There’s something amazing about a great rail trail like Austria’s Ybbstal Cycle Path. The grades are gentle, the route feels intuitive, and the scenery unfolds at a pace that invites lingering rather than rushing.
Stretching 107 kilometres through Lower Austria’s Mostviertel region, the Ybbstal Cycle Path (Ybbstalradweg) follows the course of the Ybbs River from the Danube deep into the foothills of the Alps, finishing at the shimmering Lake Lunz. It’s a trip that links mellow river landscapes with increasingly dramatic mountain scenery, all on a route that remains remarkably accessible.
A Rail Trail with a River at Its Side
The heart of the experience—and the section that has made the Ybbstalradweg famous—lies between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See. This 55-kilometre core section runs almost entirely along the former Ybbstal Railway Line, which means one thing cyclists love to hear: it’s flat. No grinding climbs, no surprise gradients—just smooth, steady riding, well away from car traffic and consistently close to the river.
Here, the Ybbs is your constant companion. You’ll roll past quiet sandbanks, clear pools of water, and shaded river bends, often with the sound of rushing water just off your shoulder. The path threads through arched railway bridges, slips through a short tunnel, and skirts a wild, narrow gorge that feels far removed from the idea of an “easy” family route.
Gentle Riding, Rich Landscapes
What makes the Ybbstal Cycle Path stand out isn’t difficulty or speed—it’s variety. Starting in the orchard-dotted hills of the Moststraße, known for its perry pear trees and traditional taverns, the route gradually transitions into the more rugged landscapes of the historic Eisenstraße (Iron Road) region, once shaped by ironworking and hammer mills. Many of those historic sites still line the route, quietly adding layers of story to the ride.
Ybbstal Cycle Path (photo: Instagram @mostviertel.at)
Purpose-built rest areas appear regularly, making it easy to stop, snack, swim, or simply sit by the river and watch the light change. Cafés, guesthouses, and small towns are never far away, reinforcing the sense that this is a trail designed not just for cyclists, but for lingering travellers.
Made for Families—and Anyone Who Likes to Take It Easy
With its traffic-free routing, absence of climbs, and frequent places to eat and swim, the Ybbstalradweg is widely regarded as one of Austria’s most family-friendly long-distance cycle paths. But “family-friendly” doesn’t mean dull. It means relaxed, scenic, and confidence-building—qualities many adult cyclists appreciate just as much.
At the end of the core section, Lake Lunz feels like a well-earned reward. Cyclists can cool off with a swim, rent a boat, or simply enjoy the lakeside setting before deciding whether to turn back or continue exploring.
Logistics are refreshingly simple. The region offers bike-specific accommodations, and returning to your starting point is made easy thanks to services like the “Radtramper” bicycle bus and the Ybbstal bicycle taxi, both designed with cyclists in mind.
A Hub for Exploring Mostviertel by Bike
The Ybbstal Cycle Path also works beautifully as a backbone for a longer cycling holiday. Numerous connecting routes branch off into surrounding valleys and neighbouring river paths, allowing riders to stitch together multi-day itineraries through the Mostviertel and beyond.
Whether you tackle the full Danube-to-Alps journey or focus on the relaxed rail-trail centrepiece, the Ybbstalradweg delivers exactly what many travellers are looking for: beautiful landscapes, easy riding, and a deep sense of place.
It’s proof that some of the best cycling adventures don’t require suffering—just a good path, a flowing river, and time to enjoy both.