
Lake Neusiedl Cycling Tour
Explore Vienna’s Ringstrasse with its famous State Opera House, City Hall, and Parliament
Taste world-famous wines of the Burgenland
Discover Neusiedler See National Park with its unique salt lakes
Climb an observation tower and spot birds and storks in their natural habitat
Cycle over the border to Hungary and inspect the old town of Sopron
Visit Bratislava Devin Castle and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Danube River
Itinerary
Your trip will begin in Vienna, Austria’s imperial city, perfect for cycle touring. You can take the opportunity to ride along the famous Ringstrasse, lined with grand landmarks like the State Opera, Parliament, Burgtheater, City Hall, and the historic Hofburg Palace. You can visit the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and discover the charming alleyways of Old Vienna, where history and culture come alive.
Hotel in Vienna
You will follow a scenic path from Vienna to Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria’s most significant Baroque landmarks. Its expansive gardens and grand architecture reflect the evolving tastes and ambitions of the Habsburg imperial dynasty. Further, you will continue the ride to Baden, a historic spa town where Beethoven completed his Ninth Symphony. Its highlights include the famous Casino Baden, the elegant Roman spa, and the 1926 Art Deco thermal baths.
35 km and 320 m of elevation gain / 260 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Baden bei Wien
Leaving Baden, you will cycle into a strikingly different landscape. At the foothills of the Leithagebirge, the Great Hungarian Plain begins, creating a unique atmosphere near Europe’s westernmost steppe, Lake Neusiedl. On the way, you can visit Eisenstadt Castle or the Roman stone quarry in St. Margarethen. Today’s adventure will wrap up in the charming town of Rust, a perfect stop to experience the local culture and Burgenland’s world-famous wines.
60 km and 400 m of elevation gain / 500 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Rust
Today’s ride will first lead you to the town of Mörbisch, known for its annual summer operetta festival on the scenic lake stage. The route will guide you through gentle vineyards toward the Hungarian border. Soon, you will reach Sopron, formerly known as Ödenburg, with its well-preserved old town and historic quarter around its fire tower. Following your adventure, you will return to Rust by passing the charming lake system of Fertő-Hanság National Park.
50 km and 420 m of elevation gain / 420 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Rust
Today, you will take a ferry to Illmitz and explore the Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel National Park, a flat landscape ideal for birdwatching. The region between Podersdorf, Illmitz, and Apetlon is known for its high-quality wines, including the renowned Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA). The area is covered with salt lakes called Lacken, which are about 50 cm deep. Unique salt lakes, wetlands, pastures, and vineyards will lead you to Neusiedl am See, where you will complete today’s exploration.
50 km and 80 m of elevation gain / 80 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Neusiedl
You can enjoy a relaxing day with plenty of leisure activities at Lake Neusiedl. The area is perfect for sailing, windsurfing, swimming, or stand-up paddleboarding. However, the Kirschblütenweg cycle path is also worth doing, offering a scenic ride through orchards and vineyards. On the way, you can stop at taverns called Buschenschenken, where local winemakers serve their new wine under a special license.
50 km and 320 m of elevation gain / 330 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Neusiedl
Today’s journey will guide you through Rohrau, the birthplace of composers Joseph and Michael Haydn, before reaching Petronell, where ancient trade routes once crossed. The impressive Heidentor, a massive Roman triumphal arch, is the town’s highlight. Further, you will continue to Hainburg, a historic Danube town, where you can take a stroll through its old town. You will conclude your trip across the border, in Bratislava, which offers an impressive display of Slovak culture.
55 km and 210 m of elevation gain / 190 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Bratislava
On your last day, you can explore Bratislava’s charming old town, where landmarks like St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Main Square, and Michael’s Gate showcase the city’s rich history. You can visit Bratislava Devin Castle, a landmark of the Slovakian capital, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube. To round up your journey, we recommend you try Bratislavské Rožky, crescent-shaped pastries filled with poppy seeds, a local delicacy with protected geographical status.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
The Lake Neusiedl Cycling Tour follows a diverse 8-day route through the landscapes of the border triangle between Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Each day, you will cycle approximately 50 kilometers, experiencing everything from the vibrant city of Vienna to the tranquil beauty of the Austrian countryside, even crossing the borders into Hungary and Slovakia.
Lake Neusiedl is Europe’s westernmost steppe lake. With its warm, shallow waters, it will invite you for a refreshing swim, as you will spend several days cycling along its scenic shores.
Keep an eye out for the iconic storks, a beloved symbol of the region!
Just at the foothills of the Leithagebirge mountains, the Great Hungarian Plain starts. The landscape of the Neusiedler region will unfold in front of you with lush orchards, expansive vineyards, and shimmering salt lakes, offering a constantly changing backdrop.
Daily excursions to Sopron in Hungary and Bratislava in Slovakia add an international touch, rounding off this diverse cycling adventure. You will get a special chance to experience and compare three cultures, each unique in its own way but still influencing and shaping one another.
The route terrain is mostly flat, except for a few hilly vineyards. You will predominantly cycle upon asphalted and well-beaten gravel cycle paths. They are all in good condition due to constant maintenance.
Thoughtfully planned for an easygoing journey, this tour features a well-mapped route with clear GPS directions, pre-booked accommodations, hassle-free luggage transfers, and our dependable customer support, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Location
Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Thus, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:
1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.
2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.
3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.
4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.
5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.
We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Many of our tours pass through popular tourist destinations with limited accommodation options. The best-selling tours are often fully booked for the summer before spring arrives.
The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are usual in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.
Generally, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the ideal times for cycling, depending on the tour. Summer is also a fantastic choice because Austria has a milder climate, especially in the Alps.
Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.
Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If there’s a significant difference in fitness levels among group members, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.
Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.
We always pick locations and starting points which are reachable by public transport. Our travel agent will extensively advise you on the most optimal option.
All our tours take place in well-developed areas, ensuring you are always close to essential infrastructure and never isolated. Additionally, our agent is available by phone every day to assist with any emergencies. Your travel materials will also include a list of bike repair workshops with contact information, so you can easily access expert assistance for issues like flat tires and other repairs.
Each morning, you will leave your luggage at the hotel reception, where it will be collected by our taxi service and delivered to your next hotel. Your luggage will typically arrive by late morning or early afternoon. For your convenience, your travel materials will include the contact details and schedules of the taxi services handling the transportation.
Most of our tours are recommended for individuals aged 12 and older who have some cycling experience. However, the Drau Cycle Path is a family-friendly option, as it features mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths away from main roads. That said, younger participants should be confident cyclists, and parents are encouraged to assess whether this tour is suitable for their family.
