Blaa Alm - Pflindsberg

This varied mountain bike tour in the Ausseerland region combines steep climbs, magnificent views, and cultural stops along the Via Artis and Via Salis. The route combines mountain biking with a special insight into the history and art of the region. Paved sections alternate with gravel paths, and athletic exertion is followed by impressive panoramas.

From the starting point in Bad Aussee, the trail leads up to the roundabout, where you turn right and then immediately left again up to the Oberer Markt. Then turn left and cycle up the steep “Blutschwitz” to Obertressen. At the “Oase,” continue uphill to the right, go straight ahead at the next hairpin bend, and turn left to the Hofmannsthal-Linde, a stop on the Via Artis. The trail then runs slightly uphill through the forest, then downhill to the Dachsteinblick. From there, it descends towards Altaussee.

Immediately after a small bridge, turn right and ride uphill to the Bartlhof. There, turn left onto the gravel road to the beach café on Lake Altaussee. After enjoying the view over the lake, head back (as there is no access to the lake promenade) and turn right at the next intersection, downhill to the lake shore. Continue to the Seeklause, cross the bridge to the right and immediately after the Hotel Seevilla, turn left to the Gradieranlage. Then continue to the center of Altaussee.

After crossing the main road, the route climbs along the Augstbach stream to the Loser Erlebnisberg. From here, continue on the gravel road to the Blaa Alm. Then turn right and climb up to the Altaussee salt mine, past the Salzberg and steeply uphill in hairpin bends to the Moosberg – the highest point of the circuit.

The trail descends to the large intersection in Waldgraben. Keep left here and continue to the Pflindsberg castle ruins. A short detour on foot is recommended here – the view over the Ausseerland region is spectacular. Back on your bike, descend to Rambühel and continue on asphalt to Altaussee. Along the Traun river – optionally via the Klaus-Maria-Brandauer-Promenade – the route leads back to the starting point in Bad Aussee.

This tour is a real highlight for anyone who wants to combine sporty cycling in nature, cultural history, and panoramic tours with MTB.

• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at