Description
ATTENTION:
Since April 16, 2025, the Ybbstal cycle route from Ybbs an der Donau to Sonntagberg runs in sections on an improved route – partly on cycle paths, riverside paths and as quiet as possible side roads. The route signage has been largely updated; the ground markings will be added during the summer. At some new intersections with state and federal roads, STVO-compliant warning and safety signs are still missing. Special caution is therefore requested in these areas!
Starting directly from Ybbs at the Danube, the Ybbstal cycle route leads 109 km south. Always along the Ybbs, from the Danube to the mountain lake: The Ybbstal cycle route offers magnificent nature and cycling experiences. Particularly suitable for families and leisure cyclists is the core section between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See, mainly following the former railway track of the Ybbstal railway.
First through the gently rolling land of the Most pear trees, then through the alpine region of the Eisenstraße: The Ybbstal cycle route connects not only the Danube with the Lunzer lake but also the mild and wild sides of the Mostviertel.
The core section:
Especially on its 55 km long core section between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See, the Ybbstal cycle route makes the hearts of pleasure cyclists beat faster: The route here follows the railway track of the former Ybbstal railway – completely flat, away from motor traffic, but always very close to the river. The cycle path is a masterpiece of elegant routing and spectacular landscape. You cycle over picturesque arched bridges and through a short tunnel, pass through a wildly romantic gorge, enjoy the sun and crystal-clear water at quiet sandbanks, encounter historic hammerworks and repeatedly come across specially designed rest areas "Time for yourself" to relax.
To return to the starting point, there are the Radtramper bus and the Ybbstal bike taxi.
Tip: 3 days river cycling in the Mostviertel
The Ybbstal cycle route offers cyclists many combination possibilities with other cycle routes in the Mostviertel and its surroundings. For example, the Kleine Ybbstal cycle route additionally connects the town of Waidhofen an der Ybbs with the traditional smithy town Ybbsitz.
But there are also further cycle route combinations along the Ybbstal cycle route.
Starting point of the tour
Ybbs an der Donau
Destination point of the tour
Lunz am See
Route description Ybbstal cycle route
From Ybbs to Amstetten it is about 20 kilometers. The first ten lead along flat country roads through rural villages. Near Blindenmarkt, an idyllic ridge with magnificent views must be climbed. After the descent, the Ybbstal cycle route winds towards the district town of Amstetten. While the atmosphere of the entrance is still characterized by sections through commercial and shopping areas, the Ybbs soon shows its natural qualities. Apart from small ascents, it runs flat towards the mountain and hill backdrop of the Eisenstraße. From Ulmerfeld, the cycle route features sections with parallel bike path and road over ten kilometers. Afterward, the cycle route leads for about five kilometers close past industrial sites before reaching the center of Waidhofen an der Ybbs.
South of Waidhofen, a detour leads along the Kleine Ybbs to the smithy village Ybbsitz (Kleiner Ybbstalradweg).
Through the Ofenloch, a gorge, the route continues on the former railway track to Opponitz. The route profile in the Upper Ybbs valley is characterized by flat terrain. 14 kilometers after Opponitz, Hollenstein is reached, 11 kilometers further on the small community of St. Georgen am Reith. Gradually, the route gently ascends towards Göstling. From there the final section leads 11 kilometers to Lunz am See. Then the mileage shows about 107 kilometers.
For the return journey to Waidhofen an der Ybbs, the Radtramper-Bus offers its services, or you can order a Ybbstal bike taxi. From Ybbs, there is a rail connection to Amstetten and Ybbs an der Donau.
And for those who haven’t had enough cycling yet, from Lunz am See you can take the Erlauftal cycle route (formerly Ötscherland cycle route) and pedal back towards the Danube through the Erlauftal.
