Overview

This gravel tour begins in Vienna and leads riders south through peaceful suburban districts, forest corridors, rolling countryside, and into the foothills of the Gutenstein Alps. The journey ends at one of the most picturesque natural landmarks of Lower Austria — the MyraFälle Waterfalls, a protected gorge filled with wooden bridges, cascades, and lush mountain vegetation.

Total distance: ~70 km
Total elevation: ~1,000 m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Surface: 60% gravel & forest paths, 25% small roads, 15% paved sections
Best for: Gravel bikes, endurance cyclists, adventure riders

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🔵 Tour Breakdown — Key Sections & Highlights

1. Vienna City Exit – The Transition Zone (km 0–10)

The ride starts in Vienna and quickly leads you south through quiet streets and bike paths.
You leave the city gradually, passing through:

• Residential green areas with low traffic
• Wide, comfortable cycling routes ideal for warming up
• The smooth transition from urban environment to the open outskirts of Vienna

This calm beginning allows you to set your pace before entering more varied terrain.

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2. Into the Wienerwald Foothills (km 10–25)

As you exit Vienna’s edge, the scenery becomes greener and more serene:

• Soft gravel lanes wind through small patches of forest
• Gentle rolling terrain invites steady gravel cruising
• Traditional Lower Austrian farmhouses appear along the route
• Panoramic open fields with views toward the distant hills

This section is ideal for taking photos and settling into the rhythm of the adventure.

Interesting facts:
The Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) has been UNESCO-designated as a Biosphere Reserve, known for its oak-hornbeam forests, centuries-old agricultural traditions, and diverse wildlife including deer, foxes, and rare bird species.

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3. Rural Valleys and Alpine Approach (km 25–45)

The landscape begins to rise more noticeably. You’ll ride through:

• Quiet village roads typical of Lower Austria
• Long, straight gravel segments across open countryside
• Scenic farmland with distant mountain ridges
• Occasional chapels and roadside shrines — a hallmark of Austrian rural culture

The gradually rising terrain prepares you for the upcoming mountain sections.

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4. The Panoramic Ridge – High Point of the Tour (km 45–60)

This is one of the most rewarding stretches of the entire ride.

Key Highlights:

• Extended gradual climbs with stable gravel surfaces
• Increasingly wide views toward the Gutenstein Alps
• Forest openings offering perfect photo opportunities
• Reaching the highest viewpoint of the tour — over 660 m

This ridge gives a real sense of Alpine riding: quiet, wild, and spacious.

Scenic Stop Recommendation:
At the high point, the view stretches across rolling pre-Alpine hills—an ideal moment for a short break, snacks, and pictures.

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5. The Final Challenge – The 2 km Punchy Climb (km 60–63)

Just before reaching the waterfalls, the route throws in one last test:

• Length: ~2 km
• Average gradient: 8–9%
• Forest gravel with a true “mountain climb” feeling
• Quick-changing slope with several steeper punches

This ascent is demanding but short — a satisfying final effort before the reward.

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6. Descent Into the Myra Canyon (km 63–70)

A fast, flowing descent leads you straight toward the dramatic landscape of MyraFälle:

• Dense forest tunnels
• Cool mountain air
• Mossy rock formations
• Sounds of rushing water as you approach the gorge

You immediately feel the contrast: after a long gravel ride, this is an immersive mountain oasis.

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🟢 Destination: MyraFälle Waterfalls — A Natural Jewel of Lower Austria

Why It’s Special:

• Over 26 cascading waterfalls
• Wooden walkways and bridges built along canyon walls
• Deep, narrow rock formations carved by water
• Crystal-clear streams fed by Schneeberg foothills
• A protected nature reserve with a unique microclimate

Fun Facts:

• MyraFälle has been a recreational attraction since 1890, one of the oldest tourist destinations in the region.
• The waterfalls are powered by the Myra Creek, which originates in the limestone Alps around Schneeberg.
• The wooden stepping paths were built by the Austrian Tourist Club and are still maintained traditionally.

This location is not just a destination — it’s an experience: relaxing, refreshing, and visually spectacular.

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🔶 Why This Tour Is Exceptional

• A full transformation of landscapes: city → countryside → hills → alpine canyon
• Perfect balance between endurance, scenery, and technical riding
• Several scenic stops and varied terrain
• A challenging but accessible ride suitable for most gravel cyclists
• A dramatic, photogenic finish at one of the most beautiful waterfall systems in Austria