Gravel biking in Austria near Sankt Johann, Salzburg
Gravel holidays at the Aktivhotel Alpendorf – the genuine alternative to classic road cycling and mountain biking. We are a member of Gravelbike Holidays and *the* gravel bike point of contact in the Salzburger Land.
Advantages for Gravel biker
- Bike rental and sports shop directly opposite :-)
Book in advance and save 10% as a guest of Aktivhotel Alpendorf. Click here to reserve your bike or sports equipment. (The discount is applied automatically.) - Video-monitored bike storage with lockable lockers, repair kits & washing area for your gravel bike
- Repair service
- Bike wash area and heated sports room for drying clothes
- Guided gravel bike tours on request
- Personalized tour advice
- New fitness studio & yoga for balance in all weather conditions
- SkySauna on the rooftop with terrace – sweat with a panoramic view
- Spacious wellness area with indoor pool
Gravel bike tours near our Hotel
Our mountain guide Toni Unterkofler is a certified bike guide and therefore a professional for guided gravel bike tours. He will be happy to accompany you through the mountains, sharing plenty of valuable tips along the way. Gravel bikers will find challenging routes all around the Alpendorf!
The Salzburg mountain landscape not only tempts visitors with challenging and athletic bike routes, but also rewards gravel bikers with exceptionally beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
Only 3 km from the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
The Aktivhotel Alpendorf is an official cycling hotel in St. Johann in Salzburg. Your top accommodation after the first stage on the way to Grado – or on your return journey to Salzburg.
The Salzburg mountain landscape not only tempts visitors with challenging and athletic bike routes, but also rewards gravel bikers with exceptionally beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
Only 3 km from the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path
The Aktivhotel Alpendorf is an official cycling hotel in St. Johann in Salzburg. Your top accommodation after the first stage on the way to Grado – or on your return journey to Salzburg.
Gravel bike tours in the province of Pongau, Salzburg, Austria
Toni Unterkofler’s Favorite Tour – Hiking Guide & Bike Guide
Our region is perfect for gravel biking.
My favorite route is the Böndlsee Loop – the perfect mix of lake views and mountain panoramas.
Die Gastgeberfamilie Unterkofler sitzt selbst begeistert am Gravelbike!
Als Gravelbike Holidays Mitglied und Gravelbiker wissen wir genau, was das Herz von Schotter-Fans höherschlug lässt. Ob Einsteiger oder schon tausende Kilometer auf dem Tacho – oft sind es dieselben Fragen, die in der Gravel-Community ganz oben stehen. Hier sind die 10 wichtigsten Fragen und Antworten, direkt aus der Praxis für das nächstes Abenteuer bei uns im Aktivhotel Alpendorf.
Most Important Questions and Answers About Gravel Biking
What exactly is a gravel bike?
A gravel bike is the ultimate all-rounder. It combines the speed of a road bike with the off-road capability of a mountain bike. Typical features include drop handlebars, a relaxed geometry for long distances, and plenty of clearance for wide, profiled tires.
Do I really need a gravel bike, or will my old mountain bike do?
You can ride gravel on almost anything. However, a gravel bike is significantly more efficient and faster on forest roads and asphalt than a mountain bike. It is designed for the “in-between” terrain—where the road bike gives up and the MTB gets bored.
What tire width is the right one?
For the classic mix of asphalt and farm tracks, widths between 38 mm and 45 mm have become the standard. The rougher the gravel in our region, the more we recommend 45 mm tires for increased comfort and grip.
What tire pressure should I ride?
Less is often more. While road bikes are inflated to high pressures, gravel bikes are typically ridden at around 2.0 to 3.0 bar (depending on system and rider weight). This absorbs vibrations and prevents slipping on loose surfaces.
Do I need suspension on a gravel bike?
Most gravel bikes are fully rigid. Comfort is achieved through the tires and the frame material (e.g. carbon or specially engineered aluminum). Suspension forks do exist, but for around 90% of the routes here, a well-balanced setup without heavy suspension is more than sufficient.
1x or 2x drivetrain – which is better?
1x (single chainring up front): Simple, lower maintenance, and the chain drops less often—ideal for technical terrain. 2x: Offers finer gear steps, which is particularly pleasant on long asphalt sections or very steep Alpine climbs.
What is the difference compared to a cyclocross bike?
Cyclocross bikes are pure race machines for short, muddy courses. They are very agile but often uncomfortable. Gravel bikes are designed for stability and long distances and usually feature mounting points for bags (bikepacking).
Which pedals and shoes should I use?
We clearly recommend SPD pedals (mountain bike system). Why? Because when gravel riding, you often dismount to take a photo or push the bike for a short section. You can walk in MTB shoes; road shoes with plastic cleats are slippery.
Is tubeless worth it on a gravel bike?
Yes, absolutely. Since we often ride on sharp stones, sealant inside the tire protects against small punctures. In addition, you can run even lower tire pressure without risking a “snakebite” pinch flat.
What should I take on a tour?
In addition to a helmet and water, the “gravel survival kit” is essential: a multitool, spare tube or tubeless repair kit (e.g. Maxalami), a mini pump or CO₂ cartridge, and a first-aid kit.
