppigem Grün und den sanften Klängen der Natur. Die Bäume spenden Schatten und schaffen eine friedliche Atmosphäre, während die Blätter im Wind rascheln. Diese idyllische Umgebung lädt dazu ein, die Schönheit der Landschaft zu genießen und die frische Luft tief einzuatmen. — ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Jakub Barčík

Gravel bike tour Thayatal National Park

Between ancient places of worship, meadows, forests and the smallest town in Austria, this border tour leads through one of the most unspoilt landscapes in the country.

Cultural heritage: Hardegg Castle, route along the former course of the Iron Curtain
Places of power: one of the most beautiful cup stones in Austria, the "Holy Stone"
Perspectives: Views of the Retzer Land, Pulkau Valley and the South Moravian region

Gravel bike tour Leiser Berge

Between shady wine cellar lanes, archaeological traces and the highest elevation in the Weinviertel, this quiet circular tour runs through a surprisingly diverse hilly landscape.

Views: Panoramic views from the Gebmannsberg or the Buschberg
Experiences: Experience culture at the Oberleiserberg archaeological site
Refreshment tip: Traditional pub flair at Gasthaus Achter

Die sanften Hügel des Retzer Landes laden zu unvergesslichen Gravelbike-Abenteuern ein. Während die Reifen über den Schotter gleiten, umgeben von üppigen Weinreben und der frischen Luft, spürt man die Freiheit der Natur. Hier wird jeder Tritt in die Pedale zu einem Erlebnis der besonderen Art. — ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Ondra Šmída

Vienna Alps bike round

This circular tour leads through the hilly landscape of Rosalia, past castles and through quiet valleys - with room for speed and broadening horizons.

Perspectives: Panoramic views of Pitten Castle & Seebenstein
Cultural tip: Experience history at the Dr Karl Renner Museum in Gloggnitz
Extras: Relax at the Linsberg Asia thermal spa in Bad Erlach

Radfahren am Feistritztalradweg in der Region Wechsel — ©© Wiener Alpen/Philipp Schönauer

Gravel tour Ötscherland

This challenging circular tour leads through the contrasting landscape of the Mostviertel region, past cultural sights and numerous views of the region's "Vaterberg".

Perspectives: The imposing Ötscher always in view
Cultural tip: Visit the historic Gaming Charterhouse
Experiences: Refreshing cooling off in the clear, cool water of Lake Lunz

Gravel route Langenlois - Gföhl

This circular tour combines vineyards and wooded areas, crosses small villages and offers views and wine culture in the Kamptal.

Atmosphere: harmonious transition between vineyard lanes and forest edges
Experience tip: Stop at the Arche Noah show gardens and the Kittenberger adventure gardens in Schiltern
Extras: Relaxed finish at the LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotel in Langenlois