Ybbstal Alps-Almrausch
Whether you only use your muscle power or get electrical support, the Ybbstal Alps impress with all aspects of mountain bike activities.
The Ybbstal Alps mountain bike region not only stands out with its multifaceted routes but it also splashes out in terms of innovations.
For example, the Bikepark Königsberg has the world’s first T-bar lift for mountain bike transports. Furthermore, the offer for E-bikers was constantly being developed in Hollenstein – both offline and digital. The routes around Hochkar, Königsberg and Yppsitz-Prochenberg are particularly well-suited for e-bikes.
Between Hollenstein, Göstling and Lunz
In total, around 40 mountain bike routes in the Ybbstaler Alps are waiting to be explored – in combination with a cosy stop for refreshments of course. In Hollenstein, the 26.5 kilometre long Kitzhüttenalm-Tour (can also be booked as a guided E-MTB tour) is considered an insider's tip and the quaint Kitzhütte is its main attraction. The Sonnbrand-Almtour is a very challenging mountain bike circuit. From Hauptplatz in Hollenstein an der Ybbs, the Sonnbrand-Alm is scaled on a total of 50 kilometres and an altitude of 2,000 metres. The shorter one, is the scenic, merely 18 kilometre long Intersport-Fahrnberger-Route starting from Göstling – it leads to the popular Siebenhütten mountain inn on Königsberg. Other circuits includes the Hochreit Route (start/finish Göstling), which can be wonderfully combined with the Jausenstation Ablass or – for e-bikers – the Lake view tour in Lunz/lake with a stop at the Almgasthaus Rehberg, an insider tip among those seeking relaxation. Challenging, but all the more beautiful once you reach the top, is the MTB-Tour to the Prochenberghütte in Ybbsitz at a height of 1,100 m, including a viewing platform. Last but not least, the routes from Lackenhof and Waidhof/Ybbs score with a pure experience of nature, far away from the daily hustle and bustle.
Pure relaxation
In addition to the various rustic huts for short refreshment breaks, the Ybbstal Alps also have numerous accommodation possibilities on offer with the Wilde Wunder Card. This adventure card is issued free of charge when accommodation is booked at one of the participating hosts – with a saving of up to € 1,000, you can visit around 50 destinations and take part in adventure-related activities for free. The cosy 4-star country-house style Hotel Fahrnberger in Lassing in the district of Göstling, for example, is one of these hosts – “Hüttnspa” with a Finnish Swiss stone pine sauna and other wellness and feel-good opportunities including organic culinary highlights caress the mind. The Nordic style sauna in the heart of Göstling an der Ybbs and just 300 metres away from Ybbstaler Solebad in the Hotel Garni – Pension Scheiblechner. In the meantime, the Bauernhof Ablass [farm] provides for a special atmosphere including a snack bar and a museum in the centre of the nature and landscape conservation area close to the Leckermoos nature reserve.
The Gasthof Jagersberger [hotel] in Hollenstein/Ybbs is the perfect starting point for mountain bikers of all classes because it is located directly near Bikepark Königsberg – and includes bike rentals. Furthermore, the hotel impresses with a near by herb garden full of adventure – and its meals are served using only the most exquisite quality products of the region. Just 500 metres way, you will find the Bauernhof Salcheck awarded with four flowers in a sunny vineyard estate.
The modern yet rustically furnished Schlosstaverne Lunz am See in the heart of the Ybbstal Alps also has guest rooms close to the crystal clear Lunzer See. On the menu you will find simple, yet classic Austrian and international dishes. Just a few pedal strokes away from the Ybbstal-Cycle Route, in the small town of St. Georgen/Reith, the Gulaschwirtin owned by Ursula Prosini not only serves the best goulash of Lower Austria, they also whip up seasonal highlights and delicious pastries.
Relax and refresh
On the subject of Ybbstal – the Ybbs offers several opportunities to do something good for your ravaged body after a strenuous mountain bike tour. The Strandbad Hollenstein [lido] can offer a high level of comfort with nostalgic touch – and children can swim all the day want. Cold-resistant mermaids and water sprites tend to meet in the river baths of the Ybbs however, the - the river rarely has temperatures above 20 degrees.. If you’re looking for something a little warmer, the Ybbstaler Solebad is the place to be. Warm water between 32 and 34 degrees in the indoor and outdoors area as well as massage nozzles and much more can be enjoyed by wellness aficionados. At the Lunz am See seaside resort you can enjoy an emerald-coloured bathing experience surrounded by a wonderful natural backdrop. And in July, those interested in culture get their money's worth at the Wellenklänge [sound of waves] on the lake stage.
Hike instead of bike
The Ybbstal Alps have much more to offer, if you're no longer enjoying biking. The Lower Austria Card in particular, can be used to discover a few outdoor treats: For example the Erlebniswelt Mendlingtal [Mendlingtal world of experience] with the last functional wood drift system in Central Europe, the 360 degree Hochkar sky tour with a breathtaking views or the Leckermoos Nature Reserve in Göstling with the moor adventure trail. Finally, we also recommend Bruckners Bierwelt, the viewing brewery and distillery between Gaming and Lunz am See offers everything the heart desires in terms of beers and spirits.