Grab Your Bike and Head to Austria
If it’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, brilliant art and culture and culinary masterpieces you seek, then Austria is the perfect destination for you. From ancient architecture to gorgeous sweeping hills to fine wine and dining, there is something here to meet every visitor’s needs. Recent years have seen a virtual explosion in epicurean delights, making it a haven for wine connoisseurs and gourmands from across the globe. And with a wonderfully varied landscape, from valleys to hills to the towering Austrian Alps, the area is perfect for outdoor adventures, particularly biking. Here are 5 reasons to cycle Austria:
Danube River
This charming body of water is so beloved that it has been the subject of countless melodies. The Danube is no meandering stream – it’s the 2nd longest river in all of Europe and flows through a total of ten countries along its path. The river is perfect for cycling, in fact there are several bike trails running along the banks. The trails are broken into four sections, Donaueschingen-Passau, Passau-Vienna, Vienna-Budapest and Budapest-Black Sea, altogether totaling an impressive 2,875 km. The atmosphere is peaceful and the views are exquisite. See our cycling tour along the Danube from Passau to Vienna!
Vienna
Austria’s capital, this world famous city was recently ranked number one for quality of life by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The culturally rich city is bustling with things to do and see, including over a hundred museums, architectural masterpieces like the palaces of the Hofburg and Schönbrunn and several residences once owned by Beethoven himself. Vienna is also home to the world’s oldest zoo, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn. A ride through Vienna gives the truly unique experience of seeing the past and the present merged perfectly together. But be sure to leave some extra time – there’s so much to do you won’t want to miss anything.
Wachau
A peaceful, welcoming valley, Wachau is home to many historical structures and architectural works. In fact, the region has been named a UNESCO heritage site. The area is perhaps best known for the fine wines produced there, particularly the Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners. An agricultural gold mine, Wachau grows apricots and grapes used in the production of wine and specialty liquors. It’s also home to more than 5,000 fascinating historical monuments, including The Benedictine abbey of Melk. For cycling enthusiasts, this region provides the perfect combination of riding terrain and sites of interest.
Music
It’s no secret that Vienna is considered the European capital of classical music. Ever hear of a composer named Mozart? He was born in Austria, along with Strauss, Schubert and Haydn. Additionally, Beethoven spent quite a bit of time there, even owning several properties. From classical to jazz, to pop and rock, to the more traditional genres of yodeling and folk style Schrammelmusik, music is still an intricate part of the Austrian culture, and you will see (and hear) testaments to it just about everywhere you go.
Salzburg
Forget individual locations, the entire Old Town of Salzburg has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming little town is the birthplace of Mozart and you may also recognize it as the setting for the popular movie “The Sound of Music”. There is plenty of history to see in Salzburg, including Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey to name a few. If you are biking through in July or August, stop in and enjoy the Salzburg music festival for some authentic sounds and culture.
Trying to decide where to head for your next cycling adventure? What’s your fancy? Is it ancient architecture or fascinating history? How about fine wine and delectable cuisine? Or, perhaps you are looking for a place that offers relaxing spas and peaceful landscapes. Austria offers all of this and so much more. These are just five of the countless reasons you should choose Austria for your next journey. What will your reasons be?