Mountain Biking in Upper Austria – Best Spots & Local Tips

Upper Austria’s biking scene is shaped by the contrasting geographies of its alpine south, hilly interior, and lakeside lowlands. The Salzkammergut region is one of the standouts for scenic mountain biking. Trails around Lake Traunsee, Lake Wolfgang, and Lake Attersee combine lakeside cruising with forest climbs and technical descents. The Salzkammergut Trophy route, a legendary marathon course starting from Bad Goisern, offers a mix of gravel roads, steep mountain trails, and panoramic alpine sections. It’s well-marked and used year-round for both leisure and endurance training.\n\nIn the Pyhrn-Priel region, more adventurous riders will find a selection of alpine tours that traverse steep valleys and connect high mountain huts. Routes like the Wurzeralm Circuit or Bosruckrunde challenge bikers with elevation gain, rocky segments, and long scenic ridges. These areas often double as ski resorts in winter and offer cable car services that allow for lift-assisted ascents during the summer MTB season.\n\nFor those preferring forested singletracks and flow trails, the Böhmerwald (Bohemian Forest) in the north is a top choice. Near towns like Aigen-Schlägl and Ulrichsberg, you’ll find networks of natural trails that cater to both XC and enduro riders. Loamy soil, granite outcrops, and lush tree cover provide an excellent ride feel, even on rainy days. The area also connects with longer transnational routes into the Czech Republic and Bavaria.\n\nUrban-adjacent zones around Linz and Gmunden are ideal for day rides or after-work loops. Here, you’ll find compact trail systems like the Pfenningberg loop, as well as bike parks with pump tracks, jump lines, and skills areas. These are perfect for beginners, youth riders, or travelers with limited time.\n\nUpper Austria is also part of several long-distance MTB networks, including the Donauradweg MTB extensions, combining river paths with hilly forest trails, and the Trans Nationalpark route, which crosses multiple protected areas including Kalkalpen National Park.\n\nThe region’s MTB infrastructure is strong. Most trails are signed by difficulty, with maps available through local tourism offices and digital platforms like Komoot and Outdooractive. Bike-friendly accommodations often include repair stations, locked storage, and rider meals. Public transport, including regional trains with bike compartments, makes one-way trips and loop planning easy.\n\nThe prime biking season runs from late April to October, with alpine routes clearing of snow by early June. Lower elevation rides near lakes and forests are often accessible earlier and stay open later into autumn.\n\nWhether you're aiming for fitness, fun, or full-on alpine exploration, Upper Austria offers a versatile MTB experience with authentic scenery and just the right mix of challenge and relaxation.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Upper Austria for mountain biking: Crion.org to book expert MTB guides for routes across Salzkammergut, Pyhrn-Priel, and Böhmerwald. Local bike schools offering tours and coaching in Bad Goisern, Windischgarsten, and Aigen-Schlägl. Bike-friendly hotels and alpine huts providing guided rides and multi-day tour options. Tourist offices with up-to-date contacts for regional instructors and licensed mountain bike guides. MTB clubs and associations hosting group rides, skills clinics, and local race events.

Best Places to Rent & Buy Mountain Biking Equipment in Upper Austria: Bike shops in Linz, Gmunden, and Bad Ischl offering high-quality MTB rentals and repair services. Trailhead rental stations near Salzkammergut lakes and Pyhrn-Priel with e-MTBs and trail bikes. Outdoor stores and sport retailers carrying helmets, pads, clothing, and accessories. Hotels and huts with in-house rental bikes and tool kits for guests. Online shops delivering custom bike setups to accommodations for longer stays.