Ennsradweg

The Ennsradweg follows the Enns River from the high alpine regions of the Tauern mountains to the historic town of Enns, Austria's oldest city. This route winds through three federal states - Salzburg, Styria, and Upper Austria - revealing dramatic mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, medieval towns, and rushing gorges along the way.

Beginning at over 1,000 meters elevation in Flachauwinkl at the foot of the Lower Tauern, the path descends through the Enns Valley, passing beneath the mighty Dachstein and the imposing Grimming massif. The route connects seamlessly with the famous Danube Cycle Path, making it perfect for longer European cycling adventures.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty: Intermediate level, recommended for ambitious touring cyclists
• Elevation profile: Starts at 1,000m elevation with gradual descent to Danube level
• Surface types: Predominantly asphalted cycle paths and well-maintained secondary roads
• Route type: Mix of traffic-separated cycle paths and quiet roads; some sections through national parks follow busier roads
• Recommended direction: West to east (Flachauwinkl to Enns)
• Recommended bike: Touring bike or e-bike suitable for mixed surfaces
• Certification: Official Austrian cycle route R7

Route Marking & Navigation

Consistent green signage marked R7 Ennsradweg or Ennstalradweg guides cyclists throughout all three federal states. Waymarking quality remains reliable across the different regions, making navigation straightforward for most sections. The trickiest navigation occurs in the Gesäuse National Park sections where the route temporarily follows busier roads - these areas feature clear marking with alternative shuttle services available for families or less confident cyclists.

Best Direction & Season

Cycling west-to-east from Flachauwinkl to Enns works best as it follows the natural downstream flow and gradual elevation loss. Starting in the high alpine environment lets you experience the dramatic landscape transformation as the Enns develops from a mountain stream to a powerful river.

• Optimal cycling season: May through October
• Peak conditions: June through September
• Early season considerations: Higher elevations may have lingering snow
• Summer benefits: Access to Sommercard discounts in Schladming-Dachstein region

Main Stages & Highlights

The route divides naturally into six distinctive stages, each offering unique landscapes and cultural experiences.

Stage 1: Flachauwinkl to Schladming
Your journey begins beneath the mighty Dachstein and Lower Tauern peaks. Starting near the Enns source at Prechtlhütte on Marbachalm (worth the additional 30-minute ride up valley), you'll descend through Hermann Maier's hometown of Flachau, past the historic walled town of Radstadt, to the world-famous ski resort of Schladming. Don't miss the Steiner1888 Wool World in Mandling to see traditional loden fabric production.

Stage 2: Schladming to Irdning
Pedal beneath the Grimming, Europe's highest free-standing mountain, through charming villages like Pruggern and Öblarn. This stage culminates at Castle Trautenfels, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop and housing the excellent Enns Valley Landscape Museum. Optional detours include the pristine Styrian Lake Bodensee and the fascinating Öblarn Copper Trail.

Stage 3: Irdning to Admont
Enter the broader Enns Valley, cycling through Liezen, the administrative center of Austria's largest district by area. The landscape transitions toward the Gesäuse National Park as you approach Admont, home to the impressive Benedictine Abbey with the world's largest monastic library. Your path passes through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Wörschach Moor.

Stage 4: Admont to Weyer/Kastenreith
Experience the dramatic Gesäuse gorge where the Enns forces its way through narrow limestone cliffs. This challenging stage includes road sections unsuitable for families - shuttle services are available via Taxi Thalhuber. Alternative route options include the scenic Hintergebirge Cycle Path (R9) following old railway tracks through mountain tunnels.

Stage 5: Weyer/Kastenreith to Steyr
Transition from high alpine terrain to the gentler foothills landscape of Upper Austria. Pass through the Kalkalpen National Park and charming Losenstein with its cliff-top castle, arriving at historic Steyr with one of Europe's most beautiful town squares.

Stage 6: Steyr to Enns
The final stage leads through the broad Alpine foothills to Austria's oldest city, Enns. Here the Enns River forms the border between Upper Austria and Lower Austria, offering route options on either bank before connecting with the Danube Cycle Path.

