Description
Branching off from the Danube in Ybbs, the Ybbstal Cycle Path leads 111 km south. Always along the Ybbs, from the Danube to the mountain lake: the Ybbs Valley Cycle Path provides magnificent nature and cycling experiences. The core section between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See is particularly suitable for families and connoisseurs, as it largely follows the former route of the Ybbs Valley Railway.
First through the gently undulating land of the Mostbirn trees, then through the alpine region of the Iron Road: the Ybbstal Cycle Path not only connects the Danube with Lake Lunz, but also the mild and wild sides of the Mostviertel.
The centerpiece:
Especially on its 55 km long core section between Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Lunz am See, the Ybbstalradweg makes the hearts of pleasure cyclists beat faster: the route here follows the railroad line of the former Ybbstalbahn - completely flat, away from car traffic, but always very close to the river. The cycle path is a total work of art combining elegant route guidance and spectacular scenery. You cycle over picturesque arched bridges and through a short tunnel, cross a wildly romantic gorge, enjoy the sun and crystal-clear water on quiet sandbanks, come across historic hammer mills and, time and again, specially designed "Zeit für s'ich" rest areas to relax.
To get back to the starting point, there is the cycle hitchhiker bus and the Ybbstal cycle cab.
Tip: 3 days of river cycling in the Mostviertel region
The Ybbstal Cycle Path offers cyclists many possible combinations with other cycle paths in the Mostviertel region and the surrounding area. For example, the Little Ybbs Valley Cycle Path also connects the town of Waidhofen an der Ybbs with the traditional forging town of Ybbsitz.
However, there are other cycle path combinations along the Ybbs Valley Cycle Path.
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.
