A challenging 71 km gravel ride to the iconic peak of Lower Austria

Experience one of the most impressive gravel routes near Vienna — a dynamic and scenic ride from the Vienna Basin to the foothills of Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria. This tour combines forest climbs, fast gravel paths, panoramic alpine views, and a true mountain atmosphere that every adventurous cyclist will appreciate.

With a total distance of 71.4 km and 1298 m of elevation gain, this route is perfect for strong recreational riders and gravel cycling enthusiasts seeking a memorable alpine challenge.

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🌄 Tour Highlights

1. Forests, Meadows & Vineyards

The adventure begins with gentle pedaling through forest trails, quiet backroads, and open meadows leading out of the Vienna Basin. These flowing sections are perfect for warming up before the long climb toward the Alps.

2. Gradual Ascent Into the Alpine Foothills

As you progress deeper into the hills, the landscape transforms. Open rural valleys give way to dense forest roads and wide gravel paths. The mountain scenery becomes more dramatic with every kilometer.

3. The Big Climb Toward Schneeberg

The largest and most rewarding challenge of the tour — a long, steady gravel climb into the alpine foothills of Schneeberg.
This ascent is:

• steady and rideable
• suitable for gravel bikes
• rich in alpine scenery
• a perfect test of endurance

From the upper sections you’ll see layers of mountain ridgelines and panoramic open spaces that feel worlds away from the city.

4. Alpine Atmosphere & Scenic Descents

The higher you climb, the cooler and fresher the air becomes. Near the upper part of the route you’ll ride through open alpine terrain with spectacular views toward Schneeberg’s summit.
The return features fast, flowing gravel and forest descents — a reward you’ll feel immediately.

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🌍 Interesting Facts Along the Route

📌 Schneeberg — Highest Mountain in Eastern Austria

• Elevation: 2076 m
• The easternmost Alpine peak over 2000 m in Europe
• Visible even from Vienna International Airport on clear days
• Home to Fischerhütte, the highest alpine hut in Lower Austria

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📌 Schneeberg Is Part of Vienna’s Drinking Water Supply

• Schneeberg is a key source feeding the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline (1873)
• Water reaches Vienna without pumps, only by gravity
• This system is why Vienna is known for some of the world’s best tap water

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📌 Puchberg am Schneeberg — Historical Mountain Resort

• First mentioned in 1260
• A 19th-century retreat for Austrian aristocracy
• Known for thermal springs, mountain villas, and traditional cafés

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📌 Schneeberg Railway — A Unique Alpine Railroad

• Built in 1897
• The steepest narrow-gauge cog railway in Austria
• Climbs up to 1 800 m elevation
• Electrified since 1911 — one of the first alpine electric railways in the world

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📌 The Wiener Alpen Region

• Transition zone between the Vienna Woods and the high Alps
• Offers a mix of gentle hills, deep forests, and alpine formations
• Considered one of Austria’s best gravel cycling areas

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📌 Protected Alpine Meadows

• Home to rare species such as edelweiss, alpine asters, and mountain orchids
• Many sections fall under Natura 2000 protection status

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📌 Hohe Wand — The Balcony of Lower Austria

• A massive limestone plateau overlooking the Vienna Basin
• Popular among paragliders and climbers
• Famous for the “Skywalk” — a platform hanging 120 m above the cliff edge

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📌 Historic Forest Roads & Alpine Trade Paths

• Many of the gravel and forest tracks date back to the Middle Ages
• Used for transporting goods, wood, and minerals to Vienna
• You can still spot old boundary walls and stones marking ancient pastures

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📌 Traditional Mountain Villages

• Small villages near Schneeberg preserve authentic alpine architecture
• Houses were built from local limestone with snow-resistant rooftiles
• Many buildings are classified as cultural heritage today

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📌 Regional Cuisine

Along the route you’ll find local farms and Gasthöfe serving:

• Kasnocken (cheese dumplings)
• Schweinsbraten (roast pork)
• Alpine butter & fresh dairy
• Homemade berry pies

Perfect for a post-ride treat.

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📊 Technical Route Info

• Distance: 71.4 km
• Elevation Gain: 1298 m
• Surfaces: ~60% gravel, 30% forest roads, 10% asphalt
• Difficulty: 🟠 Intermediate to Advanced
• Estimated Time:
  • 3.5–5 hours (trained rider)
  • 5–6.5 hours (recreational rider)
• Bike Type: Gravel bike / Hardtail MTB

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🧭 Navigation

We provide:

• GPX file
• Strava route link
• Advice for gravel sections
• Weather recommendations for alpine zones

Compatible with Garmin, Wahoo, Strava, Komoot.

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🚴 Recommended Equipment

• Gravel bike (available for rent)
• Helmet (included free)
• Cycling shoes (SPD / SPD-SL / LOOK available)
• Wind jacket (alpine weather can change suddenly)
• 2 bottles of water
• Energy snacks

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⭐ Why Choose This Tour

This ride stands out from all other Vienna-area routes because:

• It reaches the most iconic mountain near the capital
• It blends gravel, forest, alpine scenery, and long climbs
• It offers a real “mountain adventure” without extreme MTB terrain
• It’s perfect for strong recreational cyclists seeking a challenge

A must-ride for anyone wanting to experience the true Alps close to Vienna.