The best MTB trails in the Kalkalpen National Park Region

The Kalkalpen National Park boasts approximately 500 kilometers of well-marked and approved cycling and mountain biking trails. On komoot, you'll find 15 curated mountain bike routes, ranging from easy to difficult, to help you explore this diverse region.

The mountain biking season in Kalkalpen National Park generally runs from April 15 to October 31. During this period, trails are typically open from two hours after sunrise to one hour before sunset. An exception is the Langfirst mountain bike trail, which opens in June.

Yes, the Kalkalpen National Park offers trails suitable for various skill levels. Among the 15 routes on komoot, 3 are classified as easy and 4 as moderate. A good option for a scenic ride through valleys and past alpine pastures is the moderate Bodinggraben – Schaumbergalm loop from Parkplatz Scheiblingau, which is 16.9 km long.

Many mountain bike routes in the Kalkalpen National Park region start from designated parking areas. For example, the popular Bodinggraben – Schaumbergalm loop begins from Parkplatz Scheiblingau, and the challenging Schleierfall Waterfall – Bodinggraben loop starts from P6. Always check the tour details for specific starting points and parking information.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the Kalkalpen National Park are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore the area. Examples include the challenging Schleierfall Waterfall – Bodinggraben loop from P6 and the moderate Ascent to Anlaufalm – Waldbahn Tunnel loop from P4.

The Kalkalpen National Park is rich in natural beauty. Along the trails, you can encounter ancient beech forests, karst landscapes with hidden gorges, and untouched mountain streams. Notable features include the Große Klause Gorge and the scenic Bodinggraben. You might also pass by historic structures like the Tunnel Chain of the Reichraming Forest Railway.

Yes, the park features gentle alpine pastures and rustic huts that provide resting points and opportunities for refreshments. You might find managed huts like Ebenforstalm or Blabergalm Mountain Hut along or near some routes. Public charging stations for e-bikes are also available in surrounding villages and at some managed huts.

The Kalkalpen National Park region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 60 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the diverse landscape, the extensive network of trails, and the opportunity to ride through ancient beech forests and rugged mountain ranges. The region's natural beauty and varied terrain for all skill levels are frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. The Kalkalpen National Park offers several challenging routes for experienced mountain bikers. For instance, the Schleierfall Waterfall – Bodinggraben loop from P6 is a difficult 77.6 km trail with significant elevation gain, taking nearly 8 hours to complete. Another demanding option is the Hanslalm – Hengstpass loop from Hengstpass, covering over 71 km with substantial climbing.

E-biking is permitted on all approved cycle and mountain bike trails within the Kalkalpen National Park. You'll find public charging stations available in the surrounding villages and at some managed huts and alpine pastures within the park, making it convenient for longer e-bike tours.

Kalkalpen National Park is Austria's largest contiguous forest wilderness and is home to a rich array of wildlife. While mountain biking, you might encounter some of the 50 species of mammals, 80 species of breeding birds, or 1,400 different butterflies that inhabit the park. The park is particularly known for its ancient beech forests, which support a vast ecosystem.

Yes, mountain biking is only permitted on designated and approved routes within the Kalkalpen National Park. The season generally runs from April 15 to October 31, from two hours after sunrise to one hour before sunset. Some paths are shared with hikers or horseback riders, so it's important to be aware of oncoming traffic and respect other users.