Top 20 Mountain Passes in Lower Austria
Mountain passes in Lower Austria traverse diverse landscapes, offering routes through the Vienna Woods, Gutensteiner Alps, and Ybbstaler Alpen. The region features passes with historical significance, such as the Semmering, and those known for their scenic drives or cycling routes. These passes connect various towns and regions, providing access to natural parks and viewpoints. The topography includes both lower Alpine passes and higher mountain routes, catering to different types of exploration.
Best mountain passes in Lower Austria
- The most popular mountain passes is Tulbingerkogel climb, a climb that offers a panorama over the Tullnerfeld. The Leopold-Figl lookout provides views, and the climb features a gradient reaching 11.6%.
- Another must-see spot is Sulzer Höhe Pass, a mountain pass popular with road cyclists. Visitors can expect a constant, slightly uphill stretch for 10 kilometers from Vienna, with limited traffic.
- Visitors also love Switchback climb, a mountain pass connecting Tullnerbach with Sieghartskirchen. It is popular due to its proximity to Vienna and serves as a route for circumnavigating the northern Vienna Woods.
- Lower Austria is known for historical passes, scenic road trip routes, and cycling-friendly climbs. The region offers a variety of mountain passes to see and explore, from those with engineering marvels to those providing access to nature parks.
- The mountain passes in Lower Austria are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 highlights and over 180 upvotes, showcasing many routes and viewpoints.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Tulbingerkogel climb
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Sulzer Höhe Pass
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Switchbacks at Geschriebene Buche
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Hengstl Pass
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North-east driveway from Pressbaum: The ascent from the north starts very leisurely in the center of Pressbaum, where you turn towards Klausen-Leopoldsdorf. You cross the Pfalzau and after about four kilometers you land on the actual ascent, which then winds up very nicely in three hairpin bends.
Southwest driveway from Klausen-Leopoldsdorf: From Klausen-Leopoldsdorf the ascent leads north towards Pressbaum / Pfalzau. After about 2.5 kilometers, the road branches off to the left to Hochstraß. We stay to the right and after a few meters of altitude we are at the apex. The driveway from the north (Pressbaum) is nicer.
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Switchback climb
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Rauchengern Pass (413 m)
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Northwest driveway from Rappoltenkirchen: In Rappoltenkirchen we keep on the L 123 in the direction of Vienna and Pressbaum. Shortly after the Tirolersiedlung (approx. Two kilometers after the end of Rappoltenkirchen), the actual ascent begins after a slight intermediate descent. After a few meters you will pass the Gasthof In der Au. After a prominent bend, it goes evenly, gently rising towards the apex
South-east driveway from Untertullnerbach: In Untertullnerbach we keep in the direction of Irenental. Under the tracks it goes along the Tullnerbach slightly uphill through the deciduous forest. After about two kilometers the forest clears and you pass the place Irenental. After leaving the village, the Ameisberg settlement is a little steeper uphill. And then the fun is actually over again. The last kilometer is flat.
South-east driveway from Tullnerbach: In Tullnerbach we take the underpass onto the L 123 (Weidlingbachstraße) in the direction of Rappoltenkirchen and Sieghartskirchen. After 2.5 kilometers we go through two hairpin bends. After that, the apex is already reached.
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Ochsattel Pass
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The Ochsattel is a mountain pass 820 m above sea level in southern Lower Austria that leads from the Traisental to the southeast to the Grünen Schwarza. The Gutensteiner Straße B21 also runs over it as a pass road, it climbs a little to the east after the pass, then descends into the Kalte Kuchl and leads over the Rohrer Sattel into the Piestingtal region and the Schneeberg area.
Text / Source: wikipedia.org
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochsattel
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Zellerrain
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Luftberg Pass
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Together with the neighboring crossings Plankenstein (670 m), Wetterlucke (543 m) and Kohlenberg (437 m), the Luftberg represents the first real hurdle in the (Melk) Alpine foothills. All of these mountain roads lead into the Pielachtal. From here, the 1,000-meter mark can already be overcome with the road via Wastl am Wald (1,110 m).
Above all, north of the Luftberg, the gently hilly Mostviertel stretches out to the Danube. The countless cider pear trees and the mighty square farms in many places are typical of this region. Cyclists who cross this area from the Luftberg can reach the city of Melk with the famous Melk Abbey in less than an hour. Together with the Danube Cycle Path, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau and the neighboring Waldviertel, a varied and very interesting racing bike area opens up to cyclists from the Luftberg.
The Luftberg is particularly popular among local cyclists: First of all, it can be classified as rather easy in terms of the meters in altitude to be covered and the percentage of incline. Secondly, the road with its many curves on the Pielachtal side is very entertaining and interesting to drive - especially downhill: the downhill menu ranges from hairpin bends and curve combinations to a long high-speed curve. The best conditions to hone your cornering technique.
It should not go unmentioned at this point that until 2005 the Uniqa-Classic stage cycle race, which was no longer held, often passed the Luftberg. (From 1953 to 2000 the race was called Vienna-Rabenstein-Gresten-Vienna.) The Luftberg heralded a mostly selective stage final, in which one or the other short climb had to be mastered to the finish in Rabenstein an der Pielach.
