Mountain biking in Steiermark
Bike parks, trails and tours
Out and about on a pleasurable tour of exploration or while cruising down a beautiful trail: Mountain biking in the green heart of Austria fulfils the wishes of summer sports enthusiasts in a myriad of ways.
Mountain biking as an adventure sport
Mountain bike tours, bike parks and trails in Styria invite you to ...
- ... take in the scenery of the Schladminger Tauern mountain range, the Dachstein massif, Hochschwab or the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region.
- ... explore the gently hilly to mountainous landscapes around the Graz region with the Schöckl Trail Area and on the Styrian Wexl Trails.
- ... marvel at the wonderful sight of the vineyards to the south and east of Graz.
- ... familiarise yourself with the culinary delights and cultural treasures of Styria.
Junior Trail Park auf der Reiteralm in Schladming-Dachstein | © TVB Schladming-Dachstein | Junior Trails Reiteralm
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Mountainbiken in Schladming-Dachstein | © TVB Schladming-Dachstein | Harald Steiner
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Bikepark Schladming | © Schladming-Dachstein / Christoph Oberschneider | Christoph Oberschneider
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Kaibling bike tour | © Steiermark Tourismus | Gleichweit-Nistelberger
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Mountainbiken on Pretul and Stuhleck | © Steiermark Tourismus | Gleichweit-Nistelberger
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© Peter Burgstaller
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Mountainbiken at the Reiteralm in Schladming-Dachstein | © Reiteralm Bergbahnen | lorenzmasser.com
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© Erwin Haiden
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Mountain bike tours
From the alpine north to the Mediterranean south
The Schladming-Dachstein region is very popular with mountain bikers. No wonder: With over 40 signposted routes and trails, the local MTB specialists have created a paradise for bike enthusiasts.
Its beating heart is the Dachstein Tour, spanning a distance of 269 kilometres and with an impressive 7,900 metres of elevation gain. Thanks to three different routes for varying preferences and skill levels, everyone can pedal to their heart's content there. What's more, e-bikers also get their money's worth: The specially signposted route with start and finish in Ramsau am Dachstein leads past sparkling Lake Hallstatt, through the idyllic Ausseerland region, and to the Ennstal valley.
A must-do for nature lovers: the Trans Nationalpark tour. The route of 470 kilometres and 13,300 metres of elevation gain leads through the Gesäuse and Kalkalpen National Parks and can be divided up into stages.
The Pleschkogelrunde 130 in the Graz region is somewhat shorter, but no less exciting: on this route you can follow in the footsteps of mountain bike world and European champions.
Discover Steiermark by mountainbike
Multi-day tours in Styria also show you the diversity of the Styrian landscape. Some of the tours also lead to neighboring provinces such as Upper Austria or Salzburg. Day and half-day tours as well as some bike parks add up to a bike offer where everyone can find their tour.
Trails that make mountain bikers' hearts beat faster
For some extra adrenalin
A constant up and down awaits mountain bikers in the bike parks and trail areas of Styria. Because when the snow has melted, action-packed trails can be found in many different locations. Take the cable car or chairlift up the mountain, and ride your bike down into the valley.
The Planai Bike Park impresses with around 40 kilometers of trail fun – from the bike area for the youngest riders to flow and jump lines and pure downhill action. Tip: the Bike School Pekoll, run by former professional downhill mountain biker Markus Pekoll. Reiteralm is a true paradise for children with its Junior Trails. The Reiteralm trails are popular with everyone – from relaxed riders to ambitious mountain bikers. The trails of the Schöckl Trail Area offer fun and variety on two wheels all year round – even twelve months a year.
At Turracher Höhe, the Kornock Flow Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding Nockberge mountains. In the kids’ area and on the mini trails, even the youngest visitors can gain their first off-road experience. A real insider tip: the trails in Knittelfeld and Judenburg in the Murtal region. This is also where you’ll find the Hoftal Trail, Austria’s first fully accessible trail.
Take the cable car up the mountain and bring your bike!
Seven cable cars – seven mountains
Would you like to take it a little easier? Seven cable cars in Styria are open in summer as well, taking bike enthusiasts up into the mountains. Once at the top, they get to explore a variety of routes and trails. Children can practice their tricks in the lovingly designed kids' parks.
Summer cable cars offering bike transport:
- Reiteralm Trails
- Schöckl cable car
- Hauser Kaibling
- Kornockbahn Turracher Höhe
- Planai cable car
- Tauplitz summer cable car
- Kreischberg summer cable car
By the way: Holders of a Sommercard can use the summer cable cars of the Schladming Dachstein region free of charge.
Twice the fun thanks to Bike & Hike
Why choose between mountain biking and hiking? Bike & Hike in Styria combines both into one perfect outdoor experience. Ride your bike – with or without e-support – comfortably to the starting point of your hike.
This saves time, adds variety and opens up new perspectives on alpine pastures, peaks and valleys. And it’s practical too: while you continue on foot, your e-bike can recharge at selected Bike & Hike stations. Two experiences come together as one well-rounded adventure in the Green Heart of Austria.
A special highlight: the Alpentour Trophy
A race for the world's elite riders
In June, the mountain bikers take over – and have the mountains around Schladming (almost) all to themselves. Because that's when the crème de la crème compete for valuable points for the UCI world rankings at the Alpentour Trophy. And the route is certainly no piece of cake – riders tackle 220 kilometres and 8,800 metres in elevation gain.
10 Principles for Positive Mountain Biking in Styria
- Assess your abilities correctly – riding skills and fitness level. Ride at your own risk and responsibility. Are you capable of mastering this route?
- Respect nature – avoid noise and do not leave any litter behind. Ride only during daylight hours. Also be mindful of other forest inhabitants (animals) and forest users (foresters, hunters, hikers, etc.).
- Ride only on approved trails and routes – this helps create respectful coexistence. Be aware of possible forestry and hunting-related traffic.
- Ride within your limits and line of sight – stay ready to brake and maintain a controlled speed. Shortcuts and skidding rear wheels can cause erosion. You are not alone in the forest, so look out for others.
- Always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear – uphill and downhill. This ensures the best possible protection in case of a fall.
- Be aware of typical forest hazards – broken branches, potholes, rocks, traces of forestry work and similar obstacles are part of the environment. Bridges and crossings may not have fall protection.
- Close pasture gates if present – and slow down to walking pace near grazing livestock.
- Use only technically sound mountain bikes – regular inspection and maintenance are essential.
- Carry an emergency kit – including first aid supplies and a repair kit. Be prepared and think about emergency procedures in advance. Emergency number: 144.
- Pedestrians have priority – routes and trails may also cross hiking paths. Work together, not against each other!
