Mountain Biking, Hopfgarten
Last Updated: Aug. 05, 2010
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 (9)
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im afraid im not fit enough for this excursion…is it really that hard?
nicnil
posted on Apr. 08, 2010
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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 Apr. 02, 2010
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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 Dec. 31, 2009
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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 Jun. 15, 2009
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I should also mention that the short cut is going up the very same hill you come back down :-D
Jeremy
posted on Oct. 29, 2008
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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 Oct. 29, 2008
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At the time of me writing this, the cost is 29€ ...it’s best to check the tour itineraries to get the most up to date prices though.
mattyvcontiki
posted on Jun. 30, 2008
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how much does this cost?
Kimmy3456
posted on Jun. 30, 2008
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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 Apr. 07, 2008
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