The best cycling routes in the High Tauern

The High Tauern region offers over 110 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult. You'll find approximately 15 easy routes, 33 moderate routes, and over 60 challenging options.

Yes, the High Tauern offers about 15 easy touring cycling routes, many of which are family-friendly and wind through scenic valleys. The Tauern Cycle Path, for instance, is known for its gentle stages and excellent infrastructure, making it ideal for leisurely riders. You can find options like the View of Huben – Lienz Old Town loop from Bichl, which is a moderate route with manageable elevation.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the High Tauern boasts over 60 difficult routes. The iconic Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers routes like the View of the Fuscher Törl – Alpine Nature Show House loop from Törlkopf or the View of the Hochtor Pass – Hochtor Pass Summit (2504 m) loop from Winkl, which feature significant elevation gains and breathtaking alpine views. Another demanding option is the Magnificent view – Edelweißspitze loop from Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the High Tauern are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of the Krimml Waterfalls – Krimmler Ache Valley loop from Krimml, the Möll Cycle Path – Maiden's Leap Waterfall loop from Gemeindeamt Großkirchheim, and the Kaiser Franz Josef's Viewpoint – View of the Großglockner loop from Heiligenblut.

The optimal season for touring cycling in the High Tauern is typically from late spring to early autumn. During this period, mountain passes are generally clear of snow, and weather conditions are more stable, providing the best experience for exploring the region's diverse landscapes.

The High Tauern is rich in natural wonders. Many routes offer views of impressive waterfalls, such as the Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest. You can also encounter majestic peaks like the Grossglockner and Grossvenediger, and serene mountain lakes. Consider visiting the Krimml Waterfalls Trail or the Middle Tier of the Krimml Waterfalls. Some routes also pass by unique geological features like the 'Tauern Window'.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the High Tauern offer opportunities for refreshments. You'll find various cafes, restaurants, and traditional alpine huts strategically located along the trails, perfect for a break and to refuel during your ride.

The High Tauern is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 900 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's majestic mountains, expansive glaciers, and impressive waterfalls. The well-developed network of trails, catering to all levels, and the stunning panoramic views, particularly along routes like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, are often highlighted as favorite aspects.

While popular areas like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road can be busy, the High Tauern National Park is vast. To find less crowded routes, consider exploring some of the 15 easy or 33 moderate routes that wind through quieter valleys or less frequented areas. These often provide a more serene experience while still offering beautiful scenery.

Yes, public transport options are available in the High Tauern region and can provide access to various starting points for touring cycling routes. This allows for more flexibility in planning your tours, especially for one-way routes or if you prefer to avoid driving to the trailhead.

Absolutely. The High Tauern is dotted with incredible viewpoints and landmarks. Along routes on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, you'll find numerous viewing platforms offering stunning vistas of the Glockner massif. The Großglockner summit itself is a major landmark. The Krimml Waterfalls are another must-see, with routes like the View of the Krimml waterfalls – Krimmler Ache Valley loop from Krimmler Achental offering close-up views. The Jagdhausalm, with Austria's oldest alpine huts, also offers a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

The elevation gain on touring cycling routes in the High Tauern varies significantly depending on the route's difficulty. Easy valley routes will have minimal elevation, while difficult routes, especially those traversing the high alpine areas like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, can feature substantial climbs. For example, the Islitzer Waterfall – Islitzer Alm loop from Matrei in Osttirol has over 1000 meters of elevation gain, while the Möll Cycle Path – Maiden's Leap Waterfall loop from Gemeindeamt Großkirchheim climbs over 1600 meters.