Description
Branching off from the Danube in Ybbs, the Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail heads south for 107 km. Hugging the river Ybbs the whole way from the Danube to the mountain lake, the Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail promises splendid scenery and wonderful cycling experiences. The core section between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See, running largely along the old railway track of the Ybbs Valley Railway, is particularly suitable for families and leisure cyclists.
Initially taking in the gently rolling hills of the Mostviertel (Perry Country), then the alpine realms of the Iron Road, the Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail not only links the Danube with Lake Lunz, but also the mild and wild sides of the Mostviertel district.
The centerpiece:
The Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail is a marvel for all pleasure cyclists exploring its 55 km core section between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See: the route here follows the tracks of the former Ybbs Valley Railway – the path is completely flat, far removed from traffic, but remains close to the river at all times. The cycle trail is a complete work of art comprising an elegant route and spectacular scenery. Coast across picturesque round arch bridges and through a short tunnel, traverse a wild and romantic gorge, and enjoy the sunshine and crystal-clear waters by tranquil sandbanks. You will also encounter historical hammer mills and numerous rest spots created especially for this purpose.
For the return journey, a bus service is available (RadTramper Bus) as well as a taxi service offering bike transport (Ybbstal-Radtaxi).
Tip: Three days of riverside cycling in the Mostviertel district
The Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail offers sporty cyclists plenty of options to combine their tour with other cycle trails in the Mostviertel district and the surrounding area. The Small Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail links the town of Waidhofen an der Ybbs with the traditional blacksmiths’ town of Ybbsitz.
Other cycle trail combinations are available along the Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail.
Starting point of the tour
Ybbs an der Donau
Destination point of the tour
Lunz am See
Route description Ybbstal Cycle Route
It’s a good 20 km or so from Ybbs to Amstetten. The first ten run on flat federal roads through rural towns. At Blindemarkt, there is an idyllic ridge with wonderful views to conquer. After descending, the Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail snakes towards the district town of Amstetten. As you enter the town, you will be greeted by the sight of commercial parks and shopping centres, but Ybbs soon gets back to nature. Apart from a few small ascents, the trail is flat through the mountainous backdrop of the Iron Road. From Ulmerfeld, the cycle tour follows ten kilometres where the cycle path runs next to the road. After that, the cycle route continues for around five kilometres past industrial estates before reaching the centre of Waidhofen an der Ybbs.
South of Waidhofen, there is a detour along the Kleine Ybbs river to the traditional blacksmiths’ town of Ybbsitz (Small Ybbs Valley Cycle Trail).
Passing through the Ofenloch, a gorge, the route continues to Opponitz along the old railway line. The trail here is flat in the Upper Ybbs Valley. 14 km beyond Opponitz you will come to Hollenstein, followed another 11 km later by the small municipality of St. Georgen am Reith. The route now begins to climb gently to Göstling. From here, the final leg covers 11 km to Lunz am See. By this point you will have covered a total of 107 km.
For the return journey to Waidhofen an der Ybbs, the Radtramper Bus service is available, or you can order a Ybbstal-Radtaxi (taxi service with bike transport). From Ybbs, there is a train connection to Amstetten and Ybbs an der Donau.
Those who aren’t ready to stop cycling yet can pick up the Erlauf Valley Cycle Trail (formerly the Ötscherland Cycle Route) from Lunz am See and cycle back up to the Danube via the Erlauf Valley
