For many riders, the phrase “European motorcycle tour” instantly brings one image to mind: the Austrian Alps. Perfect tarmac, endless switchbacks, snow-capped peaks and well-organised mountain passes make Austria one of the best countries in the world for touring on two wheels.
The easiest way to get there is often not to ship your own bike, but to combine motorcycle rental in Prague or Vienna with a self-guided loop through the Alpine regions. A simple idea like “rent motorcycle Praha, ride to Austria” can quickly become a week of unforgettable high-mountain riding.
This article gives you a clear picture of how to plan an Austrian Alps motorcycle tour, which regions to include, and how to structure a self-guided trip starting from Prague or Vienna.
Why the Austrian Alps are perfect for motorcycle touring
Austria has become a classic for touring riders for three simple reasons:
- Road quality – Mountain roads are generally well maintained with grippy surfaces
- Infrastructure – Fuel, food and accommodation are easy to find even in remote valleys
- Scenery – High passes, glaciers, lakes and tidy Alpine villages on almost every stage
Add to that a riding culture that respects motorcyclists (with sensible but enforced speed limits) and you get a country designed for multi-day motorcycle tours.
Typical search phrases that match this dream:
- motorcycle tour Austria
- Austrian Alps motorcycle tour
- motorcycle routes Grossglockner
- self-guided motorcycle tour Austria
Starting points: Prague vs Vienna
You can reach the Austrian Alps easily from two natural bases:
Starting from Prague
A popular strategy is to rent motorcycle Praha, ride through South Bohemia or South Moravia, and enter Austria in one or two days. This gives you a “warm-up” on Czech backroads before the serious Alpine curves begin.
Example idea:
- Day 1 – Prague → South Bohemia (České Budějovice / Český Krumlov)
- Day 2 – Enter Austria near Linz → first Alpine valleys
- Days 3–6 – Deep Alpine loop (see ideas below)
- Day 7 – Ride back via a different Czech region to Prague
SEO combinations that fit this approach:
- Alpine motorcycle tour from Prague
- rent motorcycle Praha for Austria tour
Starting from Vienna
If you want to be in the Alps even faster, motorcycle rental Vienna is a very direct option. Vienna sits close to the Eastern Alps, and within a day you can already be at serious elevation.
Simple pattern:
- Land in Vienna
- Rent motorcycle Vienna with panniers and top case
- Do a 5–7 day loop through Austria
- Return to Vienna, drop off the bike, fly home
Useful keyword variations:
- motorcycle rental Vienna for Alps
- self-guided motorcycle tour from Vienna
Key Alpine regions and passes you should not miss
There are many spectacular roads in Austria. Below are some of the classic areas that work well in a one-week Austrian Alps motorcycle tour.
1. Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is probably the most iconic motorcycle route in Austria. It is a toll road that climbs high into the mountains with:
- Wide, smooth hairpins
- Several viewpoints and photo stops
- Access to glacier viewpoints and walking paths
Why include it:
- It is a bucket-list road for riders across Europe
- It offers spectacular panoramas in good weather
- It connects nicely with other passes in Salzburg and Carinthia
Keywords to use on a tour page:
- motorcycle route Grossglockner
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road motorcycle tour
2. Nockalm Road (Nockalmstraße)
Further east, in Carinthia, lies the Nockalm Road – a toll panoramic road with gentle curves, green hills and wooden huts. Compared to the raw drama of Grossglockner, Nockalm feels softer and more pastoral, but it is just as enjoyable to ride.
Ideal for:
- Linking with Grossglockner in a multi-pass day
- Riders who prefer flowing corners over tight technical hairpins
Good SEO phrases:
- Nockalmstrasse motorcycle route
- Carinthia motorcycle tour Austria
3. Tyrol and Ötztal / Zillertal
In Tyrol, you find a whole network of legendary passes and valleys, for example:
- The Ötztal valley (leading towards high Alpine roads and glacier views)
- The Zillertal region with side roads and viewpoints
- Easy connections to famous passes in neighbouring countries (Italy, Switzerland, Germany) if you want to extend your tour beyond Austria
These areas are excellent for a “base camp” approach: stay 2–3 nights in one village and ride different loops each day.
SEO candidates:
- Tyrol motorcycle tour
- Austrian Tyrol Alps motorbike routes
4. Vorarlberg and the Western Alps
In the far west of Austria, Vorarlberg offers quieter roads and quick access to Switzerland and the German Alps. Riders who have already done Grossglockner sometimes choose this region for a less crowded, more local Alpine experience.
Sample itineraries for an Austrian Alps motorcycle tour
Below are two compact examples you can adapt. Distances are approximate and intended for fully-loaded touring bikes with a passenger.
