In Lower Austria, rivers are often the quiet guiding lines of the landscape. They connect wine villages, historic towns, valleys and protected areas, forming ideal corridors for cycling.
Between Ybbs, Melk and Krems, and further via Tulln and Carnuntum to Bratislava, the Danube Cycleway follows one of Europe’s most famous river landscapes. The route passes through the Wachau Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with apricot orchards, terraced vineyards, and villages straight out of a historical postcard.
Interesting fact: 10 of the 17 stages of the long-distance cycle route run through Lower Austria
Experiences: cultural stop with a guided tour of Melk Abbey, cool off on one of the sandy beaches along the Danube
Extras: can be combined with a boat or barge trip on the Danube
From the wine country on the Danube to Mariazell, the Traisen Valley Cycleway accompanies the Traisen river from the wide valley floor to an alpine world with a history of pilgrimage.
Route character: around 107 km from the Danube valley via St. Pölten and Lilienfeld to Mariazell, mostly flat
The Thaya Circular Cycleway stands for peaceful cycling along railway lines in the Waldviertel: old railway lines, flat routes, small towns and lots of river scenery in the border region with the Czech Republic.
Route character: circular route of approx. 115 km, largely asphalted paths, very gentle inclines
Experiences: castles and city walls, picnic areas and bathing spots along the Thaya
Insider tip: particularly atmospheric at the dawn and dusk – long light moods, hardly any traffic
In the "Biedermeier Valley", the Piesting Valley Cycleway follows the Piesting river from the Vienna Basin to the Gutenstein Alps - accompanied by literary history, rock faces and shady riparian forests.
Route character: flat, continuously asphalted cycle path to Gutenstein, with a 15 per cent incline from there to Rohr im Gebirge, especially for sporty cyclists
From the Danube valley to Lake Lunz, the Ybbs Valley Cycleway combines gentle hills full of cider pear trees with alpine landscapes, former railway lines and crystal-clear bathing spots along the Ybbs.
Route character: around 109 km from Ybbs an der Donau to Lunz am See, the centrepiece is disused railway line between Waidhofen and Lunz
Views: bridges and tunnels of the old railway, gravel banks as bathing and photo spots, connection to the Iron Road
The Erlauf Valley Cycleway leads from the Danube into a quiet river valley with gorges, tranquil villages and views of the Ötscher. Like the Ybbs Valley Cycleway, it ends at Lake Lunz.
Route character: around 60 km from Pöchlarn on the Danube to Lake Lunz, mostly close to the river, some climbs
Highlight: stop for a hike through the Erlauf Gorge near Purgstall
Recommended: can be planned together with the Ybbs Valley Cycleway as a circular tour through the Mostviertel region
Between the Thermenregion Vienna Woods and Mostviertel, the Triesting-Gölsen Valley Cycleway follows two rivers from the plain into a pre-alpine landscape - with many connections to other cycle paths.
Route character: around 60 km from Leobersdorf to St. Veit an der Gölsen or Traisen, slightly hilly
Experiences: stop at the Araburg, one of the highest castle ruins in Lower Austria
Insider tip: can be combined with the Thermal Springs, Danube and Traisen Valley Cycleway on the Vienna Woods circular cycle route for a multi-day tour along the water.
The Kamp-Thaya-March Cycleway combines the Danube, the Kamp Valley, the Waldviertel, the Weinviertel and the Marchauen nature reserve into one big river tour with city walls, wine cellar lanes and meadow landscapes.
Route character: around 426 km multi-day tour along the Kamp, Thaya and March rivers, mixture of sections of river and hilly countryside
