Stage 01 Enns Cycle Path Flachauwinkl - Schladming

We start in Flachauwinkl in the middle of the Alps, directly at the Gasthof Wieseneck. To get us in the right mood, we're going downhill at the beginning. The Enns flows here still quite inconspicuously, lets its enormous strength only guess. Only at high tide she shows "her teeth". In this case it is recommended to stay here on the normal road, as the cycle path would lead us on a ford through side streams of the river.

Passing the bathing lake Flachauwinkl we cycle towards Flachau where we turn right at a junction. Along the slope our route leads through Flachau. We also cycle straight through the district Hundsdörfl, and at the next bridge our route continues on this side of the river. If you want to rest a little or have fun playing miniature golf: The mini golf course and the Kneipp course are located directly on the Enns cycle path. A real relief for heavy legs.

We cycle right along the Enns until we change banks after passing under the motorway access road. After 600 meters we have to turn right, pass under the motorway and then immediately left again. At the main road turn left over the Enns, then immediately right again. At the T-junction, which we come across after about one kilometre, our path leads back to the other bank. Are you interested in a more sporty alternative? Then you can turn left here, this route leads via Ramsau am Dachstein. In this case you won't get to Radstadt or Schladming. But if you are a racing cyclist, please note that the "normal" route along the Enns is not continuously asphalted, but the one via Ramsau is. However, if you have stayed on the main route, you will see the first houses of Altenmarkt after about two kilometres.

After the Altenmarkt area, the cycle path continues along the right bank. After one and a half kilometres turn right and after 100 metres turn left towards Radstadt. Until we reach Radstadt, we accept a small but steep ascent. After a visit to the small town we drive down again into the valley, cross the Enns and soon keep left again. Our next destination: Mandling, where we drive to the B 146 in the village, but don't worry, we just pass under it and cross the Mandlingbach here: Voilá, we have now arrived in Steiermark, the green heart of Austria.

Our way leads us under the B320, we follow the signs up to the power station and change there the street side. Our cycle path follows the road to the right as far as Pichl. Always near Ennsnähe we now stay on our way to Schladming, where we should plan a visit. Because here our first stage of the day is finished, and we look forward to the next day, on which we meet our "friend", the Enns again. If you still have reserves, ask for the way to the Riesach Falls in the Untertal. The last part to the impressive waterfalls can only be reached on foot.

Emergency assistance number: 144

Tips when reporting an emergency – Answer these six WH questions: What happened? How many people are injured? Where did the accident happen (are there GPS coordinates)? Who is reporting the incident (callback number)? When did the accident happen? What is the weather like at the site of the incident?

The right bike: a touring bike or city bike. Racing bikes are not recommended. Breakdowns can occur ‒ and they rarely happen right outside one of the many service points. That’s why it never hurts to ensure you have a basic kit with you comprising key tools and accessories! It’s sensible to bring a replacement hose and/or repair kit, adjustable spanner, air pump, brake and gear cable and a screwdriver.

Before setting off from Flachauwinkl, we first head further up the valley to visit the Prechtlhof on the Vordere Marbachalm, beautifully nestled in the heart of the Tauern mountains. The journey there takes just under an hour each way. After enjoying this idyllic alpine pasture and replenishing our energy, we begin our tour along the Enns.

Getting there by public transport
ÖBB: www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Styria: www.busbahnbim.at

With the BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie, planning your journey has never been easier. Simply enter a place name, address, stop, or point of interest to get real-time connections for buses, trains, and trams across Austria. The app is free and available for smartphones (Android and iOS) – on Google Play and the App Store.

If you would like to hire a tour operator simply book your trip with Steiermark Touristik, the official travel agency of Steiermark Tourism:
Tel. +43 316 4003450  www.steiermark-touristik.com

Further information:

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003, www.ennsradweg.com

TV Flachau, Tel. +43 6457 2214, www.flachau.com

TV Radstadt, Tel. +43 6452 7472, www.radstadt.com

TV Schladming-Dachstein, Tel. +43 3687 23310, www.schladming-dachstein.at

Pocket Card "Radwege in der Steiermark" Tel. +43 316 4003 www.steiermark.com

Folder "Ennsradweg – Durch die Welt der Berge und des Wassers" Steiermark Tourismus Tel. +43 316 4003 www.steiermark.com

Enns-Radweg 1:50.000, Verlag Esterbauer - bikeline Tel. +43 2983 28982 www.esterbauer.com