A) 5-day loop from Vienna
Day 1 – Vienna → Mariazell → Salzburg region (300–350 km)
- Leave the city, head into the foothills via small roads
- Overnight near Salzburg or in a small Alpine town
Day 2 – Salzburg region → Grossglockner → Carinthia (250–300 km)
- Early start for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Enjoy viewpoints, short walks, photos
- Sleep in a village in Carinthia
Day 3 – Carinthia → Nockalm Road → Styria (220–280 km)
- Ride the Nockalmstraße
- Continue into Styria on scenic backroads
Day 4 – Styria → Wachau/Danube valley (250–300 km)
- Mix of hills and river valleys
Day 5 – Wachau → Vienna (150–220 km)
- Relaxed final ride back to your motorcycle rental Vienna base
This format turns into a natural search phrase like:
“self-guided motorcycle tour Austria 5 days from Vienna”
B) 7-day loop from Prague via Austria
Day 1 – Prague → South Bohemia (250–300 km)
Day 2 – South Bohemia → Salzburg region (300 km)
Day 3 – Grossglockner loop (200–250 km)
Day 4 – Carinthia & Nockalm Road (220–280 km)
Day 5 – Tyrol or Styria (250–300 km)
Day 6 – Return north towards Czech border (300 km)
Day 7 – Back to Prague via different Czech region (250–300 km)
This can be presented as an “Alpine motorcycle tour from Prague”, ideal for riders who:
- Fly to Prague
- Rent motorcycle Praha
- Want a mix of Czech countryside and big Alpine passes
Self-guided vs guided: which tour style fits you?
There are two main ways to experience an Austrian Alps motorcycle tour.
Fully independent rental
- You rent a bike in Prague or Vienna, book your own hotels and design your own route.
- Maximum freedom and spontaneity.
- Requires time, experience and comfort with mountain riding and navigation.
Self-guided motorcycle tour package
- You still ride on your own or with a friend – no guide in front.
- You receive a pre-designed route with GPX files, a day-by-day plan and hotel suggestions or bookings.
- Includes critical details such as fuel range between stops, toll roads, scenic detours and realistic daily kilometres.
For most visiting riders with limited holiday time, the second option offers the best balance: full independence on the road but with the safety net of local knowledge. It matches well with search queries like:
- self-guided motorcycle tour Austria from Vienna
- Alpine motorcycle tour Prague start
Practical tips for riding the Austrian Alps
1. Season and weather
The classic season for Alpine passes is late May to early October, but exact opening dates depend on snow conditions. Early in the season, some passes (including Grossglockner) may still be closed or partly restricted.
- June–September is the safest window if your main goal is high passes
- July–August offer the warmest weather but also more traffic
- Early mornings and evenings in the mountains can be cold even in summer – pack layers
2. Tolls and regulations
Many of the most famous roads (like Grossglockner and Nockalmstraße) are toll roads. You pay per entry, and motorcycles have their own tariff. On top of this, if you use Austrian motorways, you may need a vignette (toll sticker or digital registration).
Self-guided packages normally highlight which roads are tolled and help you minimise unnecessary costs.
3. Daily distances
Alpine riding is more intense than flat-country touring. A realistic daily distance for a loaded touring bike in the Alps is often:
- 200–300 km per day if you want to enjoy viewpoints and take photos
- Less, if you have a passenger and prefer relaxed stops
Planning shorter but richer days makes a big difference to enjoyment and safety.
4. Bike choice
For an Austrian Alps motorcycle tour, look for:
- Touring or adventure bikes with strong low–mid torque
- Good brakes and suspension for downhill sections
- Heated grips and hand guards if you plan to ride early or late in the season
- Side cases and, ideally, a top case for luggage and rain gear
Helpful search combinations:
- rent motorcycle Vienna touring bike
- adventure motorcycle rental Prague for Alps
5. Packing and gear
Essentials for Alpine riding:
- Proper touring or adventure jacket and trousers with waterproof membrane
- Layering system (base layer, mid layer, light down or fleece)
- Compact rain overgloves or rain suit (weather changes quickly in the mountains)
- Earplugs, clear visor or pinlock insert for foggy conditions
Turning a search query into a mountain pass
All of this might sound like a big project, but in practice, your Alpine dream often starts with something very simple:
- You type “rent motorcycle Praha” or “motorcycle rental Vienna Alps tour” into a search bar
- You find a rental company that focuses on touring and self-guided trips
- You choose one of the sample routes – or let them suggest a custom one based on your dates and experience
From there, it becomes a straightforward sequence:
- Reserve your motorcycle rental in Prague or Vienna
- Receive GPX tracks and a day-by-day outline
- Land with your riding gear
- Pick up the bike and ride towards your first pass
By the time you reach the top of Grossglockner or the flowing bends of Nockalmstraße, your original search – “motorcycle tour Austria” – will feel very far away. You will be in the middle of it, listening to the engine echo off Alpine rock walls, with the next series of hairpins waiting just ahead.
