The best traffic-free bike rides around Höllerersee

You'll find 5 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike routes around Höllerersee, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's natural beauty.

The trails around Höllerersee offer a diverse experience, often transitioning from paved surfaces to gravel and even root trails. You'll cycle through serene forest sections, past the lake's shores, and into open areas with expansive views, providing a varied and engaging ride.

While our guide features routes ranging from moderate to difficult, the region itself offers easier options. For instance, the 'Chapel Between the Fields – Holzöstersee Beach loop from St. Pantaleon' is an easier 15.9 km route, mostly paved, and the 'Lakeside Lawn at Höllerersee – Höllerer See loop from St. Pantaleon' is an easy 12.5 km loop predominantly paved, keeping you close to the lake.

The routes often take you through picturesque landscapes, including the forested shores of Höllerersee itself, with its diverse woodlands of willows, alders, and birch trees. You might also encounter views of the Austrian Alps or pass by other natural attractions like Holzöstersee Beach, depending on your chosen route.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, natural environment, the varied terrain that keeps rides interesting, and the opportunity to explore away from traffic, immersing themselves in the serene forest sections and open views.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Salzburg Cathedral – View of Hohensalzburg Fortress loop from St. Pantaleon Eiferding offer a demanding 115 km ride with significant elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Europe Bridge Laufen–Oberndorf – Burghausen Town Square loop from Zehmemoos, which is also over 115 km.

Many of the gravel routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Salzach River Trail – View of Hohensalzburg Fortress loop from St. Pantaleon Riedersbach is a moderate 71 km circular route, perfect for a longer ride without retracing your steps.

While some routes in this guide are more challenging, the general area around Höllerersee offers options that can be adapted for families. The presence of predominantly paved sections on some shorter loops, like the 12.5 km 'Lakeside Lawn at Höllerersee' route, makes it possible to enjoy a ride with less traffic and varied scenery suitable for different skill levels.

Höllerersee is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, especially if you plan to combine your ride with a swim in the lake. Even in winter, if conditions allow, the frozen lake and surrounding trails can offer a unique experience, though some paths might be less accessible.

Absolutely. Routes such as the Salzburg Cathedral – View of Hohensalzburg Fortress loop from St. Pantaleon Eiferding extend further into the region, showcasing broader landscapes and offering distant views of significant landmarks like Hohensalzburg Fortress, providing a comprehensive regional cycling experience.

Yes, you'll find moderate options like the Burghausen Town Square – Holzöstersee Beach loop from Geretsberg, which is a 51 km route with varied terrain. Another moderate choice is the Salzach River Trail – View of Hohensalzburg Fortress loop from St. Pantaleon Riedersbach, covering about 71 km.