Bike&Hike in Erzberg Leoben
Cycling or hiking? Why choose between the two when you can combine them and make the entire experience even better? The Erzberg Leoben region is a true paradise for sports enthusiasts. Natural jewels such as Grüner See (Green Lake) or Präbichl invite you to explore the region on foot and on two wheels.
Why go on a Bike&Hike tour?
Longer tours in particular are perfect for cycling to the starting point of the hike and, from there, climbing the summit on foot. Other advantages of a Bike&Hike tour are:
The time saved: Biking to the starting point shortens the total duration of your hike. The time gained can be used to stop for a break at a hut or at one of the numerous other local culinary establishments. An active Bike&Hike day can come to a relaxing end at Asia Hotel & Spa Leoben – for instance, by enjoying a soothing massage or doing a few laps in the sports pool.
The performance: If your tour starts on a forest road, you can cover the first metres of elevation gain by bike. An e-bike is a particularly energy-saving option. This leaves you with enough strength for the subsequent hike, especially if you’re planning to cover longer distances. The way back downhill, which can be hard on the knees, is also much more enjoyable and joint-friendly on a bike.
The environmental idea: If you want to do something good for the environment and for yourself, leave your car parked at your accommodation and get on your bike! Many of the accommodation options in the region are close to the starting points of various hiking routes. What’s more, the idyllic surroundings in Erzberg Leoben can be best explored in the fresh air and on two wheels rather than four.
Bike&Hike tours in Erzberg Leoben
Cover the first metres of elevation gain on your bike and then hike towards the summit from there! The Bike&Hike tours in Erzberg Leoben are a delightful experience for all sports enthusiasts.
One of the most popular routes is the bike tour from Leoben to Präbichl: The starting point is at the main square in the heart of Leoben. After only a few metres, cyclists gain their first insights into iron production then and now. Along the route, you’ll pass modern ironworks and steelworks, but also old stone blast furnaces and wheelworks.
When you arrive at the valley station of Präbichl cable car, your bike gets to take a break. Park it safely and lock it up! Because from there, the tour continues on foot.
There are several routes to choose from. A well-known and especially scenic option is the hike from Präbichl to Eisenerzer Reichenstein. This tour is perfect for experienced hikers, as sure-footedness is required especially for the last part of the ascent. A scenically impressive ascent along the north-south hiking trail offers mountain lovers a magnificent view of Erzberg, Eisenerz and Vordernbergertal valley.
At the pass on Präbichl, you can see Hochschwab, the Eisenerz Alps, the Gesäuse mountains and large parts of the Niedere Tauern range. Via ladders and several hairpin bends, seasoned hikers can climb up to the summit of Reichenstein at 2,156 metres above sea level. As a reward, fantastic views of Erzberg, Dachstein and the Gesäuse mountains all the way to Semmering await.
To extend this wonderful experience in the mountains for as long as possible, we recommend descending via Reichensteinhütte at 2,128 metres above sea level. After a break where you get to savour delicacies such as Grammelstrudel soup, Buchteln or Topfenstrudel, you can then make your way back to the valley station.
Rental points and charging stations for e-bikes
How about covering the first kilometres of your Bike&Hike tour on an e-bike? Guests who don't have their own electric bike can take advantage of the rental stations and give the e-bike experience a try. To ensure that the bikes never run out of power, there are several charging stations throughout the region. E-bike batteries can be charged at the following locations.
By the way: All Bike&Hike tours in Erzberg Leoben can be tackled with an e-bike as well as with a standard mountain bike.