The Gastein valley at the foot of the Hohe Tauern attracts visitors not only with thermal baths but also with interesting cycling routes. Every cyclist will find something among the following options.
Cycling trip to Prossau
An easier route for mountain and trekking bikes
The route starts on Mozartplatz square in Bad Gastein by the tourist information building. You ride through the spa town as far as the turning that leads to hotel Grüner Baum and on through the valley towards Gasthof Himmelwand. Climbing gently, you continue along a mountain stream to the finishing point Prossau, where you can reward your effort in the restaurant. The Prossau mountain hut is surrounded by untouched nature and along the way you will enjoy views of the mountain giants. Directly from the hut there is a view of a nearby waterfall. The terrain is meant for mountain and trekking bikes. The route is over 9 kilometres long and the ascent is 481 metres. You have to return to Bad Gastein the same way.
The Gastein cycle path
Suitable for families with children
The cycle path runs across the Gastein valley between Klammstein castle and the village of Böckstein. In its shortest section the whole path is 30 kilometres long, but you can also choose a circular version of almost double the length. It is not very demanding – except perhaps for the climb up to Bad Gastein – and you can manage it with children. You can also avoid that climb by driving to the car park at the Gasteiner Badesee and starting the route there. That way you will mainly enjoy the flat sections in the valley. Along the way you will take in views of picturesque villages, green pastures and mountain peaks. Pack a swimsuit too and cool off in the Gasteiner Badesee.
The ride up to the Rastötzenalm
Suitable for experienced mountain bikers or for riding an e-bike
The route to the Rastötzenalm is roughly 8 kilometres long. At the end of the climb you can take refreshment in the local restaurant and gather strength before the descent back down. The lowest point of the trail is at 864 m above sea level, the Rastötzenalm hut is at 1740 m above sea level in the middle of lush pastures. If you are lucky, you may even meet a marmot on the way. The route starts in the centre of the picturesque little town of Bad Hofgastein. From there you set off along Wasserfallgasse and ride past the Annenkapelle and Planitzengut to the finishing point. Although the route is not very long, it is not among the easiest and experienced cyclists will like it too. Do not hesitate to use the support that an e-bike offers you. You can hire one right in Bad Hofgastein. Hire prices differ from one rental shop to another, check them on the spot.
Along Austria’s most famous road
Suitable for a road bike and demanding riders
Not far from Bad Gastein is the famous Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse – a panoramic road running past dozens of alpine peaks including Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. Sporting road riders will be thrilled by the Glocknerkönig-Strecke, the route leading from
Ferleiten to the Fuscher Törl viewpoint. It lies at an altitude of 2428 m above sea level. The road is almost 13 kilometres long and on it you climb 1283 vertical metres. Set off before nine o’clock or after three in the afternoon and you can have your time on this section measured; it costs only two euros. The breathtaking alpine scenery all around is free!