When should I go?

Anytime from May to October is great for cycling. Be prepared for hot days during the months of July and August. 

How do I go about planning a bike trip to Austria?

The first decision to make is the most essential one: take an organized bike tour and leave the planning up to the pros, or freewheel on your own? An organized tour offers a couple of advantages: You will be supplied with a bike, all of your overnight reservations will be taken care of, and most of the time a "sag wagon" will carry your luggage and tools while offering a cushy passenger seat for when you need a rest. Most bike trips are run on a more leisurely pace, with plenty of time for sightseeing and exploring. Many experienced cyclists, however, take matters into their own hands; they pack a few t-shirts, bike shorts, and a tool kit, and travel wherever their wheels will take them. When travelling independently, you have complete freedom to make your touring as leisurely or challenging as you like. With a little bit of research and a good touring map, you're off to a wonderful trip. A rudimentary understanding of German will certainly be an advantage since you will most likely travel through some rural areas.

Should I rent a bike or bring my own?

For day trips and shorter tours, bikes can be hired in practically every village. You will find them in many hotels, as well as 170 train stations throughout Austria. As you can imagine, the quality of the bicycles available varies greatly. If you are serious about your cycling and are not joining an organized, pre-arranged bike tour, you may want to bring your own bike to Austria. Most airlines are prepared to handle your bicycle, and any bike store will be helpful in partially disassembling and packaging it for the flight. If you've never re-assembled your bike before, we recommend a dry run and some practice. After all, we don't want you spending your first day on the trip adjusting your breaks and seat.
Mountain or touring bikes are the most suitable for a trip in Austria, since most scenic bike trails are not fully paved. 

How can I transport my bike while in Austria?

The OeBB - Austrian Federal Railways - offer substantial services for cyclists. Practically all local trains will carry your bikes in the baggage car. For long-distance trains (IC or EC trains) carefully check the timetable for a bicycle symbol next to the train number. You will need to purchase a ticket for your bike and personally bring it to the baggage car for loading. This is to ensure that your bike will be on the same train as you.

Where do I stay along the way?

Along most major bike routes, many hotels and inns have adapted to cyclists and will welcome you with open arms. Many of them offer basic services such as lockable bike racks, tools etc. Be aware that most pensions and inns tend to be of the no-frills variety, but are very charming and intimate.

What do I need to watch out for?

Austrian law sets specific requirements for bicycle equipment: at least two independently operating brakes, a clear headlight and a red taillight, yellow reflectors on the pedals, at least one white or yellow reflector in the spokes of each wheel, and a clear sounding bell as a warning signal.
Helmets are not mandatory, but we highly recommend using one, especially if you travel on roads shared with other vehicles.

Looking for tech gadgets?

Whether you're a newbie cyclist or have thousands of miles under your belt, cycling gadgets can take your rides to the next level. With the help of apps and special software, indoor training becomes more challenging and engaging. You can also use them to track your rides outdoors, measuring how far you've travelled and how fast. Have a look here.