Note: If you are looking for the Luftberg on the map, you will most likely not find it, since at the highest point of the road usually only "Wh. zur Luft” or something similar is entered on maps. The "Wh.", which stands for tavern, was closed a few years ago and does not refer to the street crossing.
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Josefsberg Pass Summit (1012 m)
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The pass connects the towns of Annaberg and Mitterbach and has a maximum gradient of 10%. The village of the same name is located on the top of the pass.
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Tips from the Community
The route is good for training gentle ascents.
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beautiful connection from Kirchberg to the north
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A stretch of road that is fun! 👍
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It's known to be popular with motorcyclists in spring and summer; in autumn, from 2:30 pm onwards, I was almost completely alone and it was wonderful to ride and enjoy the peace and quiet! I think it depends on the day of the week, the season, and the time of day.
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A very nice descent from Eilandberg to Sieghartskirchen. A pleasant gradient, even uphill, allows for a quick ride.
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As a true racing cyclist, you simply have to visit this place. :-)
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If you're planning to explore this area by bike, on a run, or while hiking, make sure to bring your own Merlot. The region is known for its stunning views and outdoor activities, but finding a good spot to enjoy a glass of wine can be a challenge. Packing your favorite Merlot ensures you can savor a well-deserved drink after your adventure!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some historically significant mountain passes in Lower Austria?
The Semmering Pass is particularly notable for its UNESCO World Heritage Semmering Railway, an engineering marvel from the 19th century. It has been a continuous trade route since the 12th century, offering picturesque views and hiking opportunities along the railway trail.
Which mountain passes are good for road cycling in Lower Austria?
The Sulzer Höhe Pass in the Vienna Woods is very popular among road cyclists, offering a constant, slightly uphill stretch for ten kilometers from Vienna with limited traffic. Another good option is the Hengstl Pass, known for its quiet roads and nice bends in the forest, making it a constant companion for everyday training for Viennese cyclists.
Are there mountain passes in Lower Austria that offer scenic viewpoints?
Yes, the Tulbingerkogel climb offers a wonderful panorama over the Tullnerfeld from the Leopold-Figl lookout. The Semmering Pass also provides iconic panoramic views, including the famous '20-shilling view' of the Kalte-Rinne viaduct from the Railway Hiking Trail.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the mountain passes?
Many passes offer access to diverse natural landscapes. For instance, the Josefsberg Pass is a gateway to the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Austria,' known for its deep gorges, streams, and waterfalls. The Vienna Woods, where passes like Sulzer Höhe and Hengstl are located, feature extensive mixed forests.
Which mountain passes are suitable for a scenic road trip?
The Ochsattel Pass is ideal for road trips, connecting the Traisental to the southeast with the Grünen Schwarza and leading towards the Kalte Kuchl and Schneeberg area, offering an enjoyable driving experience through the alpine foothills. The Zellerrain Pass also provides a beautiful route through the Ybbstaler Alpen and is accessible year-round.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
Beyond driving and cycling, you can find various outdoor activities. For example, there are many easy hikes in Lower Austria, such as the 'Vineyards and Weißenkirchen Panorama Tour' or the 'Hochkar summit hike'. You can explore these and more in the Easy hikes in Lower Austria guide. For runners, trails like the 'Pressbaum - Jochgrabenberg Loop Trail' are available, detailed in the Running Trails in Lower Austria guide. Cyclists can find routes like the 'Donau-Schatz-Tour' in the Cycling in Lower Austria guide.
Are there any mountain passes that are less trafficked for a more serene experience?
The Haselrast, part of the Gutensteiner Alps, is often less trafficked, allowing for a more serene journey through the Austrian landscape. Similarly, the Switchbacks at Geschriebene Buche are a little gem for cyclists because the route is hardly used by cars, offering a quiet and wildly romantic experience.
What is the best time to visit the mountain passes in Lower Austria?
Many mountain passes in Lower Austria are accessible year-round, such as the Zellerrain Pass. The Haselrast, for example, is often snow-free even in mid-November due to its lower elevation. However, for cycling and hiking, the warmer months from spring to autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions.
Are there mountain passes suitable for beginners or those looking for less strenuous routes?
Yes, the Rauchengern Pass, connecting Tullnerbach with Sieghartskirchen, is described as a 'roller mountain' with beautiful but unspectacular driveways, making it a pleasant option for drivers and cyclists looking for a less challenging experience. The Sulzer Höhe also offers a relatively constant gentle incline, popular for those seeking an easier climb.
Where can I find parking at mountain passes in Lower Austria?
While specific parking details vary by pass, many popular passes and nearby attractions offer designated parking areas. For instance, the Feistritzsattel Mountain Hut is listed as having parking facilities, which can be a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes in Lower Austria?
Visitors frequently appreciate the scenic beauty, the quiet roads for cycling, and the opportunities for outdoor activities. Tips for the Switchbacks at Geschriebene Buche highlight the 'beautiful ride' through the forest on a 'very quiet road,' while the Tulbingerkogel climb is praised for its 'very nice panorama'.
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