For perfect gravel bike happiness
On the road with Gerald Demolsky
Lower Austria impresses with a wide range of landscapes. The trail infrastructure is correspondingly varied. Whether gravel tracks, forest paths or quiet tarmac roads: The conditions for gravel biking couldn't be better.
When a long-time and passionate trail runner discovers a new sporting passion, there must be something to it. That's what happened to Gerald Demolsky with gravel biking. This type of sporty leisure cycling is all about experiencing nature by cycling on secluded routes, immersing yourself in the landscape on different terrains and getting to know the country and its people along the way. Because Gerald has been hooked on gravel biking ever since he first got into the saddle, he explored the most promising routes in Lower Austria and added tips from insiders in the local gravel bike scene.
Tour #1: Experience nature in Ötscherland
On the Graveltour Mostviertel & Ötscherland Gerald Demolsky was accompanied by local Norbert Dürauer. His conclusion? This challenging tour is worth it! After 83 kilometres and 1,187 metres in altitude, your calves are tired and your heart is full.
This route has it all. Challenging climbs and rapid descents, a detour to the beautiful Lunz Lake cool pleasure rides through the forests of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park and sections far away from civilisation and traffic along the Erlauf. The Ötscher, the local mountain of the Mostviertel region, greets you throughout the tour.
For local Norbert Dürauer, there is no better way to experience the feeling of freedom than gravel biking. Because the gravel bike is suitable for a wide variety of surfaces, the cycling fan can combine two things that he loves - the racing bike feeling on the tarmac sections and the experience of nature on the forest tracks and forest trails. For him, the gravel bike is the perfect choice to experience the all-in cycling region in all its varied facets.
Tip: Try out the extensive network of routes in the Ybbstal Alps all-in cycling region on a gravel bike.
Tour #2: Recharge your batteries in the Waldviertel
The Hundertwasser tour is the ideal all-road route and even offers hike-a-bike passages. The natural idyll along the Kamp is a feast for the eyes. Gerald Demolsky was accompanied on the Waldviertel tour by "cycling veterans" Klaus Tannhäuser and Walter Maurer. The route along the Kamp impresses with huge granite boulders, the Hundertwasser mill and natural power spots.
The Hundertwasser tour took the trio of cyclists to the upper Kamptal valley, a magical, idyllic world that has plenty of natural spectacles and tranquillity to offer. Sometimes calm, sometimes rushing, they are accompanied by the Kamp, the epitome of vital energy. The massive granite boulders in and along the longest river in the Waldviertel still fascinate the locals to this day. Especially on hot summer days, this section of the route provides cooling. A colourful highlight along the route is the Hundertwasser mill - also known as the "Hahnsäge". In Roiten, the trio said goodbye to the Kamp and cycled back to Zwettl. A wonderful 32 km loop, alternating between tarmac roads, forest roads, easy farm tracks and a few bumpy sections.
Tip: In Kamptal, it's worth making a detour to the 600 metre high rock - a viewing rock with a summit cross.
Tour #3: Around the Thayatal National Park
The 45-kilometre route around the Thayatal National Park rewards you with magnificent views of the Retzer Land, the Pulkau Valley and the South Moravian region. Wolfgang Klinggraber owns the bike shop "sgrafitbike" in Retz and knows the Weinviertel like the back of his hand. The enthusiastic gravel biker accompanied Gerald Demolsky on the gravel tour "National Park Thayatal".
The starting point of the tour was Retz. From there, they travelled along the Kamp-Thaya-March cycle path to Hardegg, the smallest town in Austria. The route took the two cyclists through one of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes to Lukov. They cycled through meadows, forests and the Šobes vineyard to the Dyje, where the suspension bridge connects the Dyje Valley National Park and Podyjí. From there they cycled back to Retz at a leisurely pace.
Wolfgang Klinggraber particularly appreciates the fact that the people in his home region are very hospitable and have a heart for cyclists. As the cycle paths run right through the vineyards, you can enjoy local produce such as sheep's cheese or wine during a break at a wine tavern.
Tip: Enjoy the view from the "Heiliger Stein" in Mitterretzbach! And stop off at a local wine tavern.
