Top 7 Mountain Passes in Vienna Surroundings
Best mountain passes in Vienna Surroundings are located across Lower Austria and bordering Styria, offering varied terrain from the Vienna Woods to the Ybbstaler Alpen. These areas feature mountain passes known for their scenic routes, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. The region provides diverse landscapes suitable for cycling, hiking, and scenic drives. Passes range from lower-elevation options to routes connecting significant mountain areas.
Best mountain passes in Vienna Surroundings
- The most popular mountain passes is Kleiner Semmering Pass, a mountain pass known for its serpentine curves. It is integrated into many popular cycling loops through the Vienna Woods.
- Another must-see spot is Tulbingerkogel climb, a climb with panoramic views over the Tullnerfeld. The route features a gradient that briefly reaches 11.6%.
- Visitors also love Hengstl Pass, a mountain pass on the L 2111. It is appreciated by cyclists for its quiet roads and pleasant bends on the northern driveway.
- Vienna Surroundings is known for its road cycling routes, scenic drives, and hiking trails. The region offers a variety of mountain passes to explore, from challenging climbs to accessible routes.
- The mountain passes in Vienna Surroundings are appreciated by the komoot community, with 182 upvotes and 12 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Tulbingerkogel climb
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Hengstl Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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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Riederberg Serpentines
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Kleiner Semmering Pass
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Although the four beautiful serpentine curves invite you to take them close to the grip limit of racing bike tires, be warned against this here. The tar surface (in 2021) is very smooth and worn and has significantly less static friction than comparable routes. It's easy to slip away even on a dry road. Due to the location in the forest, the road is often damp / wet for longer and leaves and dirt also require additional attention. So be careful! And always remember: "The only way to get faster on the mountain is by going uphill, going downhill will only get you to the hospital faster."
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Riederberghöhe (417 m)
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Sophienalpe–Exelberg Section
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Tips from the Community
A stretch of road that is fun! 👍
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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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A joy both on the ascent and on the descent, right on Vienna's doorstep.
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Comfortable pass road – traffic is limited
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From here you can start hikes in all directions. The Wienerwald long-distance hiking trail 404 runs through here, which is unfortunately no longer maintained, and the Great Tullnerfeld circular hiking trail 475 also crosses the road, and the Way of St. James also passes not far away.
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Hiking trail crosses B1. There is a bus stop but unfortunately no restaurant (as of May 2023)
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Nice climb over Weidlingbach with a very nice panorama and then a quick descent with casual curves towards Tulln.
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There are many beautiful routes over the Vienna Woods hills to the Tullnerfeld. This one is the least recommendable one for me: a lot of traffic, which usually thunders past you quickly on the straight stretch and too narrowly when there is oncoming traffic, several trucks... Nope. Then rather Passauerhof or Königstetten or Irenental or Rauchengern or Geigelberg etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain passes are best for road cycling near Vienna?
The Vienna Surroundings offer several excellent mountain passes for road cycling. The Kleiner Semmering Pass in the Vienna Woods is popular for its winding roads and integration into many cycling loops. Another favorite among Viennese cyclists is Hengstl Pass, known for its quiet roads and pleasant bends. For a more challenging ride, the Zellerrain Pass in the Ybbstaler Alpen features substantial elevation gain and gradients up to 13%.
Are there any mountain passes with historical significance or cultural attractions?
Yes, the Semmering Pass is particularly rich in history and culture. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Semmering Railway, an engineering marvel from 1854 with numerous tunnels and viaducts. The pass also served as a retreat for Austrian aristocracy and hosts cultural events like the 'Kultur. Sommer. Semmering' festival, surrounded by impressive historic villas.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain passes in Vienna Surroundings?
Many mountain passes offer stunning panoramic views. For instance, the Tulbingerkogel climb provides beautiful vistas over the Tullnerfeld. At Semmering, the Millenniumswarte observation tower on the Hirschenkogel offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Rax, Schneeberg, and distant Styrian landscapes. The western approach to Haselrast Pass also provides beautiful mountain views.
What outdoor activities are available near these mountain passes?
Beyond cycling, the mountain passes offer a range of outdoor activities. Semmering is a dual-season resort with ski slopes and a toboggan run in winter, and a bike park, forest ropes course, and extensive hiking trails in summer. The region around Josefsberg Pass is celebrated for its natural beauty and hiking opportunities around the prominent Ötscher mountain. You can find many hiking and MTB trails in the area, such as those listed in the MTB Trails in Vienna Surroundings guide or the Easy hikes in Vienna Surroundings guide.
Which mountain passes are easily accessible year-round?
The Haselrast Pass, located in the Gutensteiner Alps, is a lower-elevation option at 778 meters and is often snow-free even in late autumn, making it a reliable choice for scenic drives or rides throughout the year. The Zellerrain Pass is also open year-round following construction efforts.
Are there any mountain passes suitable for families or those looking for easier routes?
While many passes offer challenging sections, some are integrated into routes that can be enjoyed by families. The Semmering region, with its year-round recreational facilities including a toboggan run and forest ropes course, provides family-friendly activities. For cycling, passes like Rauchengern Pass are described as 'classic roller mountains' with peaceful roads, suitable for regular training or leisurely rides.
What makes the Semmering Pass a unique destination?
The Semmering Pass is unique for its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and year-round recreation. Its UNESCO World Heritage Semmering Railway is a major draw, offering a breathtaking travel experience and hiking opportunities along its trail. Additionally, it functions as a dual-season resort, providing skiing and tobogganing in winter, and biking, ropes courses, and hiking in summer, all within an hour's drive from Vienna.
Where can I find good hiking trails that start from a mountain pass?
The Riederberghöhe (417 m) serves as a central point for hikers in the Vienna Woods, intersecting with several trails including the Wienerwald long-distance hiking trail 404 and the Great Tullnerfeld circular hiking trail 475. The Semmering Pass also offers a wide network of hiking and themed trails, including the railway trail to the '20-Schilling-Blick' viewpoint.
Which mountain passes are popular for local cyclists training near Vienna?
The Hengstl Pass and Rauchengern Pass in the Vienna Woods are highly favored by Viennese cyclists for daily training. They are appreciated for their quiet roads and proximity to the city, offering a tranquil cycling experience with enjoyable bends.
What is the significance of the Josefsberg Pass?
The Josefsberg Pass, at 1012 meters in the Türnitz Alps, is significant as a route connecting Annaberg and Mitterbach. It acts as a gateway to bypass the dramatic Ötschergräben, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of Austria,' and is situated in a region renowned for its natural beauty and hiking opportunities around the prominent Ötscher mountain.
Can I combine a visit to a mountain pass with other regional attractions?
Absolutely. The Zellerrain Pass, for example, serves as a common route to the Mariazell region, a notable pilgrimage site. The Ochsattel Pass is part of a scenic route leading to the Kalte Kuchl and further to the Rohrer Sattel, providing access to the Piestingtal region and the Schneeberg area, both popular for various outdoor activities.
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