The government has acknowledged the importance of trails for tourism.
Though Austria is home to some of the best bike parks in Europe, it has an old law on the books hindering trail development in other parts of the country.
Thankfully the Austrian government has seen the value of mountain biking and set out to change that. Watch Youtuber Dieter explain the Changes in the Central European country below.
It is a huge step that the Government of Austria has recognized mountain biking’s important role in tourism.
With that in mind, the government created an official strategy to bring bike trails to more parts of the country and catch up with their neighbors France and Switzerland. This is a welcome step after years of a 1975 environmental protection law, getting in the way of bike access.
Though it is a coincidence, it is notable that this decision came around the same time that Fabio Wibmer made it onto the Forbes 30 under 30 list. A pro rider getting recognized in the business world is certainly a stamp of approval for the sport.
Trail access is the most important thing for the sport of mountain biking. Without trails, there is no sport. Props to the Austrian government for committing to create more access.
Source: Bikemag By Zander Lingelbach-Pierce
Credits to ALL MOUNTAIN & TRAIL youtube channel
Why mountain biking in Austria is so restricted
Austria’s Forest Act (Forstgesetz) dates back to 1975. It gives everyone the right to walk in the forest, but cycling on forest roads and trails is only allowed where the landowner agrees. In practice, that means mountain biking in Austria is limited to signed routes and bike parks where tourism boards have made agreements with landowners. Riding anywhere else can lead to fines.
For a country with so many mountains, that is a big limitation. It is also one reason why riders and tourism regions have been asking for clearer rules.
What could change for riders
In recent years, mountain bike groups and some politicians have pushed to open more forest roads and trails to bikes. There has been a citizens’ initiative (Volksbegehren) to legalise cycling in the forest, and a draft for a new forest law has been widely discussed in the bike world, for example in this article from BIKE magazine.
Laws take time, so always check the current rules and local signs before you ride. Until things change, the safest way to enjoy mountain biking in Austria is to stick to official routes, bike parks and trails recommended by local experts.
Where to ride legally in Austria
Austria already has some of the best lift-served riding in Europe:
- EPIC Bikepark Leogang in Salzburg, with World Cup history and a huge beginner zone
- Bikepark Saalbach Hinterglemm, with long descents across several mountains
- Bike Republic Sölden in Tyrol’s Ötztal valley
- Bikepark Schladming on the Planai, with a long and easy flow trail
Want to explore beyond the bike parks? A certified local guide knows which routes are open to bikes. See all mountain bike guides and bike parks in Austria.