Mountain Biking, Hopfgarten
Last Updated: 9th Jul 2012
by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe
Mountain biking in Hopfgarten is awesome! Getting out on a mountain bike just seems to suit the whole Austrian lifestyle so well – it’s easily one of my favourite excursions in all of Europe.
Austria is all about the outdoors and there aren’t too many better ways to get out and get the super-fresh Austrian air in your lungs than on get on a mountain bike and hit the trails of the Tyrol.
The first part of the ride is pretty easy as you cruise along a paved road through green pastures and stop off to fill up your water bottle from a fresh, clean natural spring (everything in Austria is fresh and clean!) and to take a fun group photo. From there it’s off road and uphill for the most challenging part of the ride and even though it’s a guided trip, you have loads of time to take in the mountain streams and waterfalls along the way.
Eventually you arrive at your lunch destination half way in the lush, green Austrian countryside.
and the included lunch is awesome – Fritz cooks up authentic Austrian wurst (sausage – don’t worry – there are alternatives for non-meat eaters) with a big baked potato and some kraut salad – Yum! The honey mustard is to die for and the scenery is spectacular. The huge Alps are all around you and most of people just laze around on the grass chatting to their fellow travellers or enjoying a slice of sacher torte.
After lunch it’s all downhill back to Hopfgarten for an afternoon or sightseeing or a siesta.
The ride is over 20 kilometers (12 miles) long which sounds like along way but when you’ve done you feel fantastic – it’s an accomplishment! One of the great things about this excursion is that you get to use the bike for the rest of the afternoon as there is still loads of time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you can still go paragliding, take a gondola up into the mountains (if too much scenery isn’t enough), hit up Slavena Land for a swim, pop into the Trout Farm for a snack or just laze the afternoon away at the Gasthof Schoneck or your hotel.
The bikes and helmets are all provided and the guides are fantastic – even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years you can rest assured that they’ll help you get back into the swing of things.
Mountain Biking is offered as an optional excursion on Europe Tours visiting Hopfgarten in the Tyrol region of Austria.
Add a Comment Comments (11)
-
You might be so interesting! I do not consider I have browse by way of nearly anything such as this in advance of. So superior to search out anyone with authentic views on this matter. Actually.. a lot of thanks for setting up this up. This world wide web site is a thing that is essential on the net, another person with some originality!
vegas travel deals
derplomingmer1988
posted on 5th Jun 2012
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
expedia discountstinsiresand1988
posted on 3rd Jun 2012
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I’m not much of a bike rider, do you have to have a good fitness level to do this?
Nikki
posted on 8th Nov 2011
Flag as Inappropriate
-
im afraid im not fit enough for this excursion…is it really that hard?
nicnil
posted on 8th Apr 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I did this amazing trip and I was thinking “i am going to buy a mountain bike when i get home”. Now I need to know what kind of mountain bikes these are. Is it a specific kind or brand of bike?? Does anyone know?
Maru
posted on 2nd Apr 2010
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I’m doing the European Experience which includes this activity as an optional extra, only, i;ve never learnt to ride a bike. Are there alternatives for me that I can still try and take part???
Nicki
posted on 31st Dec 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I am interested in doing this optional ex. but Im really not that good at riding a bike haha :-) Is it still worth it? It really sounds awesome!
Lee_B:-)
posted on 15th Jun 2009
Flag as Inappropriate
-
I should also mention that the short cut is going up the very same hill you come back down :-D
Jeremy
posted on 29th Oct 2008
Flag as Inappropriate
-
Dont take the short cut! They neglect to tell you that its on a steep incline the whole way. A few people on my tour did and regretted it. The long way is a workout, but the views nothing short of amazing.
Jeremy
posted on 29th Oct 2008
Flag as Inappropriate
-
how much does this cost?
Kimmy3456
posted on 30th Jun 2008
Flag as Inappropriate
-
This is one of the best excursions offered by Contiki in Europe. The views are amazing and the well earned lunch is delicious. Definitely do this, even if you dont do any other excursion!
Mike Contiki
posted on 7th Apr 2008
Flag as Inappropriate
Featured Travel Photos
Photo by Vicki - Contiki Staff, Europe
Photo by Contiki
Photo by Sensibly Sassy
Recent Tips
I went alone last summer (06). I met some wonderful people…I liked it so much, that I am going on the London + Paris trip next week (alone again).
A great way to spend the afternoon in Paris? Grab some cheese, a baguette and some wine from the shops on the Champs Elysees and head down for a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower!
The trolley tour of Boston, offered as an optional, is the best way to see the entire city. Take it at your own pace, but I would suggest stopping off at the USS Constitution and Fenway.
