Gravel biking in Southern Styria: Vineyards, rivers and plenty of elevation gain
Thomas Rögner
· 15.09.2026
Wow. Endless panoramic views over lush green hills, woods, pastures and vineyards. I simply can’t get enough of it. My ‘tour guide’, David Schöggl, can’t help but smile at my enthusiasm. The former Transalp winner was born in Southern Styria and has known these fantastic views for years.
A gravel bike paradise with a long season
Fortunately, I was able to stock up on plenty of calories at the lavish buffet at my hotel, ‘Das Schmied’, as all that constant up-and-down riding really takes it out of you. However, the picturesque hilly landscape isn’t the only draw for keen gravel cyclists. The mild climate that characterises this unique cultural landscape on the border between Austria and Slovenia also allows for a long active season for cycling enthusiasts. Rides are possible almost all year round. The nearby Adriatic Sea and its highlands ensure that typical golden autumn. The lower-lying areas already benefit from warm air currents in spring. “I don’t like training in the snow; my home region is the best winter terrain for me,” says David. We’ve been out on the wine route on our gravel bikes for two hours now. I try to get my bearings anew every time we’ve climbed another ridge between the river valleys. Even the looming storm clouds can’t take away any of Southern Styria’s friendliness.
Between wine routes and culinary stops
The cycle routes winding through the vineyards and hills of Southern Styria total almost two thousand kilometres, which are signposted accordingly depending on the type of bike and the level of difficulty. The ‘carb-loading’ options are also unique. This term is actually too mundane for the region, with its colourful culture of stopping off at local eateries, characterised by delicious local produce. Even as a wine lover, I’d never heard of the fresh, crisp rosé wine ‘Schilcher’. Yet there is a dedicated wine route for this indigenous grape variety: the Schilcher Wine Route. On our rides, we also frequently cycle along the Sausal Wine Route and the South Styrian Wine Route.
Gravel, climbs and panoramic views
The transitions between brisk, flat stretches along riverside cycle paths and the gentle climbs that offer sweeping views are perfect – all on gravel and narrow roads. Scattered forest and root-strewn sections, such as on the Remschniggalm tour, demand my full concentration on the gravel handlebars. Rivers and swimming spots repeatedly tempt us to cool off, but David keeps up a brisk pace. Fortunately, he’s in recovery mode, having completed a 200-kilometre marathon at the weekend. We take in all the panoramic views along the Wine Route, and I’m tempted to call for a photo stop much more often. But the stunning views come one after another, and soon I’m simply enjoying soaking up the landscape.
Nine routes, countless possibilities
I’m delighted with how well Southern Styria has catered for cyclists. Tour maps showing all the routes – available both digitally and in print – combined with a signposting system that uses colour-coding to indicate the route’s character and difficulty level, make it easy to actively explore the region. From the nine gravel routes, you can certainly ‘put together’ at least twice as many tours. Over a glass of Schilcher and a lavishly filled snack platter at the Haring-Pichlippi vineyard and wine tavern, I chat with David about other fantastic cycling destinations around the world. Southern Styria can certainly hold its own against them. After the 70 kilometres, I can feel my heavy legs and am already looking forward to the swimming pool at the ‘Das Schmied’ hotel. The perfect end to a perfect day in the saddle.
Two gravel bike tours for active leisure cyclists
Wine Route Tour
The Tour A long loop to Gamlitz with fantastic panoramic views over the vineyards and the rolling hills. Several climbs and descents, such as up the Schloßberg, Seggauberg, Eichberg, Kranachberg and Karnerberg. You’ll be cycling at altitudes ranging between 300 and 600 metres. In between, there are flat stretches along the rivers Sulm and Mur. Challenging sections along meadow paths and trails. Plenty of places to stop for refreshments, as you make your way from one vineyard or wine tavern to the next. A proper day’s ride: make sure to allow plenty of time, as the time spent in the saddle alone can be around six hours or more, depending on your fitness level.
You have to stop there If you’d like to enjoy some more views, head up to the Eichberg Kreuzberg Lookout. The Sulmbad at the Steinernes Wehr is the ideal spot to cool off. Well worth a visit: Seggau Castle. In Gamlitz, there’s a wide selection of dishes at the Hotel Wratschko, which specialises in catering for cyclists.
Starting point Hotel Das Schmied in Arnfels, hotel-schmied.at
Refreshments
- Seggau Castle, Seggauberg 1, 8430 Leibnitz, Tel: +43/3452/824350, seggau.com
- Sulmbad zum Steinernen Wehr, Sportplatzweg 2, 8430 Kaindorf a. d. Sulm Tel: +43/664/1819807, steinernewehr.at
- Country Inn and Hotel am Marktplatz Wratschko, Marktplatz 9, 8462 Gamlitz T: +43 3453 2647, wratschko.at
Remschniggalm
The Tour A great route for cross-border commuters, which we cycled clockwise. The longer climb up to the Remschniggalm requires strong legs. Afterwards, on the way to St Pongratzen Church, you’re rewarded with some challenging off-road sections, several border crossings into Slovenia (no border checks!) and sweeping views over the alpine pastures and vineyards. Depending on your starting point, you can warm up in the valley along the Saggau. If you start and finish in Eibiswald, the Haring-Pichlippi winery and wine tavern is the perfect way to round off the day in the evening. All in all, don’t be put off by the ‘few’ kilometres. With a total ascent of around 800 metres, the tour is certainly challenging.
You have to stop there A stop for a break at the secluded Remschnigg Almhütte, the southernmost alpine hut in Styria. At an altitude of around 750 metres, you’ll be treated to hearty, traditional Styrian fare.
Starting point Hotel Das Schmied in Arnfels, hotel-schmied.at
Refreshments
- Remschnigg Alpine Hut, Tel: +43/660/5235201, Anton Schöpf and Heidi Seewald, open from 10.00 am, closed on Mondays
- Haring-Pichlippi Winery and Wine Bar, Hörmsdorf 48, 8552 Eibiswald, Tel: +43 (0) 34 66 / 42 381, pichlippi.at