Requirements on the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail
Technique, fitness & bike selection – ensuring your multi-day tour is safe and relaxed
The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail connects 14 national park valleys via forest roads and alpine farm tracks. The paved Tauern Cycle Path serves as the link between the Tauern valleys, and in some sections – where necessary – paved secondary roads are used.
On the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail, you ride independently as a mountain biker without a guide on official mountain bike routes in an alpine mountain region, reaching elevations of up to 2,000 metres.
Challenging single trails are not the main focus – long stages with steady ascents and descents are. Despite the available organisational support, the trail is ridden at your own responsibility (unless an optional guide has been booked). In addition to technical skills and good fitness, a realistic self-assessment, navigation skills in alpine terrain and experience in dealing with changing weather conditions are essential. Here you can find out whether the trail suits you – and which setup is ideal.
What to expect – the hard facts
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14 stages through the Salzburg valleys of the Hohe Tauern National Park
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Predominantly forest roads and alpine farm tracks, connected by the Tauern Cycle Path and secondary roads
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Only two short singletrail sections across all 14 stages (can be pushed if necessary)
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Maximum of 1,250 metres of elevation gain or 50 km per stage
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Technically easy to moderate – physically demanding depending on your bike choice
What bike is optimal for the 14 stages?
The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail is:
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ideally suited for XC mountain bikes, e-MTBs and full-suspension bikes (with or without motor).
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suitable for gravel bikes whose gearing, tyre width and tread are closer to an XC mountain bike than to a road bike.
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not suitable for trekking bikes, classic city bikes or traditional touring bikes.
For each stage, suitability is assessed separately by bike type. You will find this information directly in the individual tour descriptions.
Technical difficulty of the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail
Surface & gradients
The stages run predominantly along forest roads, alpine farm tracks and smaller paved roads.
Short sections with gradients of up to 20% are possible. In some areas, loose or slightly rough gravel surfaces may occur.
Singletrail sections
Across the 14 stages, there are two short singletrail sections (approx. 600 m in total). These are rideable for experienced mountain bikers but can also be pushed without difficulty.
Gravel bike notes
If you are riding a gravel bike, choose MTB-oriented gearing and sufficiently wide tyres with tread. Steeper gravel sections require confident riding skills.
Required fitness level
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MTB or gravel bike without motor assistance: The physical demands are high. You should be well trained and able to maintain a steady pace on longer climbs.
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E-MTB: Depending on motor power and battery capacity, the demands range from moderate to higher.
Appropriate preparation is recommended.
Notes for e-mountain bikers
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A motor with at least 70 Nm of torque and a battery capacity of at least 625 Wh is recommended.
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Please note for Stage 01: The Panoramabahn Großarltal has a weight limit of 22 kg per bike. A removable battery is advantageous, as it can be taken into the gondola separately. Alternatively, a bypass option is available.
Note on the Großglockner High Alpine Road
If you are cycling on the Großglockner High Alpine Road, make sure you are well prepared: the route leads through high alpine terrain. Sudden weather changes, wind or even icy conditions can quickly become challenging.
Ride downhill in a controlled manner, keep as far to the right as possible and pay close attention to oncoming traffic. If possible, start early (before 8:30 am) or later in the afternoon (after 2:30 pm) to avoid heavier traffic.
Before you set off
Before starting your bike tour on the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail, you should check:
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GPX data downloaded and offline map saved
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Bike technically checked (brakes, tyres, chain, etc.)
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Current weather forecast reviewed
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Important emergency numbers saved on your phone
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For e-bikes: battery level checked and charging planned
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about the Requirements of the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail
Is the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail suitable for me?
Assessing whether the trail matches your riding skills and fitness level is not always easy. If you are unsure or would like to know which stages are best suited to you, please contact our official booking center. You will receive individual advice tailored to your needs.
Booking Center & Info Hotline
Trail Angels GmbH
Tel. +43 4782 93093
E-mail: info@bookyourtrail.com
Please note: Personal advice does not replace your own responsibility to realistically assess your abilities.
Is the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail technically challenging?
Technically, it is an easy to moderate mountain bike route, mainly on forest and alpine farm tracks.
Is the trail suitable for e-MTBs?
Ja, mit ausreichender Motorleistung und Akkukapazität ist der Trail sehr gut geeignet.
From what age is the trail suitable?
The Hohe Tauern Bike Trail is suitable for children aged 14 and older, provided they have a good level of fitness.
Is the trail suitable for trekking bikes?
No, due to gravel sections, climbs, and alpine terrain, the trail is not suitable for trekking bikes.
Is the trail suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Due to their technical and physical demands, mountain bike trails are generally only limitedly suitable or not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
To clarify individual cases (depending on the degree of limitation), we recommend contacting the Trail Info & Booking Center before booking.
Ready for your tour on the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail?
Plan your stages on the Hohe Tauern Bike Trail now and find the routes that match your bike and your fitness level.