Key Attractions Along the Route

The Ennsradweg connects numerous cultural and natural highlights spanning centuries of Austrian history and diverse ecosystems.

Historical and Cultural Sites:

• Radstadt's medieval town walls and historic center
• Castle Trautenfels with Landscape Museum and panoramic viewing tower
• Admont Abbey featuring the world's largest monastic library (70,000 of 200,000 volumes on display)
• Gallenstein Castle ruins near St. Gallen, former administrative seat of Admont Abbey
• Historic Steyr with Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque architecture and the famous Bummerlhaus
• Enns, Austria's oldest city with Roman heritage

Natural Attractions:

• Prechtlhütte at the Enns source on Marbachalm (1,750m elevation)
• Styrian Lake Bodensee surrounded by Schladming Tauern peaks
• Wörschach Gorge, one of Austria's most beautiful ravines
• Gesäuse National Park with dramatic limestone gorges
• Kalkalpen National Park's gentle forested landscapes
• Frauenberg Pilgrimage Church with Asian meditation garden

Culinary Highlights

The route showcases authentic Alpine and Austrian cuisine, transitioning from Salzburg specialties through Styrian delicacies to Upper Austrian traditions. Each region offers distinct culinary experiences rooted in local agriculture and mountain heritage.

• Traditional Austrian gasthaus fare featuring local game and freshwater fish
• Alpine dairy products including mountain cheeses and fresh milk
• Styrian pumpkin seed oil and regional schnapps from mountain distilleries
• Historic inn cuisine in medieval towns like Radstadt and Steyr
• Monastery-inspired dishes near Admont Abbey
• Seasonal specialties utilizing local mountain herbs and wild berries

Accommodation Options

The Ennsradweg offers excellent accommodation variety, from mountain huts to historic town hotels. Bett+Bike certified establishments are strategically located throughout the route, providing cyclist-specific services including secure bike storage, repair tools, and early breakfast options.

• Traditional Alpine gasthofs with regional cuisine and comfortable family rooms
• Historic hotels in medieval town centers like Radstadt and Steyr
• Modern wellness hotels in ski resort areas around Schladming
• Monastery guesthouses near Admont offering peaceful retreats
• Bett+Bike certified accommodations with cyclist amenities
• Mountain huts and alpine lodges for extended nature experiences

Access & Transportation

Getting There: Train access to Radstadt via Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) provides the most convenient starting point. Free parking is available in both Flachauwinkl (at the mountain railway base station) and Radstadt for those arriving by car.

Getting Back: Multiple return options include ÖBB train service to Radstadt, professional bike shuttle services by Habersatter Reisen and Bus & Taxi Hubner, or the scenic alternative via Steyr Valley Cycle Path to Klaus on the Pyhrnbahn railway line.

Practical Considerations

While the Ennsradweg is generally well-maintained and suitable for touring cyclists, several sections require special attention. The Gesäuse National Park segments between Admont and Weyer follow busy roads and are not recommended for families with children - professional shuttle services provide safe alternatives for these challenging sections.

Current construction affects the route between Aich and Pruggern with clearly marked detours, and the section between Weyer and Kleinreifling is closed weekdays from June 2025 through August 2026. The Hintergebirge Cycle Path (R9) offers a beautiful alternative following old railway tracks through mountain tunnels between Altenmarkt bei St. Gallen and Reichraming.

Essential services and facilities:

• Bike shops and repair services in all major towns
• Tourist information centers with route maps and local guidance
• Regular accommodation and dining options throughout
• Sommercard benefits in Schladming-Dachstein region (free access to 100+ attractions)
• Emergency shuttle services for challenging sections

Final Tips

Plan for 5-8 days including time for sightseeing and cultural visits - many cyclists find themselves extending stays in particularly beautiful locations like Admont or historic Steyr. The route rewards those who take time to explore the remarkable diversity of landscapes, from high alpine origins to the Danube connection.

Consider the Steyr Valley Cycle Path connection for return journey planning, and take advantage of the comprehensive rail network for flexible itinerary adjustments. The Ennsradweg serves as an excellent introduction to Austrian cycle touring, combining manageable daily distances with cultural and natural diversity.