Mountain bike paradise on Anninger

Whether on a mountain bike or on foot – the multi-peaked Anninger and the surroundings can be explored in a various number of ways.

Anninger and it's many peaks is not just popular because of the many easy ascents and via ferratas: the associated mountain bike area stands out because of its different trails of all levels of difficulty.

The easiest mountain bike routes of the Anninger is the Anninger-Uphill Trail. There are also two refreshment points on the way to the top. The Waldrast Krauste Linde serves outstanding home made dishes such as Krenfleisch [meat with horseradish sauce] or goulash, various soups and pastries. The Anninger Schutzhaus of the environmental association in Mödling that was established in 1877 also serves home-made meals. The aforementioned Shutzhaus [refuge] can be reached from Gaaden along the four kilometre long Gaadener-Uphill Trail – and downhill and back to Gaaden along the three kilometre long Buchtal-Trail. Alternatively, an equally easy and beautiful route leads you via the old toboggan run down to the Waldrast Krauste Linde. Advanced mountain bikers can venture on the moderately difficult or difficult Kiental-Trail – you go past the stone wall down towards Vorder Otter.

Beyond Anninger

However, challenging mountain bike trails are not only found on Anninger. North of the four Anninger peaks, at a height of 494 metres you will find the Kleiner Anninger with the Husarentempel – the memorial steeped in history which was built in 1813 in honour of those killed in action at the Battle of Aspern. From there it is possible to drive down a moderately difficult and a difficult Husarentempel-Trail. Spectacular views of Vienna are also provided by the moderately difficult Parapluie-Strecke along the Perchtoldsdorfer Heide, while the Thallern-Strecke take you through the famous wine regions of Gumpoldskirchen, Thallern and Pfaffstätten on a 40 kilometre route.

Cycling pleasure

Consequently, there are many opportunities to indulge in local wine, especially on the Thallern Strecke. Thus, a visit to the Klostergasthaus Thallern can be perfectly combined with the local, regional wine house – it is located in the heart of the second oldest vineyard of Austria. In Pfaffstätten on a warm summer evening with view of the Anninger, the Reb Lounge makes you feel like you’re enjoying the Tuscan culture at its finest, whereas the Nostalgieheurige in an old town house from the 16th century in Gumpoldskirchen scores with its cosy atmosphere. Other refreshment points include Heurige Spätrot including slow food and organic products as well as the possibility of grocery shopping at the Spätzerei and the Meierei Gaaden with a sun terrace, open-air restaurant and a picnic area. Bed & Bike establishments such as the Hotel Turmhof in Gumpoldskirchen, Hotel Restaurant Höldrichsmühle in Hinterbrühl near Vienna and the At the Park Hotel in Baden provide for the necessary comfort with regards to overnight accommodation – with or without a bike.

Relief for your calves

Should the bike not function as desired, the Wienerwald Biker-Shop in Mödling and the Cycle Factory Baden are two excellent specialist companies that are available. However, if your bike is broken or you are injured, you will find a wide range of recreational facilities in Baden. The Arnulf Rainer Museum for example, which was once a Frauenbad [women's bath], is now a place where you can discover the works of the Baden painter. Or the Römertherme Baden, which combines a spa tradition with a modern wellness experience on an area of 3,500 m² and the Congress Casino Baden.