Tour Overview
- Total Distance: ~970 km
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Riding Level: Intermediate (Narrow gorge roads)
- Best Bike: BMW F850GS / R1250GS / F750GS
- Highlights: Gesäuse National Park, Green Lake, Mariazell
- Season: April — October (Nature is best in Spring/Autumn)
Why This Route?
This tour is dedicated to the wilder side of Austria. We leave the cities behind to follow the flow of crystal-clear alpine rivers. The “Emerald Waters” route connects three major National Parks: Gesäuse, Kalkalpen, and the Northern Limestone Alps.
You will ride through deep limestone canyons, visit sacred mountain pilgrimage sites, and stand on the shores of the mysterious Green Lake. It is a ride for the soul.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna — Mariazell
The Holy Mountains
We head southwest towards the Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria. The route winds through the scenic Piestingtal valley and the dramatic Höllental gorge.
Our destination is Austria’s most famous pilgrimage site, hidden deep in the mountains. The road leading up to Mariazell is a favorite among local bikers for its smooth curves and alpine scenery.
Overnight: Mariazell.
Stats: ~180 km.
Day 2: Mariazell — Steyr
The Walls of Stone
Today is spectacular. We ride through Wildalpen and enter the Gesäuse National Park. The name translates to “Roaring Waters,” and you’ll see why.
The road runs along the bottom of a deep canyon with massive vertical limestone walls towering over you. It is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.
The Finish: Steyr. A historic city located at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers.
Overnight: Steyr.
Stats: ~220 km.
Day 3: Steyr — Hallstätter See
Silence of the Forest
We cross the Kalkalpen National Park via the Hengstpass. This is a road less traveled—quiet, narrow, and surrounded by dense ancient forests. Keep an eye out for deer!
We arrive at the famous lake, but we stay in the quieter towns of Obertraun or Bad Aussee to avoid the tourist crowds of Hallstatt, while still enjoying the breathtaking view of the Dachstein glacier.
Overnight: Obertraun or Bad Aussee.
Stats: ~190 km.
Day 4: Hallstätter See — Bruck an der Mur
The Green Lake
We head east through the Enns valley towards Tragöß to witness a natural wonder.
Famous for its emerald-green underwater world. Note: You park the bike and walk about 20 minutes to reach the lake. The color of the water against the mountain backdrop is unreal and worth every step.
The Finish: Bruck an der Mur, an old trading town in Styria.
Overnight: Bruck an der Mur.
Stats: ~200 km.
Day 5: Bruck — Vienna
The Vienna Woods
The final ride takes us through the Rax-Schneeberg area again, but via a different route through Reichenau. We approach Vienna from the south, riding through the legendary Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) and the Helenental valley.
A beautiful, green finish to a nature-focused tour.
Stats: ~180 km.
Included in This Self-Guided Tour:
- Motorcycle Rental: BMW F850GS / R1250GS (fully equipped).
- Navigation: Pre-programmed GPX files for national park routes.
- Route Book: Digital guide with hiking tips and photo spots.
- Support: 24/7 Assistance.
- Hotels: Selected hotels close to nature with secure parking.
