World Heritage - bike route

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 37,57 km
Ascent: 584 m elevation gain
Descent: 584 m elevation gain

The World Heritage cycle route leads from Gloggnitz railroad station via Schottwien and Maria Schutz to the Semmering. With an elevation gain of around 600 meters, it is quite challenging, but rewards cyclists with a view of the impressive viaducts of the railroad line - and a refreshing descent through the Adlitzgräben back to the starting point.

Starting point of the tour: Gloggnitz train station
Tour destination: Gloggnitz train station

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 37,57 km
Ascent: 584 m elevation gain
Descent: 584 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
5/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point435 m
Highest point1020 m

Round tour
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

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Description

Cyclists gain a similar amount of altitude as the Semmering Railway on the 36-kilometre World Heritage Cycle Route. Admittedly with less luggage, but probably puffing along like the technical masterpiece that in 1854 was the first standard-gauge mountain railroad in Europe to run over viaducts, through tunnels and difficult terrain and is now a UNESCO World Hertige site. Those who undertake the challenging tour will experience wonderful views of the 160-year-old pioneering achievement and also enjoy the view of elegant summer resort villas along the Semmeringer Hochstraße.

safety instructions The route runs almost exclusively on state and municipal roads. A short section goes over a gravel road. Therefore, local car traffic is to be expected.Due to the routing through mountainous terrain, it is especially suitable for athletic cyclists. Not suitable for families with small children.
Equipment It should be noted for the equipment that the route leads up to 1,000 meters.
Route description The starting point is Gloggnitz train station. From there, the route follows Bahnhofstraße to the main road, where you turn right. Shortly before Gloggnitz main square, go left uphill and then continue straight left past the Gloggnitz town hall.At the roundabout next to the Gloggnitz natural swimming pond, follow the signs towards Semmering. The route continues on Semmeringstraße until another roundabout is reached. There the route continues on L4168 towards Weißenbach. After the sharp left curve, continue to Schottwien. The ride continues through the town towards Maria Schutz.The route then continues towards Semmering. In this section, the Maria Schutz motorway ramp to the S6 is passed – here increased traffic volume is to be expected. Afterwards, the route continues to Greis. There, a gravel road branches off to the right. At the next intersection, keep right again towards Semmering train station.Following Bahnhofstraße, go uphill to the next intersection, where you turn right onto the Semmering pass. At the roundabout, go straight ahead, then after the supermarket turn right uphill. This street leads into Hochstraße.The route continues past hotels and historic villas to the Südbahnhotel, recognizable by its distinctive green roof. There turn left towards Breitenstein. The route runs steadily downhill through the upper part of the Adlitzgräben to Breitenstein.Here you meet the state road L4167 towards Schottwien. From there, continue on L4168, which leads back to the starting point in Gloggnitz.
Parking Parking is available at Gloggnitz train station.
Getting there From Vienna, take the A2 South Motorway to the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit.From Graz, take the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit.
Public transport Arrival by train to Gloggnitz train station, where the starting point of the bike route is also located.
Editor’s tip Some of the highlights on the World Heritage bike route:The jump into the cool water: makes every route perfect and is especially beautiful at the Gloggnitz natural swimming pond, a 1,200 m² self-cleaning natural swimming pond with a sunbathing area and old trees.The monastery doughnuts from Kirchenwirt: The sweet temptation from Maria Schutz is available classically with apricot jam, but also filled with vanilla or nougat cream.The technical support: The mechanics at the Bikestore.cc shop at the base station of the Zauberberg cable car are on hand with advice and assistance.There is a bonus challenge: Those looking for an additional challenge can switch in Gloggnitz to the Schwarzatal bike route.The connection is perfect: The journey from Vienna to Gloggnitz takes only one hour by train.

Recommended period

More information:

Wiener Alpen in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Semmering Tourist Office, www.semmering.at, +43 / 2664 / 20025

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026