The Baltic-Adriatic Adventure: EuroVelo 9 Through Austria
Weinviertel vine region. Photo by mdworschak
Stretching through eastern Austria, EuroVelo 9 offers a picturesque journey of approximately 400 kilometers, connecting South Moravia to Slovenia. This well-crafted route winds through three distinct Austrian regions: the vineyard-rich Weinviertel, the imperial city of Vienna, and the spa-dotted landscapes of Styria. Designed as a cultural and culinary experience, the trail combines historic city routes with serene countryside paths, offering cyclists an authentic taste of Austrian heritage.
Trail Characteristics
The route features a varied terrain from flat vineyard paths to challenging alpine sections:
- Gentle slopes through the Weinviertel wine country, with traditional Kellergassen (wine cellar lanes)
- Historic Ringstraße circuit in Vienna showcasing imperial architecture
- Thermal spa region with rolling hills and vineyards
- More demanding climbs in the Wechsel mountain area
- Gentle descent through Eastern Styria's spa and volcano region
Cultural Highlights
The journey showcases Austria's finest attractions:
- Traditional Heurigen (wine taverns) in the Weinviertel region
- Vienna's historic center with the Parliament, Hofburg, and State Opera
- The elegant spa town of Baden bei Wien
- Medieval Hartberg in the "Garden of Austria"
- Bad Radkersburg's cycling hub and thermal springs
- The historic city of Maribor at the Slovenian border
Wellness and Culinary Experiences
The route is famous for its spa and wine culture:
- Multiple thermal spas including Linsberg Asia and Bad Waltersdorf
- Traditional wine taverns in both Lower Austria and Styria
- Regional specialties in the Thermenregion
- Eastern Styrian culinary diversity
- Pumpkin fields and vineyards of the Vulkanland region
Practical Information
The trail is well-connected to public transport, with major access points in Vienna and regional centers. For challenging sections like the Wechsel ascent, bike shuttle services are available. The route can be completed in 5-7 days, though many cyclists choose to extend their journey to enjoy the numerous thermal spas and wine regions along the way.
For less experienced cyclists, the northern sections through the Weinviertel and Thermenregion offer gentler terrain, while the Wechsel mountain area provides a more challenging experience for seasoned riders.
EuroVelo 9 Other Sections
See the rest of EuroVelo 9 Bike Trail: