Semmering Road&Gravel Tour

Explore Austria’s most scenic mountain routes on a gravel bike. The Semmering Gravel Tour offers an unforgettable 52 km ride through UNESCO landscapes, imperial-era landmarks, and thrilling alpine terrain — perfect for adventurous cyclists seeking both beauty and challenge.

📍 Route Overview

• Distance: 52 km
• Elevation Gain: 1,678 m
• Type: Loop
• Start/End: Semmering
• Bike Recommended: Gravel or mountain bike
• Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This ride is a carefully curated blend of forest trails, steep climbs, panoramic ridgelines, and cultural landmarks. With a mix of asphalt and unpaved surfaces, it’s designed for gravel cyclists who love nature and history in equal measure.

🌄 Tour Highlights

🏘️ Semmering – Austria’s Historic Mountain Resort

Begin in the charming resort town of Semmering, once a fashionable retreat for Vienna’s elite. The town is filled with historic villas, mountain charm, and the ambiance of imperial Austria.

🏨 Südbahnhotel – Grand Belle Époque Legacy

You’ll pass the majestic Südbahnhotel, built in 1882. Though no longer operating, its grandeur remains — a cultural landmark that once hosted nobles, artists, and intellectuals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

🌉 Kalte Rinne Viaduct & Semmering Railway (UNESCO)

One of the tour’s highlights is the Kalte Rinne Viaduct, part of the Semmering Railway, the world’s first mountain railway and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride alongside this architectural marvel that perfectly integrates into the Alpine terrain.

🏞️ Alpine Forest Trails & Ridges

Between Göstritz and Semmering saddle, the route leads through tranquil larch and pine forests, with stunning ridge sections offering panoramic views of Lower Austria and Styria.

⛪ Elisabethkirche – The Empress’s Chapel

Stop at this peaceful chapel dedicated to Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”), located in a scenic woodland setting. It’s a tranquil pause point rich in history and beauty.

🛖 Speckbacherhütte or Pollereshütte – Alpine Culinary Rest

Refuel at a traditional mountain hut with Austrian specialties like Kaspressknödel, local cheese, or Apfelstrudel. Perfect for resting your legs and soaking in the alpine atmosphere.

📈 Route Segments for Cycling Enthusiasts

• Göstritz Climb: 7.3 km | 420 m elevation | Avg 5.8%
• Adlitzgrabenstraße: Short but steep – 23.3% avg gradient
• Semmering Hochstraße: Gentle alpine road with sweeping views

These segments are favorites among local and visiting cyclists looking for both performance and scenery.

📆 When to Ride

The best time to ride this route is between May and October, when the weather is mild and the trails are dry. Autumn offers brilliant foliage, while spring brings cool temperatures and blossoming alpine flora.

📸 What You’ll See

Expect breathtaking vistas, alpine meadows, forest canopies, and iconic engineering works like viaducts and tunnels — all in one epic ride.

🛠️ Tour Services

We offer:

• Gravel bike rentals suited for mountain conditions
• Guided tours with local experts
• Route planning & support for solo or group riders
• E-bike options for a more relaxed experience

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✅ Book Your Adventure

Ready to discover the Semmering mountains by bike? Contact us today to reserve your guided gravel tour or high-performance rental bike and experience the ultimate alpine ride just a short trip from Vienna.