Austria “Rings the Bell” on year-round cycling

Cycling in Austria is no longer just a summer adventure. Travelers are increasingly discovering that the country offers year-round rides through stunning landscapes, charming towns, and nature-rich trails.

According to the latest T-MONA study by Österreich Werbung (Austria tourism), cycling guests rate Austria’s hospitality, scenery, and natural surroundings among the very best. And with spring and autumn rides now almost as popular as the summer high season, Austria is quickly becoming a go-to destination for all-season cycling holidays.

Who Are Austria’s Cycling Guests?

The T-MONA study reveals a clear profile of the typical Austrian cycling tourist. They usually have above-average incomes, travel mainly as couples, and stay longer than the average summer guests (around seven nights). Key factors in choosing Austria include its natural beauty, mountains, and well-developed bike path network, while culinary experiences remain a strong draw.

In 2025, roughly 13% of summer visitors took a cycling or mountain biking holiday in Austria. Most came from Austria (43%) and Germany (41%), with smaller shares from the Netherlands (6%) and Czechia (3%). Cyclists generally see Austria as relaxing, welcoming, and closely connected to nature, making it a perfect destination for both leisurely and more challenging rides.

Shoulder Seasons Catching Up

One of the study’s most notable findings is the rise of cycling outside the summer months. In 2025, 28.1% of all overnight stays occurred in April, May, September, October, and November. This is almost a third of travelers now explore Austria in the shoulder seasons.

Cycling is shedding its summer-only image. While 2018/19 data showed 10% of cyclists visited in the pre-season and 9% in the post-season, by 2024/25 the spread had become more balanced: 14% rode in the pre-season, 15% in summer, and 12% in the post-season. This growth reflects both changing traveler habits and Austria’s expanding year-round cycling infrastructure.

Cycling as a Strategic Focus in 2026

Cycling is a key focus for Österreich Werbung in 2026. The organization works with seven regional tourism boards to position Austria as a versatile cycling destination, highlighting both well-known and emerging cycling areas. This year’s portfolio includes 25 flagship products and regions.

It includes as an example the Thermen- & Vulkanland, a region located in Southeastern Styria, in the South of the country. Riders can explore around 6,000 km of scenic routes across 14 themed trails, benefiting from one of Austria’s sunniest micro-climates.

Spring tours wind through wild garlic-scented forests and gentle hills, while autumn brings culinary delights like pumpkin dishes, wine, and local snacks. Winter cycling is also possible, often paired with a soak in one of the region’s six thermal spas. “Demand for shoulder-season cycling has grown strongly in recent years. Spring and autumn have become especially attractive, and thanks to our mild climate, winter cycling is a real option,” says Christian Contola, Managing Director of Thermen- & Vulkanland.

With scenic landscapes, world-class infrastructure, and year-round appeal, Austria is pedaling into a new era of cycling tourism, inviting riders of all ages and abilities to explore the country on two wheels. Austria tourism newest campaign, “The Austrian Bike Bell”, is turning the sound of the bell into a positive signal.

The idea behind it: Austria is gifting the world the friendliest bike bell, which becomes a sonic ambassador for the Austrian way of life on two wheels. The film of this witty  campaign can be seen by clicking here. Enjoy!