Small Ybbstal valley big time
Mostviertel / Lower Austria / Austria
Small Ybbstal valley big time
From the large to the small Ybbstal and back again. With detours to hidden places, places steeped in history and natural treasures, this is a beautiful round tour through the Ybbstal Alps.
Canadian conditions at the start along the Ybbstal cycle path to St. Georgen am Reith. A 3km, up to 12% steep climb up to the large Kripp follows, before it goes downhill - only interrupted by a few short counter waves - through the high valley Prolling to Ybbsitz. From one of the main towns on the Iron Road - also known as the pearl of the small Ybbs Valley - you cycle downstream along the small Ybbs Valley cycle path towards Waidhofen before turning left in Gstadt towards Opponitz.
After 2km, do not continue along the Ybbstal cycle path, but turn left up a narrow, easy road towards Pechtholzkapelle. Maximum 9%, at the end a short ramp of over 15% and you reach the Pechtholzkapelle chapel on gravel - including a very beautiful view of the Ybbstal valley.
The route descends steeply and initially on gravel in the direction of Opponitz with a short counter-wave and the last few kilometres are flat again on the Ybbstal cycle path back to Hollenstein.
Roadbook
From Hollenstein follow the Ybbstal cycle path to St. Georgen am Reith. Turn left there and cycle 3km uphill at a maximum gradient of 12% on tarmac and good road conditions to the large Kripp. A steep (16%) descent with a hairpin bend at the end as well as a second hairpin bend and a 500m long counter-climb lead over the Kleine Kripp into the Prolling high valley. The route is slightly undulating but generally downhill for 10 kilometres to Ybbsitz.
In Ybbsitz, take the small Ybbs valley cycle path to Gstadt. Keep left there and cycle along the Ybbstal cycle path for 2km into the valley until the road branches off and climbs for 2km at a gradient of approx. 8%. A short descent and another 1.5km uphill - the last few metres at over 15%.
You reach gravel and the Pechtholzkapelle chapel, from where a very steep descent leads towards Opponitz. At the first crossroads, turn left towards the tobogganing hut and continue on a small ascent to Opponitz.
Once in the village, cycle to the Bruckwirt and then turn left onto the Ybbstal cycle path and back to Hollenstein.
Accommodation for your cycling holiday
The ideal accommodation is where you feel comfortable. It serves as a retreat, for relaxation, for switching off. It is an important part of the ideal cycling holiday. Choose one that suits you.
