Epic Route Vorarlberg - Salzburg
Bikepacking tour in western Austria
The Gravelbike Holidays bikepacking route leads through four beautiful regions: Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Bavaria and Salzburg. The route comprises 6 tours with a total distance of 581 km and a total of 9,590 metres in altitude. This route is perfect for gravel bike enthusiasts and offers a varied mix of mountain passes, beautiful valleys and picturesque landscapes. It leads through unspoilt nature and charming villages and connects the Alps with the Bavarian and Austrian landscapes. A real adventure for experienced bikepackers!
Facts about the bikepacking tour
- Starting point: Au - Bregenzerwald
- End point: Fuschl am See - Fuschlsee region
- Number of stages: 6 stages
- Total distance: 581 km
- Altitude metres: 9,590 m
Who is the bikepacking tour suitable for?
This demanding gravel bike tour is ideal for experienced and sporty riders who want to tackle long and challenging routes. A very good level of fitness and excellent riding technique are required, as some passages are technically demanding. If you are looking for a real adventure in a breathtaking alpine landscape, you will love this bikepacking tour.
Practical info & tips for the bikepacking tour
- Packing list: Recommended equipment especially for the bikepacking route
- Best time to travel: May - October
- Catering: Numerous huts, inns and restaurants offer catering options. Bars, gels and electrolytic drinks are of course a must-have along the way.
Stage 1
From Au to the Arlberg
The bikepacking tour from Au to the Arlberg is a challenging route that requires very good fitness and riding technique. This tour takes you through an impressive alpine landscape and is ideal for experienced gravel bikers looking for an adventure. The Arlberg is a legendary mountain massif in the Alps that marks the border between Vorarlberg and Tyrol. As one of the most famous mountain massifs in Europe, it attracts not only skiers and hikers, but also gravel bikers looking for the challenge of steep, winding climbs and fantastic views.
Highlights of the stage
- Gravel action on the Arlberg
- Alpine panorama
- Arlberg Pass
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 45.6 km
- Elevation gain: 1,610 m
- Duration: approx. 5 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 2
From the Arlberg to the Tannheimer Tal
The gravel bike tour from the Arlberg to the Tannheimer Tal is a challenging route that takes you 112 kilometres through impressive Alpine landscapes. Marvellous views and scenic highlights await you on the tour.
Highlights of the stage
- Tyrolean delicacies
- Wellness & relaxation after the tour in the bike hotels
- Hahntennjoch
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 112 km
- Elevation gain: 1,920 m
- Duration: approx. 5:30 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 3
From the Tannheimer Tal to Lake Walchsee
The gravel bike tour from Tannheimer Tal to Walchsee in Tyrol is a challenging route that requires very good stamina and endurance. The bikepacking tour offers fantastic views, including a circular route around Lake Walchensee (Bavaria) and the picturesque surroundings of Lake Tegernsee. At the end of the gravel tour, we reach the idyllic Walchsee in Tyrol.
Highlights of the stage
- The "Bavarian Caribbean"
- Many beautiful lakes
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 206 km
- Elevation gain: 2,710 m
- Duration: approx. 10 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 4
From Walchsee to Leogang
The bikepacking tour from Walchsee to Leogang is a challenging but scenically rewarding gravel route. It leads along quiet, mostly paved paths through forests, across alpine pastures and past impressive mountain panoramas of the Kaiser and Leoganger Steinberge mountains. Rustic huts invite you to stop for refreshments along the way. Technically easy, but demanding in terms of fitness, the route offers an intensive experience of nature away from busy roads. Leogang, as the destination, rounds off the tour perfectly - with alpine flair and plenty of opportunities for relaxation or further bike adventures. A varied stage for experienced gravel bikers with good stamina.
Highlights of the stage
- Walchsee
- Pillersee
- Bike paradise Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 54.2 km
- Elevation gain: 630 m
- Duration: approx. 3 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 5
From Leogang to Flachau
The gravel bike tour from Leogang to Flachau is a challenging but beautiful bikepacking stage through the Alps. Quiet valleys, steep climbs, wide panoramas and rustic alpine pastures await you on 87 kilometres. Flachau offers relaxation at the finish and a perfect backdrop to arrive - or for new adventures.
Highlights of the stage
- Zell am See
- View of the Großglockner
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 87.1 km
- Elevation gain: 1,110 m
- Duration: approx. 5:30 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 6
From Flachau to the Fuschlsee
This impressive Alpine stage takes you from Flachau to the turquoise-green Fuschlsee - a scenically spectacular but challenging bikepacking tour. Over 75 kilometres and more than 1,600 metres in altitude, the route takes you along lonely mountain roads, forest paths and strenuous climbs. You will be rewarded with fantastic views, idyllic alpine pastures and a crystal-clear destination: Lake Fuschl.
Highlights of the stage
- Lake Fuschl
- Lonely mountain roads
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 75.6 km
- Elevation gain: 1,600 m
- Duration: approx. 6 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Share Your Experiences!
Share your experiences on this unique route. Link @gravelbikeholidays to share your photos, videos and tours with the gravelbike community!