World Heritage - bike route

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

The World Heritage bike route leads from Gloggnitz train station via Schottwien and Maria Schutz to Semmering. With about 600 meters of elevation, it is quite challenging but rewards cyclists with views of the impressive viaducts of the railway 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

Downloads

gpx_addressbase_17071
(GPX)

Description

Cyclists gather as many elevation meters as on the Semmering Railway on the 36-kilometer-long World Heritage bike route. Of course with less luggage but probably breathing similarly hard as during the technical masterpiece, which in 1854 was the first standard-gauge mountain railway in Europe, running over viaducts, through tunnels and difficult terrain and today counts as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who undertake the challenging route experience beautiful views of the more than 160-year-old pioneering achievement and also enjoy views of elegant summer resort villas along the Semmering Hochstraße.

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

Current weather on site

1° to 9°

Today, 12.02.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed2,5 km/h

0° to 9°

Tomorrow, 13.02.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed4,0 km/h

More information:

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

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