The Austrian Peaks with Hans Peter Obwaller

To say we are jealous of the riding around Hans Peter Obwaller’s house is an understatement. Out of his back door he has a stunning gravel climb rich with wildlife, head down the hill and past his two donkeys Alfredo and Pauline and you’re riding through quaint Austrian towns and into a green grassy valley.

This week Hans Peter has pulled together seven spics rides from his region. We can’t pronounce some of the names of them, like Grossglocknerhochalpenstraße, but they are lovely to look at and lovely to ride.

HINTERSEE

This ride starts at my house and you can see my two donkeys Alfredo & Pauline. The first 15 Km are flat and alongside the Salzach River, then a nice uphill with only 2 steep (but short) parts follows. The finish is at the so-called "Hintersee" - a tourist attraction. The lake is small but very beautiful. It is fed with glacial waters so the temperature is too cold for anyone to take a swim. There are lots of wild animals in this video - try to count them all!

More Info
26.98km
DISTANCE
01:04:56
DURATION
608m
ELEVATION

UTTENDORF TO HOCHSONNBERG

A very nice climb from Uttendorf up to the Uttendorfer Hochsonnbergalm. There are several "Alms" with almost the same name - only in other villages. This one is my favourite Hochsonnbergalm because there of the amazing high-quality gravel trails. You can do this climb even with a road bike. As always it features an awesome panorama and very good weather. It's always sunny in Fulgaz.

More Info
12.98km
DISTANCE
00:58:22
DURATION
1087m
ELEVATION

GROSSGLOCKNERHOCHALPENSTRAßE TO EDELWEISSPITZE

The climb from Ferleiten to the highest point of the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road - the so called Edelweisspitze is 2571m above sea level and features a 360 panorama. This is one of the most popular climbs in Austria and every year forms part of the Tour of Austria - a professional Stage Race. One of the overall winners of this Stage Race is the Australian 2011 Tour de France winner and World Champion Cadel Evans who won the race in 2001 and 2004.

More Info
14.60km
DISTANCE
01:05:40
DURATION
1343m
ELEVATION

SCHEIBENHöHE

This climb starts right behind my house. I take my gravel bike uphill to 2020m above sea level with typically Austrian high alpine flair and no traffic. At 2000m above sea level, you'll see a few wild animals to keep you entertained with a perfect panorama finish.

More Info
13.05km
DISTANCE
01:04:53
DURATION
1217m
ELEVATION

BüRGLHüTTE

This is a very nice gravel or mountain bike climb in Austria. There's no traffic, and it's not too steep to climb, with very nice panoramic views at the finish which is approximately 1700m above sea level. Nevertheless, be aware that the average gradient for the 9 km / 6 miles is ~ 9%! You will have the chance to eat typical Austrian food at the Bürglhütte. Enjoy a rest!

More Info
9.33km
DISTANCE
00:45:13
DURATION
873m
ELEVATION

TAUERNMOOSSEE

One of the most spectacular rides in the Alps and in Austria. A high alpine road without any traffic from 1450m above sea level until the finish at about 2100m. At the finish you'll get an awesome view all over the "Tauernmoossee" and many 3000m mountains. One can do this ride with a road bike, but preferably with a gravel bike.

More Info
21.19km
DISTANCE
01:19:27
DURATION
1303m
ELEVATION

KITZBüHELER HORN

This is probably the hardest climb in professional cycling together with the Alto de Angliru and the Monte Zoncolan. Over the years there have been some very prominent winners in the Queen stage of the Tour of Austria - such as Cadel Evans, Danilo di Luca, Miguel Angel Lopez and the record-holder Victor de la Parte (Movistar). Hans Peter won this stage 18 years ago in 2002! The climb is very steep - even through the corners. However, the effort is worth the reward; a sensational panoramic view to the famous "Wilder Kaiser" mountains and to Kitzbühel and the Hahnenkamm mountain (where the most difficult ski alpine downhill race is held every year). Kitzbühel itself is something like the capital city of the jetset - especially in winter.

More Info
10.69km
DISTANCE
00:59:37
DURATION
1174m
ELEVATION

About this week’s contributor

Hans-Peter is a proud Austrian who lives in the beautiful mountains of Salzburg. He has two donkeys, Alfredo and Pauline and when he was younger, he studied Law, Order and Justice at the University of Salzburg until the age of 23 before turning professional as a cyclist.

FIND OUT MORE